Gulf Construction Online - Intermat looks to 2012 after Mideast debut

Events

The first edition of Intermat Middle East attracted 140 exhibitors.

Intermat looks to 2012 after Mideast debut

01 November 2011

THE second edition of Intermat Middle East, an international exhibition for the machinery, materials and equipment, will be held from October 8 to 10, 2012, following the success of the inaugural event last month.

Held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre in Abu Dhabi, UAE, the first-ever Intermat ME attracted 140 exhibitors of which 75 per cent were international from 15 countries. The show also featured six country pavilions and 3,200 buyers, 30 per cent of whom were international.

The Middle East chapter of Intermat, the Paris event, is organised by Comexposium, SE Intermat, and its partner Clarion Events Middle East.

Maryvonne Lanoe, the construction business unit director of Comexposium, said the inaugural event received a good response and feedback from exhibitors as well as visitors.

The 2012 show will cover an area of 15,000 sq m and is projected to attract 200 exhibitors and 5,000 visitors. It will also feature a substantial number of international pavilions. Countries that have already confirmed participation include France, China, Korea, UK, Turkey, Italy, Germany and Spain. Major manufacturers like Bobcat, Hyundai, Volvo, Komatsu, Dynapac have also confirmed participation.

In order to make the show more attractive, the format has been tailored to Middle East requirements. In view of the local weather conditions, the next event will be held indoors with a showroom in the outdoor areas dedicated to products. Also, for the first time a hosted buyers programme will be held.

“Intermat is not just a show of materials but also expertise and conferences,” said Lanoe. “The next Intermat ME will feature two kinds of exhibitors – manufacturers and construction firm associations. We have invited contractor associations to be part of the show and also organise conferences. The event will offer contractors an opportunity to meet manufacturers.

“A three-day technical conference will focus on big projects and innovations. It will give an opportunity to the manufacturers to better understand regional market requirements. We are also approaching local authorities and seeking their involvement in the show.”

Veronique Arnal, sales director Intermat Middle East, Comexposium, commented: “We chose Abu Dhabi for our Middle East event because it is an important place in the region. It is also close to other important markets like Saudi Arabia. We are trying to connect brand Abu Dhabi with brand Intermat Middle East.”

Intermat Middle East will be promoted at Intermat Paris, which will be held from April 12 to 16 next year in Paris, France. “We are organising a special day for the Middle East and have invited local authorities from the UAE,” she said.