News

Install - a unique showcase of cutting edge installation and integration technologies at PALME 2005 (23/3/2005)

Now in it's third year, PALME - the Middle East's premier professional sound, light, music, audio visual and systems integration exhibition - has firmly established itself as a must attend event on the industry trade show calendar.

A highly focused B2B event, PALME is dedicated to putting key regional decision makers in contact with the world's leading manufacturers and suppliers. Clear evidence of this continuing commitment is the launch of three brand new vertical arenas at PALME 2005 - one being Install.

A dedicated business arena for the AV installation sector, Install will highlight the latest technological trends and developments for residential and commercial property. Cutting edge home automation systems, including web-enabled, touchpanel, lighting, HVAC and 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.

"Install is the result of extensive industry research" said Darren Brechin, Project Director, PALME. "It soon became apparent from our in-depth discussions with exhibitors, visitors and industry associations that, given the highly buoyant nature of the regional market, there was a real requirement for additional dedicated events that would complement the concept of PALME."

The three 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 region. The highly lucrative Middle East sound and lighting sector alone is estimated to be worth $2 billion a year within five years, and major industry players are, therefore choosing PALME as the launch platform for new products and innovations - over 100 regional launches are expected to take place at PALME 2005.

"The boom in construction throughout the region continues apace, particularly in terms of hotel development. Billion dollar projects are being announced virtually on a daily basis, so it's a tremendous period for the industry, and there is massive demand for the products and services displayed at PALME" concluded Brechin. "In just the last few weeks, It has been estimated that the UAE real estate sector is set to grow to $50 billion by 2010, and Qatar launched a $20 billion tourism project, so the business potential is mind boggling".

In line with the phenomenal growth that the Middle East region is currently experiencing in the construction sector and the unparalleled escalation in terms of major new projects and developments, the residential installation and integration technologies industry, as a key method for installers, specifiers and architects to give their projects a real point of difference, is an area of incredible growth.

Install works on a number of levels - as a focused event where installers, specifiers and architects can meet manufacturers and suppliers of residential and commercial installation and integration technologies, and as a unique platform where regional industry decision-makers involved in the construction and building of the region's major projects and initiatives can meet the major international manufacturers and suppliers from the sector and see the very latest technological developments.

Among the exhibitors at Install will be White Light. "We have the capacity to supply the most comprehensive range of entertainment lighting equipment, at the most competitive price, to any size company or project in the Middle East: said Peter Threadgold, Sales Director, White Light. "We have been supplying the UK Entertainment Lighting industry for over thirty years and have built a reputation for choice, quality and value for money - it is our intention to extend this service to the Middle East. We have identified PALME as an effective conduit to this rapidly emerging and important market, and look forward to exploring the opportunities that the exhibition presents us with ".

The event also acts as an educational resource, with a series of master classes and seminars that are specifically designed to help the regional industry keep abreast of the ever changing and evolving technology that is typical of the industry.

Jonathan Spiers and Paul Gregory, who will be presenting at the Install Master Classes, have over 38 years of experience between them - both have received the highest industry honours and accolades, the most recent of which saw Paul inducted into Architectural Lighting Magazine's Hall of Fame.

An exciting special feature of Install 2005 will be the Omnix Smart Home, which will give visitors the opportunity to see the latest in audio visual installation technologies in-situ, with the chance to experience them in a "hands on" situation.

Following on the success of the inaugural show in 2003, PALME 2004 was an outstanding success, attracting 3,275 trade professionals from across the region, an increase of over 45% on 2003 figures. "One of the main reasons for PALME's huge success is that we always listen to our exhibitors and visitors and develop the event in line with international trends, the requirements of the region and the objectives and requirements of the industry in general" added Brechin.

Visitors will be able to see the latest the industry has to offer - all on their very own doorstep. Statistics clearly show that decision makers, specifiers and purchasers find that visiting PALME is extremely beneficial.

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 (one of the few shows in the world to receive their official endorsement). Other major industry associations such as APIAS (Italy), Secarty's (Spain) and ILDA (U.S.) are also enthusiastic supporters.

Organised by IIR Middle East, Install at PALME 2005 takes place between April 24 and 26 at Dubai's state-of-the-art International Exhibition Centre.

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