Event 360 at PALME 2005 to play a major role in the development of the region's event and event management industries

A highly focused B2B event, PALME is dedicated to putting key regional decision makers in contact with the world's leading manufacturers and suppliers. Clear evidence of this continuing commitment is the launch of three brand new vertical arenas at PALME 2005. These include Event 360, the first showcase of its kind in the region for the event and event management industries.

With the Middle East now a serious destination for tourism and entertainment and hosting global events such as the FIFA Youth World Cup, Formula 1, Asian Games, World Bank/IMF Symposium and the Dubai World Cup as well as thousands of smaller scale events such as rock concerts and weddings, there is an ever increasing demand for companies who provide professional, high quality services and solutions for events and event management.

Major events would never get off the ground without professional contractors and service providers who can provide the production and equipment solutions that are essential to make them happen. Event 360 is a unique opportunity for everyone connected with the industry to meet the leading international and regional manufacturers and suppliers under one roof, with everything from temporary structures to laser shows, conferencing systems to production capabilities on display.

Given the rapidly growing sophistication of the regional industry, Event 360 has been developed as a comprehensive showcase of the latest developments that will play a key role in the continued expansion of the regional market. Visitors will find the world leaders, all experts in their fields, at Event 360, and a total event product and service line up - turnkey event production; event theme creation, venue rental & marquees; sound & light rental; staging & rigging; seating; stage accessories; trusses, towers and hoists; curtains, drapes, backcloths and starcloths; power; plasma displays and video walls; venue decoration; special effects & lasers, plus artist management.

"Event 360 is for production companies, rather than being just about the products - essentially, it is for anyone who is involved in any capacity in the staging of events, and that's a lot of companies in the Middle East these days." said Darren Brechin, Project Director, PALME.

To add further value to the event, PALME will also feature a series of master classes and industry seminars that are specifically designed to help the regional industry keep up to speed with the latest products, services and solutions available.

"Event 360 has been created as the direct result of our extensive industry research" added Brechin. "From our in-depth discussions with exhibitors, visitors and industry associations it was clear that, given the rapidly expanding nature of the regional event industry, there was a real demand for additional dedicated events that complement the core concept of PALME."

Event 360 is just one of three exciting new sector showcases that will further enhance the focus of the event, providing an unrivalled platform for companies looking to maximise their share of the business opportunities throughout the MENA region. The highly lucrative Middle East sound and lighting sector alone is estimated to be worth $2 billion a year within five years, and major industry players are, therefore choosing PALME as the launch platform for new products and innovations - over 100 regional launches are expected to take place at PALME 2005.

Following the success of the inaugural show in 2003, PALME 2004 was an outstanding success, attracting 3,275 trade professionals from across the region, an increase of over 45% on 2003 figures. "One of the main reasons for PALME's huge success is that we always listen to our exhibitors and visitors and develop the event in line with international trends, the requirements of the region and the objectives and requirements of the industry in general" said Brechin.

Visitors will be able to see the latest the industry has to offer - all on their very own doorstep. Statistics clearly show that decision makers, specifiers and purchasers find that visiting PALME is extremely beneficial.

Internationally acknowledged as the key forum for the industry in the Middle East, the event is supported by PLASA UK, the professional lighting and sound association (one of the few shows in the world to receive their official endorsement). Other major industry associations such as APIAS (Italy), Secarty's (Spain) and ILDA (U.S.) are also enthusiastic supporters.