IIR draws on international expertise to further expand MUSAC exhibition in 2006

"Following the highly successful debut of MUSAC at this year's PALME, we have spent a considerable amount of time looking at the ways in which we can further enhance and develop the event for both exhibitors and visitors." said Darren Brechin, Project Director, PALME. "From the discussions that we have had with key industry players and many of the region's decision makers, it is clear that MUSAC has a major role to play in the development of the regional musical instrument and accessories industry - the unique focus and depth of the event will grow as we draw on the experiences and successes of CALM, PALA and WASBE, which are globally recognised as highly influential leading trade events."

"A massive amount of investment is being committed to the development of new hotels and leisure resorts throughout the MENA region." he added. "The subsequent increase in the numbers of bars, restaurants and night clubs offering live entertainment to cater to the growing number of tourists visiting the region means that the market is in a period of incredible growth, with demand at an all-time high."

Population growth is also having an impact on the growth of the sector - this is increasingly significant as music education is compulsory for pupils up to the age of 14, and thousands of students take the Trinity College and Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music examinations every year. Thus, existing musical institutes are expanding to provide musical instruction to students of all levels, ages and backgrounds, with many new ones being established.

MUSAC, dedicated to the musical instruments and accessories sector, has been specifically designed as the showcase where the region's key buyers and decision makers can see the very latest products from the leading names in the music industry - 2005 exhibitors included Peavey, Korg, Fender, Roland, Boss, Kawai and Yamaha.

The event features a comprehensive selection of musical instruments (both modern and classical) and accessories. Further depth comes in the form of specialist areas for music distribution, publishing, production, promotion, computer software for music, merchandising and retail support plus sheet music.

"MUSAC is a unique forum for the industry - it's a place where trade buyers and end users, representing all segments of the MENA music world, can meet regional and international manufacturers, importers, dealers, distributors and retailers." added Brechin. "We know that the show will make a major contribution towards strengthening the quality of the region's music industry, which also represents such great business potential for exhibitors - conscious of this, we have been especially careful to design it in a way that maximises the benefit for everyone involved."

Already over 65% sold out with eight months still to go to the 2006 event, manufacturers and suppliers from all around the world are adding their names to the exhibitor list. They can look forward to meeting a well qualified, high quality audience that has substantial spending power. The long term prospects for the region are very bright, and MUSAC is a great way to establish and expand a presence in what is arguably the world's most active and potentially lucrative market environment.