POPAI to launch Middle East Chapter

'POPAI conducts research, monitors new industry trends, provides industry information and offers networking opportunities,' said Richard K. 'Dick' Blatt, President and CEO, POPAI.

'We also conduct education and training programmes, advocate issues that are important to its members and run seminars and conferences specific to the industry,' he added.

POPAI is dedicated to serving its members internationally by promoting, protecting and advancing the broader interests of marketing at retail through research, education, trade forums, networking and legislative efforts.

Promoting the importance of marketing at retail in the total marketing mix, POPAI offers memberships to suppliers and brand owners.

It has more than 1,800 members worldwide. Apart from Europe with over 600 members, POPAI is active in 24 countries around the world, including the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Canada, India and Japan.

'With many clients working on a European or global basis, keeping in touch with trends, analysis and research is a vital benefit for anyone involved in marketing the retail industry. POPAI's unique network allows for this knowledge to be available to all its members,' he added.

Mr Blatt will also address the Retail Professionals Conference to be held on April 18, 2005, alongside the Retail Middle East show at Expo Centre Sharjah.

Mr Blatt, who will focus on the effectiveness of retail marketing, will discuss Point of Purchase advertising which is the only mass medium executed at the critical point where products, consumers and the money to purchase the product all meet at the same time.

Other speakers include MAG. Christoph Haibock, Storebranding Consultant for Umdasch Shop Concept, leading international shop fitting company; Rogier van der Heide IALD, Associate Director, Arup Lighting, the lighting design section with global design and engineering group Arup; Simon Thomson, Principal, Retail International, independent UK-based retail consultancy; Avijit Yadav, Vice-President of Bates Pan Gulf; and Rehan Merchant, Executive Director of Emirates Neon Group.

From effective retail marketing methods to regional and international trends, lighting technology and neuromarketing, the conference will help participants gain useful tips and insights into the industry.

Retail Middle East is the first dedicated retail trade event in the region and will be held at Expo Centre Sharjah from April 18 to 20.

The three-day event will feature everything related to the retail industry including retail concepts, shop fitting and store equipment, visual merchandising, signages, POP, store design, retail technology & equipment, logistics and security systems.