Nearly 10,000 visitors attended the 2011 edition of a major sign and graphic imaging exhibition that recently concluded in Dubai, marking a 13 per cent increase over last year’s figures.

The 14th edition of the Sign and Graphic Imaging (SGI) Middle East exhibition ran from January 24 to 26 at Dubai Airport Expo.

Figures compiled at the end of the exhibition by organisers International Expo-Consults (IEC) showed exhibitor numbers were also up, with 296 companies being showcased at the 2011 edition, compared to 263 the year before.

“The quality of visitors attending this year’s edition of SGI Middle East was amongst the best we have ever seen. We had strong turnout from across the GCC as well as East Africa, the Sub Continent, Europe and Asia,” said Abdul Rahman Falaknaz, chairman of IEC.

“SGI Middle East is the only show to receive visitors of such high calibre and from such a wide audience and that is why we continue to see year-on-year growth in both visitor and exhibitor numbers,” he added.

SGI Middle East 2011 featured a first time exhibitor zone in the East Hall. Exhibitors included GS Stergiopoulos from Greece, Coherent Deutschland from Germany, and Suncoat, also from Germany.

“We will benefit in returning to SGI next year as we achieved our objective in getting serious companies interested in our products and corporation. We look forward to setting up joint ventures for future relationships,” said Pete Pierrakos, communications manager, GS Stergiopoulos.

“There are good opportunities in the UAE for our products because of the extreme temperature that our infrared heat protection clear film and LX light reflecting foil can endure. We will definitely come back next year,” confirmed Mohammed Imteyaz Kamil, key account manager, Suncoat.

“Our target was to introduce our product to the Middle East market and look for business partners. The show was a success for us as we succeeded in getting contacts and visibility in the region. We will come back next year,” remarked Frank Gaebler, director of marketing, Coherent.

The exhibition showcased the latest products and emerging technologies from the industries of advertising, architectural hardware, banners & posters, digital imaging, electronic message centres, electronic signage, graphic imaging, graphic services, large format printing and signage. – TradeArabia News Service