The global digital signage systems market is expected to reach $17.1 billion by 2017, said the organisers of an ongoing signage and imaging exhibition in Dubai, quoting a report by US-based HIS, Inc.

SGI Dubai opened yesterday (January 7) at the Dubai World Trade Center and will concluded tomorrow.

“Floor space is becoming expensive in today’s retail marketplace and therefore the growth of digital signage will surely help marketers to make wiser business decisions and get better returns on their investments,” said Abdul Rahman Falaknaz, chairman of organisers International Expo Consults (IEC) part of Falak Holding.

“Organisations such as the retail outlets, malls and airports are all utilising the power of digital signages and are able to communicate better with their target audience. This industry is set to grow due to the rapid growth within the digital signage technology industry.”

“We have exhibitors showcasing their digital signage product portfolio at the show. Digital signage solutions serve different sectors in a variety of ways. They help in targeted and real-time communications,” Falaknaz continued.

“Whether it’s advertising or general news, cinemas, restaurants - it’s all about delivering the right information to the right audience. Digital signs are a form of electronic display that shows information and other dynamic messages. Digital signs such as LCD, LED or projected images can be found in public and private environments, such as retail stores, hotels and corporate buildings.”

SGI Dubai is an established business forum where exhibitors and visitors can interact with sign makers, print and production manufacturers, architects, media agencies, real-estate developers, brand and image consultants among others. This is also an official DSF 2014 event for the third consecutive year.

“The market sees digital signage as a more beneficial tool compared to static signage because content can frequently be updated digitally, saving the cost of printing. Today there are wireless digital signage products that can send messages to a person's phone as he moves past a digital signage,” said Sharif Rahman CEO, International Expo-Consults.

“Furthermore, merchandisers in the UAE and the Middle East can also make the window shoppers interact through the augmented reality feature in digital signage panels. Increasing adaptation among a wider base of industrial sectors as an effective medium for interactive advertising and decreasing costs of purchasing, installation and maintenance also bodes well for the future of this market.

“Digital signage will no more be just an option but a vital tool within the marketing mix as the industry unveils innovative offerings. We have received tremendous response from the digital signage manufacturers and we anticipate a large gathering from across the globe at SGI Dubai 2014,” he added.

“We are delighted to showcase the potential of this new communication tool called ‘Digital Signage’ at our show. An emerging technology in this space, digital signage, has rewritten the rules of marketing, enabling enterprises to deliver information to their employees and customers more effectively. We strongly believe that this technology has a huge growth potential and will add a lot of value within the marketing framework,” concluded Falaknaz. – TradeArabia News Service