PALME exhibitors acclaim show success

PALME exhibitors acclaim show success

Curtain falls on Mid East’s largest professional audio, lighting, entertainment and event management show with exhibitors in high spirits

Palme Middle East 2009, the premier exhibition for the region’s lighting, AV, systems integration and event management industry, closed today with exhibitors hailing the success of the show. In addition many exhibitors have confirmed that due to high quality of visitors that attended the show, they would be back for next year’s event.

“Many exhibitors, told us they were very impressed with the quality of visitors that attended the show, especially those from outside of the immediate region. Some participants had even reserved exhibition space for PALME 2010 by the second day,” said Alex Heuff, Show Director of PALME 2009.

“We’ve made every effort over the last 12 months to align visitor profiles with the appropriate vertical sectors of the exhibition. With a number of deals worth several million dollars already concluded onsite, we’ve clearly got that profiling right.”

The 7th annual PALME Middle East exhibition ran from Sunday April 26 to Tuesday 28 in Halls 5-8 at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre and covered 20,000 square metres of exhibition space showcasing more than 160 companies, representing more than 600 brands.

However it was just about the exhibitors, The feed-back from visitors to the show was that they had come to see what the new trends were and had not been disappointed either on the exhibition floor or during the series of conferences, many of which were oversubscribed.

One of the companies already booked for next year is audio equipment systems specialist APart, of Belgium. Kris Vermuyten, Sales and Marketing Manager, said the show had provided good systems integration contacts, which, as the company only worked through distributors or systems integrators, is exactly what he was looking for.

Creative Director at Lobo, Alexander Hennig , reported a record number of direct sales enquiries as well as other good contacts that he has made at the show.

“We were pleasantly surprised by the level of interest shown. We met people from all over the Middle East and as far afield as India and Italy,” said Henning.

Karl-Gustaf Kahlau, Export Sales Manager of the Swedish loud speaker system supplier, Renkus-Heinz, said the show had been “perfect” with regards to the number of customers and new prospects that had visited the stand.

“We closed a few deals, but most of our projects are long term, so it’s always important to make new contacts which this show has been very good at supplying. I’ve been here five times before and I’ll be exhibiting again next year,” he said.

Mindstec’s Qomo 105-inch interactive white board not only attracted substantial interest from the education sector, but also secured several sales. The company was particularly pleased with the number of visitors from beyond the UAE.

“We had a lot of enquiries from Saudi, which was very good as it’s a market we are looking to expand further in the coming year,” said Rajesh Nair, Business Development Manager, Mindstec.

Another company pleased with the amount of interest in its products and the quality of the visitors was electronic voting products supplier, Fleetwood. It is the company’s second participation at Palme and its Vice President of Sales and Marketing Electronics Division, Pat Moody, said the company would be back next year.

“When we came here about four year ago, there was not much awareness of our electronic voting products, used in game shows, AGMs, market research, conferences and surveys. But it was different this year,” said Moody.

“The traffic (visitors) to our stand was good and the quality of the visitors was very professional - we were dealing with qualified buyers and this year the market was much more aware of our products,” he added.

Events industry honours Dubai Duty Free’s McLoughlin

Events industry honours Dubai Duty Free’s McLoughlin

Lifetime achievement award for outstanding contribution to regional events industry at the Middle East Event Awards

Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, was honoured last night (Monday 27 April 2009) with a lifetime achievement award in front of over 400 top regional industry professionals at the Middle East Event Awards during the event 360 exhibition.

The award to McLoughlin recognises his pioneering role in utilising events to develop the profile of Dubai as a business, leisure and sporting destination. “From the very early days of the operation in the 1980s, Dubai Duty Free under Colm’s direction, has understood the importance and the power of marketing events in order to reach out to a local, regional and global audience,” said master of ceremonies Dave Crane.

Even before Dubai had an airline, a tourism board and tourism infrastructure, Colm and his team were identifying events, such as snooker, horse racing and tennis and which have now become synonymous with Dubai Duty Free. The Dubai Tennis Championships is one of the biggest events staged and managed by Dubai Duty Free and reaches the homes of an estimated 400 million people worldwide.

“Without a doubt, Colm and Dubai Duty Free have, through their selection and management of key events here in Dubai, helped to firmly position Dubai as a leading destination in its own right,” Crane added.
Some of the other highlights included, Flash winning two Awards for The Capitala World Tennis Championships and the George Michael and Alicia Keys Concert; HQ Creative for winning two Awards, for Summer in Abu Dhabi 2008 and arrival of the QE2 and Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company for winning the best venue in the Middle East and Best Exhibition for IDEX 2009.
In addition to Colm McLoughlin, Simon Horgan, Chief Executive Officer of ADNEC won the Outstanding Contribution to the Middle East Events Industry.
A panel of judges from a variety of industry sectors and disciplines selected the winners. Hosted by event 360, the awards are open to companies who plan, manage, supply or service exhibitions; consumer, corporate and public events; weddings, parties, concerts, venues and theatres.

