AED500,000 order for flagship technology as PALME expo bucks global trends

First day deals at entertainment show

AED500,000 order for flagship technology as PALME expo bucks global trends

Deals done on the first day of PALME 2009 exhibition, the Middle East’s premiere lighting, audio visual, systems integration and event management show included one for AED500,000, say the organisers.

A Dubai-based event-associated equipment rental company bought a state of the art digital mixing console from Digi Sonic, part of the Thomsun group of companies.

“This is considered a flagship in the mixing trade. It just shows that this industry is determined to stay ahead of the game and ensure it has got a competitive edge in the more competitive market that’s a result of the global recession,” said Alex Heuff, Show Director of organisers IIR Exhibitions.

“Many of the visitors on the first day indicated that they were at the event to keep up with new technology and products and to see what was new on the market. Exhibitors want to keep their products out there in the market and these early deals show how essential it is to keep marketing aggressively in difficult times.”

The seventh PALME exhibition runs until Tuesday April 28 in Halls 5-8 at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre and showcases over 160 companies, representing more than 600 brands and covers 20,000 square metres of exhibition space.

An Audio Visual and Systems Integration Solutions conference was held on the first day and a dedicated Lighting Solutions Conference, was held today (Monday April 27). In addition, certified courses for the audio and acoustic industry are being run throughout the event.

According to Dale Miller, Vice President of Christie, a global leader in the manufacture of visual solutions, visitors to the company’s 3D stereo demonstrations on the stand came from all corners of the region including many from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain and the UAE.

Syed Abdul Wahab, Managing Director of gold sponsor Mindstec, said there was substantial interest in the company’s interactive 103-inch Panasonic screens especially from government representatives across the region.

Among those attracting high visitor interest was fireworks display production house Igual, fresh from the three-day Womad International music event in Abu Dhabi. Mohammed Ali, Business Development Manager of the 125-year old Spanish fireworks specialist, said visitors wanted to know about computerised effects developed by the company which handles firework displays for national days of countries throughout the Arabian Gulf.

The Oracle Projects International stand also attracted visitor interest with its inflatable domes capable of housing an audience of up to 4,000 people. The domes are modular and can be erected overnight for a small event or within a few days for bigger versions and are totally air conditioned.

Chris Sifton, Managing Director of the company which is based in Kuwait, Singapore and China, said the globes had drawn a lot of interest as an alternative to large marquees or in-hotel function areas because they are so flexible.

The exhibition also featured Lola, a restored 1963 Volkswagen Camper van converted to a mobile bar and DJ booth available for hire from Desert River. It acts as a DJ booth, food and beverage service or as a showpiece at a function.

PALME Middle East in addition to it industry-specific exhibits and events, is again holding the Pioneer-sponsored PALME DJ competition which finishes on Tuesday (28 April 2009). The best DJs are battling it out for prizes worth more than $10,000 and the crown of PALME DJ of the year.

Photo Caption:

Kartik Subramanian and Robbie Allen from Thomsun Group after the AED 5000,000 contract was signed