PALME 2006 to expand dramatically as the growth of the regional market continues at record levels

This unique event will feature 220 stands, with 600 exhibiting companies represented, with more international manufacturers taking part than ever before. "PALME 2006 has grown from a regional event into one of the leading international events of its kind, which is not surprising given that the latest industry re-forecasts indicate that the market is worth in excess of US$3 billion a year," said Darren Brechin, Exhibitions Director, Entertainment & Installation Technology Group, IIR Exhibitions. "Visitors to this year's show will meet the cream of the industry, including market leaders from Europe, the USA and Far East."

The remarkable success of the event is highlighted by the fact that over 95% of 2005 exhibitors rebooked, and have taken significantly larger stands this year. All three of the dedicated vertical shows within PALME - Install, Event 360 and MUSAC - have all doubled in size, and many innovative new features have been introduced for 2006.

"We're constantly looking for ways to increase the value of the show for exhibitors and visitors," said Brechin. "By listening to the people for whom the show was developed, we are able to ensure that their specific objectives are fully addressed."

Install, the Middle East's unique showcase of audio visual installation and integration technologies and applications for residential and commercial projects, continues to grow in parallel with the explosive expansion of the real estate sector throughout the region.

Event 360 is specifically designed to help the extensive regional event industry attain world class quality levels. "With tourism such an important area for governments throughout the Middle East, it's essential that the industry delivers events that meet the ever higher expectations of the millions of visitors from all over the world." added Brechin. "Clear evidence of how vital the sector is to the tourism industry is the fact that the event this year has the full support of Dubai's Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DTCM) due to the contribution it makes to the enhancement of the events industry."

The third vertical sector of the show, MUSAC, was created for the region's buoyant musical instrument and accessories market. With music a mandatory part of the Middle East's educational curriculum and the thousands of hotels across the Middle East featuring live entertainment, the market has incredible potential.

"Among the many special new features introduced for 2006 are the Dubai Venue Pavilion at Event 360 and the UK Music Pavilion," said Brechin. "These will give visitors the first ever opportunity to meet the operators responsible for Dubai's diverse range of venues and the leading names from the UK music industry, face to face."

PALME 2006 will once again feature a programme of dedicated industry seminars, all of which will be presented by high level industry experts who will share their considerable expertise with the companies that are ultimately responsible for shaping the future of the regional industry.

Following the response that they received at PALME 2005, 3DLUX from Germany have just established a local office, and have won a number of large contracts for LED fittings within large shopping malls. Other exhibitors such as Shobiz and consultants VTI Marketing see the event as their opportunity to accurately evaluate the market, again with a view to setting up operations in the region.

Among the many world leaders taking part at PALME 2006 and in the three vertical shows are the award winning LOBO Laser and Multimedia Systems, who will present a laser extravaganza at regular intervals throughout the show. The installation sector is represented by quality names such as BARCO, Extron, Tannoy, Bosch and Philips, while the music brands showcasing the latest instruments and accessories include Yamaha (whose stand is 300% bigger this year), Peavey, Fender and Korg. Event professionals will be able to meet a wide range of companies including LOBO, HQ Creative and Prisme International.

PALME 2006 takes place from April 23-25, 2006 in Halls 1, 2 & 3 of Dubai International Exhibition Centre, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. "This year the show will reinforce its international standing," said Brechin in conclusion. "To build such a strong reputation within just four years is an achievement that we are clearly proud of, and we are committed to a process of continual development and improvement to maintain this."