“Over 200 different event projects were submitted for consideration this year and the standard was incredibly high. But it is also a night for celebration not just recognition, and one of the main aims of these awards besides showcasing innovation and excellence, is the hope that they will provide inspiration and encouragement for the future development of an already vibrant industry,” said Alex Heuff, Show Director of organisers IIR Exhibitions.

Organised by IIR Middle East, event 360 is a dedicated vertical show under the umbrella of PALME Middle East at the Dubai International Exhibition and Convention Centre. Gold sponsor of the awards is Gemini Worldwide; Silver sponsors are Byrne Equipment Rental and Band Experience; Production sponsor is Neumann & Mueller.

The full list of last night’s other winners is as follows:

Best Meeting - B Communications, for the HP IPG Technology Roadshow.

Best Trade Exhibition - Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company, for IDEX 2009.

Best Corporate Product or Service Launch – Zaya, for the launch of Nurai Island.

Best Fair/Festival/Concert – Flash, for George Michael & Alicia Keys Live in Abu Dhabi.

Best Arts and Cultural Event – Pyramedia, for Al Mahabba Awards Festival.

Best Sporting Event – Flash, for the Capitala World Tennis Championship.

Outstanding Event using a Temporary Venue/Structure or Space - Action Impact, for the du Ramadan Experience.

Best Marketing of an Event - Chillout Productions, for the Skywards Dubai International Jazz Festival 2009.

Innovative New Product for the Events Industry - Satellite Visual Communication for Spotme.

Best Meeting or Events Venue - Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

Best Creative Use of Event Lighting - Mamemo Productions, for the launch of Venti Quattro Tower.

Best Event Theme/Décor - HQ Creative, for Summer in Abu Dhabi 2008.

Outstanding Production Achievement - HQ Creative, for the QE2 Arrival Event.

Green Award - Qatar MICE Development Institute, for the UNEP Ozone Protection Meetings.

Best Exhibition Stand Design - Omniyat Properties for its stand at Cityscape Dubai 2008.


Photo caption 1: Bernard Walsh, last year’s winner presents Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free with a lifetime achievement award at the Middle East Event Awards 2009.

Photo caption 2: Middle East Event Awards 2009 Winners

AED500,000 order for flagship technology as PALME expo bucks global trends

First day deals at entertainment show

AED500,000 order for flagship technology as PALME expo bucks global trends

Deals done on the first day of PALME 2009 exhibition, the Middle East’s premiere lighting, audio visual, systems integration and event management show included one for AED500,000, say the organisers.

A Dubai-based event-associated equipment rental company bought a state of the art digital mixing console from Digi Sonic, part of the Thomsun group of companies.

“This is considered a flagship in the mixing trade. It just shows that this industry is determined to stay ahead of the game and ensure it has got a competitive edge in the more competitive market that’s a result of the global recession,” said Alex Heuff, Show Director of organisers IIR Exhibitions.

“Many of the visitors on the first day indicated that they were at the event to keep up with new technology and products and to see what was new on the market. Exhibitors want to keep their products out there in the market and these early deals show how essential it is to keep marketing aggressively in difficult times.”

The seventh PALME exhibition runs until Tuesday April 28 in Halls 5-8 at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre and showcases over 160 companies, representing more than 600 brands and covers 20,000 square metres of exhibition space.

An Audio Visual and Systems Integration Solutions conference was held on the first day and a dedicated Lighting Solutions Conference, was held today (Monday April 27). In addition, certified courses for the audio and acoustic industry are being run throughout the event.

According to Dale Miller, Vice President of Christie, a global leader in the manufacture of visual solutions, visitors to the company’s 3D stereo demonstrations on the stand came from all corners of the region including many from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain and the UAE.

Syed Abdul Wahab, Managing Director of gold sponsor Mindstec, said there was substantial interest in the company’s interactive 103-inch Panasonic screens especially from government representatives across the region.

Among those attracting high visitor interest was fireworks display production house Igual, fresh from the three-day Womad International music event in Abu Dhabi. Mohammed Ali, Business Development Manager of the 125-year old Spanish fireworks specialist, said visitors wanted to know about computerised effects developed by the company which handles firework displays for national days of countries throughout the Arabian Gulf.

The Oracle Projects International stand also attracted visitor interest with its inflatable domes capable of housing an audience of up to 4,000 people. The domes are modular and can be erected overnight for a small event or within a few days for bigger versions and are totally air conditioned.

Chris Sifton, Managing Director of the company which is based in Kuwait, Singapore and China, said the globes had drawn a lot of interest as an alternative to large marquees or in-hotel function areas because they are so flexible.

The exhibition also featured Lola, a restored 1963 Volkswagen Camper van converted to a mobile bar and DJ booth available for hire from Desert River. It acts as a DJ booth, food and beverage service or as a showpiece at a function.

PALME Middle East in addition to it industry-specific exhibits and events, is again holding the Pioneer-sponsored PALME DJ competition which finishes on Tuesday (28 April 2009). The best DJs are battling it out for prizes worth more than $10,000 and the crown of PALME DJ of the year.

Photo Caption:

Kartik Subramanian and Robbie Allen from Thomsun Group after the AED 5000,000 contract was signed

PALME Middle East 2009,Dubai photos, 26/April/2009

PALME Middle East 2009,Dubai photos, 26/April/2009

Governor of DIFC opens PALME 2009

Governor of DIFC opens PALME 2009

Region’s biggest entertainment and event management expo takes centre stage in Dubai


.The importance of the entertainment industry to the future of Dubai’s financial development was evident at this year’s 7th annual PALME exhibition, the Middle East’s lighting, AV, systems integration and event management show, which was officially opened today by the head of DIFC.

His Excellency Dr Omar Bin Sulaiman, the Governor of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) officially opened the event.

Speaking at the show Mike Hughes, Marketing Manager of event organisers IIR Middle East said: “The presence of the Governor of Dubai International Financial Centre underlines the importance of the entertainment industry to Dubai’s future.

“We’re expecting a record turnout as the show has even more to offer the entertainment and events industry than previous years,” he said.

During his tour of the exhibition, Dr Sulaiman saw many of the new technologies which are being featured at this year’s event.

The exhibition, which runs until Tuesday April 28 in Halls 5-8 at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre, showcases over 160 companies, representing more than 600 brands, and covers 20,000 sq.m of exhibition space.

The event is split into three vertical and easily identifiable exhibitions. These co-located events are Install: the AV installation and systems integration exhibition: event 360, for event organisers and suppliers: MUSAC, a musical accessories show for professional musicians: and the PALME Middle East DJ Competition which is now in its fifth year and has grown to be the largest DJ Competition in the Middle East.

“New technologies, which probably won’t be widely available on the market for a few years, are just emerging after years of development. It’s important for the entertainment and event industry to keep abreast of new technologies and developments globally. It is here at PALME that they are going to find out what’s happening,” Hughes added.

Such technologies include stereo 3D projections, quad HD, DiiVA, intelligent displays and cameras.

A highlight of the opening tour was Lobo’s multi-media display. The Governor stopped to watch the display which included video, sound, laser strobes, 3D simulations, water, fire and smoke effects.

Lothar Bopp, the president of the German-based company, which has been in the laser equipment business for 25 years, is now focussed on developing multi-media solutions which include heat, water and smoke elements over and above the traditional lighting and audio visual solutions to produce a virtual 3D effect

New integrated audio visual equipment attracted attention at the ABtUS Singapore stand. Samuel Ngoh, Regional Sales Manager of ABtUS, said that the use of a/v equipment was taking on greater significance in schools and universities in Singapore and he expected the same to happen here as authorities upped the use of technologies in education.

The tour party also stopped at Triangle, suppliers of musical systems and sound sets where Managing Director, Zahid R Elian, told the Governor how the company had been involved in supplying some of the top Dubai landmark clubs over the past three years such as the Fairmont’s Cavelli Club Dubai which features a suspended platform for DJs and dancers.

A full seminar, conference and education programme includes an AV & Systems Integration Solutions conference, a Lighting Solutions Conference, and certified courses for the audio and acoustic industry.

The second Middle East Event Awards are to be presented at a gala evening at the Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, tomorrow (Monday, April 27), to recognise excellence in the events industry.

As with previous years, PALME Middle East will again take a well earned break from its B2B profile and hold the final rounds of the Pioneer-sponsored PALME DJ competition. This is being held from April 26 to 28. The best DJs will be battling it out for prizes worth more than $10,000 and the crown of PALME DJ of the year 2009.

Photo Caption: His Excellency Dr Omar Bin Sulaiman, the Governor of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and the representative of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, for DIFC Affair officially opens the PALME 2009.

Curtain rises as PALME basks in the limelight

Curtain rises as PALME basks in the limelight

Mid East’s premier entertainment and event management show opens tomorrow

PALME, the Middle East’s premier trade show for audio, lighting, AV and event management, opens tomorrow (Sunday April 26). Showcasing an array of products and services, the show also features a knowledge-sharing conference and education programme, which is the most comprehensive of its kind to date.

“On display, we’ve got some of the latest cutting edge technologies and solutions for the industry,” said Show Director, Alex Heuff, of event organisers IIR Middle East.

“Also, professionals working in the entertainment sectors, events industry, shopping malls, and leisure and hotel facilities will find our line-up of conferences and seminars inspiring and educational, especially with the depth and breadth of the subjects covered plus the calibre of our speaker line-up,” he added.
Now in its 7th year, PALME Middle East 2009, which runs until Tuesday April 28 at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre, plays host to over 160 exhibitors, representing more than 600 brands, covering 20,000 square metres of exhibition space. Pre-registrations indicate visitor numbers will exceed 8,000” said Heuff.
Among the products to be highlighted are: the Philips MSR GoldTM 2500/2 fastfit lamp; the Beyerdynamic range of conference equipments; the newest loudspeaker series by Tannoy – the VQ Series and the Q Flex series; Meyer Sound’s D-Mitri, MM-10, Cinema Experience; and many more. In addition Myer Sound will be celebrating its 30th anniversary at PALME.
PALME has streamlined and rebranded its activities into 3 vertical and easily identifiable exhibitions. These co-located events are: Install, the AV installation and systems integration exhibition; event 360, for event organisers and suppliers; and MUSAC, a musical equipment and instruments show for professional DJs and musicians. In addition PALME will once again be looking for the most talented DJs in the region with the Middle East DJ Competition, which is now in its in its fifth year and is the largest DJ Competition in the Middle East.
For 2009, PALME has expended is education programme to include an array of seminar sessions, 2 conferences - AV & Systems Integration Solutions Conference and the Lighting Solutions Conference – plus a certified course for the audio and acoustic industry.
Topics to be discussed during the conferences include: a talk on Transforming One of the Seven Wonders of the World - Live at the Pyramids; a discussion forum for systems integration specialists across the Middle East; an examination of the future of the AV and integration industry - new technologies and trends; and how to create award winning laser entertainment shows.
In addition, the second Middle East Event Awards are to be presented at an extravagant gala evening at the Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai on Monday, April 27, to recognise and reward excellence in the events industry.

Pyramids lighting expert to illuminate PALME

Pyramids lighting expert to illuminate PALME

International lighting expert to urge regional event organisers to ‘push boundaries’ at Mid East’s premier entertainment & event management show

The internationally renowned event lighting specialist, Matthieu Larivée, who has been honoured with international awards for his special event lighting designs at the Pyramids in Egypt, will deliver the keynote at the lighting solutions conference taking place at this year’s PALME Middle East expo.

PALME the region's largest dedicated trade show for professional audio, lighting, music, entertainment, audio visual and systems integration solutions, and takes place on the 26 - 28 April 2009 at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre.
During his presentation entitled, “Transforming One of the Seven Wonders of the World - Live at the Pyramids” Larivee will discuss the need to push the boundaries of lighting and audio visual technologies for events. Using his own creative work as an example, specifically he will examine future trends and review the latest technology available.
“Larivée has earned a solid reputation for his multi-dimensional artistic approach and global vision of a show,” said Alex Heuff, Exhibition Director, PALME.
In 2007, he claimed the prestigious Middle East Lighting Design Award for his work on Chantal Chamandy’s A Night at the Pyramids concert in Egypt. He has also played integral roles with lighting productions as diverse as the rock group REM to the Cirque du Soleil.
“I think it is fair to say that Larivee’s credentials are beyond reproach,” added Heuff.
Sustainability, aesthetics and safety are the other key topics that feature prominently on the lighting solutions conference agenda.
To address industry audio visual issues, PALME will host the Integrators Round Table Forum – the only gathering for the leading system integrators within the Middle East. The forum will examine the current economic constraints, the relationship between new technologies creating new trends and vice versa, with a special industry update from the Middle East Communications Industries Association (MECIA).
Yet another new aspect to PALME 2009 is the introduction of the Syn-Aud-Con Certified Seminars. The course leader, Pat Brown is highly respected across the industry and his ability to communicate complex technical topics effectively has drawn interest from engineers and professionals throughout the audio and acoustic industry at home and abroad.
Now in its seventh year, PALME has successfully evolved into three clearly defined vertical sectors; Install, MUSAC and Event 360. Combined they cover the entire spectrum of the entertainment industry, from cabling and lighting solutions to musical instruments and live acts.