More than 240 exhibitors, representing over 800 brands from 30 countries, will take part in a major event for Middle East’s audio visual (AV) business opening tomorrow (April 26) in Dubai.

PALME Middle East, which will run until April 28 at the Dubai International Exhibition and Convention Center, is seeing an increase of 17 per cent in number of exhibitors as compared to last year, a statement said.

Pre-registered visitors alone, up by 20 per cent on last year, are estimated to have a cumulative purchasing power of more than $1 billion. While last year’s event attracted a total of 6,000 visitors, organisers Informa Exhibitions expect the figure to rise above 6,500 this week.

“The growing number of exhibitors and pre-registered visitors is indicative of an industry that is witnessing significant growth both regionally and internationally”, said Eben Botha, exhibition manager, PALME Middle East, which turns a big industry spotlight on professional lighting, audio, music, entertainment, audio visual and systems integration solutions.

“This is now a well established global trade show that provides an ideal platform for industry professionals from across the region to gather and examine the latest technology and creative ideas from around the world,” Eben added.

Now in its ninth year, the event is co-located with INSTALL Middle East, the region's only dedicated trade show for professional AV and systems integration technologies, and MUSAC, the regional forum for musical instruments and accessories.

The PALME conference brings together 16 renowned speakers to discuss the future of the lighting and integration solutions industry, spotlight the latest technical advances in projection technology, and for the first time explores technological solutions for the building and construction industry.

The event will also feature an awards ceremony for audio visual, audio technology and lighting design, with more than 100 nominations to be judged in 12 separate categories.

Other features include PALME Battle of the DJs competition, the laser show from German laser and multimedia manufacturer Lobo and 42 free education and training workshops, technology seminars and presentations. – TradeArabia News Service