The Gulf Industry Fair 2015 that concluded yesterday (February 5) will continue to generate leads for exhibitors by turning into a virtual exhibition on the Internet, the organiser, Hilal Conferences and Exhibitions (HCE), has said.

The eighth edition of the three-day fair at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre attracted thousands of business visitors, interacting with more than 60 exhibitors representing the sectors of aluminium, industrial processes and manufacturing, metals, energy and environmental protection, ports and maritime, training and safety, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

HCE managing director Jubran Abdulrahman said that featuring interviews and information about participating companies, the Virtual Exhibition - available at www.gulfindustryfair.com or www.gulfindustryonline.com - prolongs exhibitor exposure in the online community long after the three-day show has concluded.

This builds on the overwhelming success of the Virtual Exhibition experience launched at the show last year, he said.

According to him, going by initial reports the number of visitors has resulted in more yield in terms of footfall per square metre.

"An event like this is specialised and we are not looking for thousands of people but for the right people wanting to do business," Abdulrahman said.

"The feedback from participants is very positive with most of them wanting to return next year.

"I have been told by the participants that in total many deals have been signed or committed to," he said.

Abdulrahman added he was pleased to note that the event had proved to be the ultimate business enabler for the Northern Gulf's industrial sector yet again.

He said the organisers were hopeful of more regional and international participation next year.

This year's edition was held against a backdrop of falling oil prices and challenging macro-economic environment regionally.

Abdulrahman said HCE was always looking to add value to participants and boost the return on their investment.

A range of new features at the event this year included vocational workshops tailored to individuals working in the kingdom's industrial sectors.

Organised by Medpoint Design and Events Management in association with Lead Academy, the Training4Life workshops offered expert insight and live practical experience in disciplines such as behavioural safety while exploring ways to enhance productivity and innovation for profitability.

Meanwhile, UAE-based Ducab, one of the Middle East's leading manufacturers of high quality electrical cables and copper products, held a seminar entitled: "Selection and installation of fire-resistant power and control cable systems for life safety and fire-fighting applications".

Gulf Industry Fair 2015 also, for the first time, hosted ITECH Industry 2015, an event where IT companies showcased their capabilities, hoping to generate direct leads.

As in previous years, the show was supported by some of Bahrain's industrial icons.

This included Alba, one of the world's largest smelters, whose role in creating a vibrant community of downstream aluminium industries - including the likes of fellow exhibitors Garmco, Balexco, Midal Cables, Ameeri Industries and Turk Mechanical Industries - was again highlighted at the "Aluminium Village".

National oil company Bapco fronted the "Energy and Environmental Protection" segment of the show, where it is outlining its investment programmes.

This year's edition of the Northern Gulf's leading business-to-business industrial show attracted exhibitors from as many as 19 countries across the world.

The fair provides a platform for companies to raise their profile in this region of huge potential, as they network with visitors from across the Middle East, eager to see the latest trends and innovations.

Shanker Sharma, a visitor, said digital strategy is now considered a core growth opportunity for industry.

He said ITECH Industry 2015 was a good example of how B2B events could effectively harness the power of social media to drive attendance and generate revenue.

"Delegates were also given a fresh perspective on how they should maximise the value of data at hand."

Moreover, while addressing the increasing requirements of customers for digital solutions and services, the digital infrastructure and technology will also result in reducing costs and improving processes

Jaap Vandraager, the Dutch Consul in Bahrain, has personally championed the promotion of companies from the Netherlands and their products in the GCC.

"The Netherlands has a dynamic economy with leading-edge technology and products which can add value for GCC businessmen and their companies looking to provide something unique in the market," he said.

"Our support for Gulf Industry Fair grows year on year, our exhibitors have taken advantage of the growing industrial opportunity in Bahrain and the wider region." - TradeArabia News Service