Governor of DIFC opens PALME 2009

Governor of DIFC opens PALME 2009

Region’s biggest entertainment and event management expo takes centre stage in Dubai


.The importance of the entertainment industry to the future of Dubai’s financial development was evident at this year’s 7th annual PALME exhibition, the Middle East’s lighting, AV, systems integration and event management show, which was officially opened today by the head of DIFC.

His Excellency Dr Omar Bin Sulaiman, the Governor of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) officially opened the event.

Speaking at the show Mike Hughes, Marketing Manager of event organisers IIR Middle East said: “The presence of the Governor of Dubai International Financial Centre underlines the importance of the entertainment industry to Dubai’s future.

“We’re expecting a record turnout as the show has even more to offer the entertainment and events industry than previous years,” he said.

During his tour of the exhibition, Dr Sulaiman saw many of the new technologies which are being featured at this year’s event.

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

The event is split into three vertical and easily identifiable exhibitions. These co-located events are Install: the AV installation and systems integration exhibition: event 360, for event organisers and suppliers: MUSAC, a musical accessories show for professional musicians: and the PALME Middle East DJ Competition which is now in its fifth year and has grown to be the largest DJ Competition in the Middle East.

“New technologies, which probably won’t be widely available on the market for a few years, are just emerging after years of development. It’s important for the entertainment and event industry to keep abreast of new technologies and developments globally. It is here at PALME that they are going to find out what’s happening,” Hughes added.

Such technologies include stereo 3D projections, quad HD, DiiVA, intelligent displays and cameras.

A highlight of the opening tour was Lobo’s multi-media display. The Governor stopped to watch the display which included video, sound, laser strobes, 3D simulations, water, fire and smoke effects.

Lothar Bopp, the president of the German-based company, which has been in the laser equipment business for 25 years, is now focussed on developing multi-media solutions which include heat, water and smoke elements over and above the traditional lighting and audio visual solutions to produce a virtual 3D effect

New integrated audio visual equipment attracted attention at the ABtUS Singapore stand. Samuel Ngoh, