Sign & Graphic Imaging smashed own visitor record

The figures may attendance shot up by 22% on the 2003 show.

'This attendance surpassed even our own most optimistic forecasts,' said Mohammed Falaknaz, Vice President, International Expo-Consults (IEC), which organises the show. 'We had been hoping for something in the region of 5,000 - but to beat the 6,000 mark bodes extremely well for the industry and for the future of this event.

'What was particularly pleasing is that almost 9% came from the giant market of Saudi Arabia and less than 79% were from the local UAE market.'

Sign & Graphic Imaging Middle East 2004, which ran at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre in January, featured 145 exhibitors from 24 nations, a Chinese pavilion and had first-time representation from Morocco.

And after a hectic three-days almost 90% of exhibitors said they would be back at the show in 2005.

The show was a technology window to the future of the regional industry with international players saying the Middle East's advertising industry was on the verge of transformation. Sales to Iraq were also kick-started at the show, opening a window of opportunity to what the industry sees as one of the biggest potential markets around.

'Three factors hallmarked this show,' said Falaknaz. 'They were - the scope and scale of technology, the sales to Iraq and a huge turnout of Iranian buyers.'

The first sales to Iraqi buyers - of two superwide format digital printing machines - were clinched by the USA's Vutek.'

'The Iraqi market is going to be enormous for the sign and graphic industry when it eventually settles down and opens up and they buyers are coming here now to source,' said Gamal Hady, Sales Representative, Vutek.

Iranian buyers were out in force as the country's advertising industry undergoes major evolution.

'The reason there is such a strong Iranian presence is that our advertising industry, which has been very traditional and a little backward for years, is now changing rapidly and moving to digital technology,' said Seyed Sadati, Owner, Neon Iran.

Among new technology which took the show by storm was a unique LED spinning display from Taiwan, demonstrated by Taylor Dighton & Associates and BYI.

'These have specific applications for shopping malls which are springing up all over the Middle East now. Interest here at the show has been huge - it really has been great and we have secured a lot of good prospects,' said Owen Taylor of Taylor Dighton & Associates.

HP also said the new HP Studio Canvass Technology on its stand had drawn a keen response. 'This show is a must to reach the graphics industry and you have to be here if you want to ensure awareness of the product range,' said Ernest Azzam, Product Marketing Specialist, HP.

On-site orders abounded. Masonlite of the UAE celebrated walk-in orders. 'These were for some Signjet Pro and laser machines which went to buyers from Saudi Arabia,' said Susheel Vasudevan, Sales Executive, Masonlite. 'These alone made participation worthwhile.'

Participation also brought return-on-investment for the UAE's SMB Distribution, which distributes EPSON products.

'The show went very well for us,' said Business Unit Manager, Niaz Hussain. 'We had a niche product with our large format printers and the visitors were very focussed. We have done enough business to ensure that we have recouped our investment in the show.'

Al Humoudi of Dubai put its ROI at around US $548,000. 'That's the amount of business we transacted in the three days,' said Sam Ally, Managing Director. 'It has been the most successful show ever for us bringing together customers from throughout the Middle East. It is an excellent place to enhance business opportunities.'

AlTech Digi Prints LLC, which was marketing the German made Magic Touch transfer printing systems said it sold five engraving machines on the first day of the show alone.

'It was a great result and we will be participating next year with double the space,' said Franchise Manager, Said Jarrouj.

For other exhibitors new market breakthroughs validated participation.

'Thanks to this show we have entered into business discussions with new potential clients from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Pakistan and India,' said Sohail Zaffar, Sales Manager, City Media LLC of the UAE.

The visitor spread was wider than ever with professionals attending being specific in their requirements.

'I came especially to research engraving solutions and bought a complete system from a USA exhibitor,' said Eng. Othman M. Hashim, Owner, Hashim Signs, Saudi Arabia.

Some visitors were so impressed that participation next year is now high on their agenda.

'This was my first visit to the show and I think it is a highly successful event. The outdoor signage displayed was superb. I may come back as an exhibitor next year,' said Mohamood Samy of Black Horse Advertising Requests, Dubai.

Flying in from Switzerland for the show was Moataz Salah Eldin, Sales Manager of Kimoto, one of Europe's leading companies in semi-offset solutions.

'We want to open up to the Middle East and visiting this show is a chance to get together with the industry. If we get the business here right, we will have our own booth next year,' he said.

Other visitors soon to turn exhibitors include India's Guidex Business Sytem and WitColor of China.

Meanwhile, IEC says it is looking to further expand the profile of Sign & Graphic Imaging Middle East for 2005.

'This will include labelling and marking technologies, films, POP and POS advertising, photo imaging, logo design and media advertising,' said Mohammed Falaknaz. 'The show will also feature seminars and workshops covering the industry's latest developments, innovations and emerging trends.'

Among the first to confirm for the 2005 event, which will be held at the DIEC from February 1-3, Digital Graphics Inc of Korea which is planning new product launches.

'We came here with improved high resolution VT III - 98D printing technology and it was well received,' said Jonnie Kim, Managing Director. 'We have more new models under production which we will bring next year.'

IEC says the 2005 could span 13,000 square metres of exhibition space in a buoyant market.

'In Dubai alone new outdoor opportunities are expected to increase 30%, Saudi Arabia is also an expanding market and, given the new opportunities emerging in Iran and Iraq, the industry is set to boom,' said Falaknaz. 'Sign & Graphic Imaging will grow in tandem with the industry it serves and will be a benchmark for sector-specific standards of the future.'