Gulf Construction Online - IIR's Palme grows larger in size

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Palme ... showcasing innovation.

IIR's Palme grows larger in size

01 March 2005

Palme 2005 – the Middle East’s premier professional sound, light, music, audio visual and systems integration exhibition, which has firmly established itself as a ‘must-attend’ event on the industry trade show calendar – has just become bigger with an increasing number of exhibitors set to participate in the event.

Now in its third year, the event – organised by IIR Middle East – has grown into a comprehensive showcase, featuring major international manufacturers, key regional suppliers, installers and integrators from professional entertainment and project installation industries,” says Darren Brechin, project director, Palme.
Palme 2005 will take place between April 24 and 26 at Dubai’s International Exhibition Centre.
“This year’s event, which is already a sell-out, will build on the outstanding success of Palme 2004, which attracted 30 per cent more exhibitors than the 2003 event. The willingness of some 134 companies from 25 countries spread across the US, Australia, Korea and Belgium to participate in the event, is proof of the exceptional growth of this event,” Brechin adds.
A highly focused B2B event, Palme is dedicated to putting key regional decision-makers in contact with the world’s leading manufactures and suppliers. Internationally acknowledged as the key forum for the industry in the Middle East, the event is supported by Plasa UK, the professional lighting and sound association, the Apias (Italy), Secarty’s (Spain) and ILDA (US).
Clear evidence of this continuing commitment is the launch of three brand new vertical arenas at Palme 2005. “Install, Event 360 and Musac - the three new sectors of Palme are the result of extensive industry research,” says Brechin.
The new sectors will further enhance the focus of the event, providing an unrivalled platform for companies looking to maximise their share of the business opportunities throughout the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region.
“The highly lucrative Middle East sound and lighting sector alone is estimated to be worth $2 billion a year, and major industry players are choosing Palme as the launch platform for new products and innovations. This year alone over 100 regional launches are expected to take place at Palme,” he explains.
A dedicated business arena for the AV (audio-video) installation sector, Install will highlight the latest technological trends and developments for residential and commercial property. Cutting-edge home automation systems, including web-enabled, touch-panel, lighting, HVAC, blind and curtain controls, security, remote monitoring, integrated AV distribution and control, structured wiring and cabling, multi-room audio and home theatre will all be on display. A full programme of industry seminars and product training sessions, designed to help regional industry players keep abreast of the latest installation and integration technologies, will also be a main feature.
Another newcomer to Palme, Event 360 reflects the buoyancy of the entertainment and event sectors. A solution provider for the events and event management industries, it will showcase the latest product and service solutions available in the staging of live events from a small corporate function to a huge sporting occasion.
Musac will be dedicated to musical instruments and accessories, ranging from the latest in electric guitars and keyboards to the most colourful straps and bags.
“The construction boom in the region, particularly in terms of hotel development has made this an ideal time and there is massive demand for the products and services displayed at Palme,” Brechin points out.
Statistics from the first two shows have clearly showed that decision makers, specifiers and purchasers of professional audio, lighting, audio visual and systems integration solutions, equipment and design applications for all industry sectors have greatly benefited from Palme as it has allowed them to see latest technological advancements in professional entertainment and design disciplines, he concludes.