A series of seminars will focus on: system integration solutions; acoustic engineering; sound reinforcement; live events; LED technologies and smart home applications, while new show features will include Innovators Gallery, showcasing cutting edge technologies and the 'Intelligent Home', a fully automated house built on the show floor. The Middle East Events Awards, recognise and reward outstanding achievement in the Middle East live events industry.
Companies are competing fiercely with the various big projects ongoing in the region; from the $20 billion King Abdulla Economic City to the new 5,000-seat arena at Muscat's University and Jordan's $10.5 billion dollar mixed use development. In the Live events market, the next 12 months are also very busy with the Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix in November 09, the Dubai Rugby 7s in December 09 and The America's Cup in February 2010. Dubai Sound City and floods of big name acts are also set to tour the region.
"All these projects and events are a clear indication that the markets are picking up," says Alex Heuff, show director for PALME Middle East. "Visitors to PALME Middle East are involved in entertainment, events, shopping malls, commercial and residential developments, and leisure and hotel facilities. For 2010 visitors can expect to see a new set of education conferences dedicated to the various key sectors PALME now caters for so well."
Revealing details of exhibitors already signed up, Heuff said the 2010 event is already more than 50% sold out. "With leading names already committing to PALME, including 'Platinum Sponsor', Ateïs Middle East', this is a great achievement considering the current economic climate and just shows the importance the industry places on PALME as the leading platform for the Middle East and North Africa markets."
(Jim Evans)
