Top three upcoming trade shows in Bahrain - GulfBID, GulfInteriors and the Gulf Property Show – are sold out, said organisers Hilal Conferences and Exhibitions (HCE).

The three exhibitions will be held concurrently at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre from May 7 to 9 under the patronage of the HRH Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa.

This year, a total of 160 companies are participating across the three shows, a response which reflects HCE's 'added value' approach, said a report in our sister publication, the Gulf Daily News.

HCE managing director Jubran Abdulrahman said central to this approach is treating exhibitors as active partners in the evolution of the exhibition.

"Some people feel the role of an exhibition organiser is merely to bring companies together in one place at the same time. HCE sees this as just the tip of the iceberg.

"Much of the hard work is actually done in the months and weeks leading up to the exhibitions - in the promotion of the shows to the exhibitors' target customers and visitors, and working with exhibitors to ensure the high standards we set every year for all of our shows are improved upon.

"HCE is on a continuous evolutionary path to innovate new aspects to our exhibitions to add greater value for our exhibitors," he added.

Innovation lies at the heart of HCE's strategy in delivering greater value for exhibitors and stimulating the interest of prospective visitors from around the region.

Next month's trio of exhibitions are no exception - this year intelligence-driven 'e-profiles' have been created for each participating company, while an open air zone offers an important departure from the traditional indoor show concept.

HCE believes it is the world's first exhibition organiser to introduce bespoke 'e-profiles' on each of the 160 companies, mailed out via HCE's comprehensive trade database.

The e-profiles can also be downloaded from the three show websites, equipping prospective visitors with precise knowledge about exhibitors' capabilities, saving valuable time at the exhibition. These e-profiles were first trialled last year and have proved very popular with exhibitors to become a set-feature for all of HCE's exhibitions.

HCE's exhibition director Ahmed Suleiman said some 120 unique e-profiles have been created for the three upcoming shows.

"We have had to upgrade our skill sets in the HCE team to deliver on a marketing project of this scope and magnitude.

"For many small and medium enterprises, an e-profile has become a vital marketing tool for their business, if other marketing collateral such as the corporate website is not yet fully developed," Suleiman said.

Meanwhile the open air zone, successfully trialled at HCE's Gulf Industry Fair (GIF) in January and located close to BIEC entrances, adds diversity and flair, Abdulrahman said.

"The Open Air Zone looks nothing like a car park for machinery, but is instead a stylishly designed, professional showcase venue.

"The concept delivered real business benefits at GIF, where outdoor exhibitors reported winning large orders and interest for their products," he added.

Companies including AMA Motors, E K Kanoo, Al Shoala and Syed Kadim Al Derrazi have already confirmed their presence at the 300 sq m outdoor area next month, part of what promises to be the biggest integrated business-to-business showcase for the construction, interiors and property sectors ever staged in the Northern Gulf. – TradeArabia News Service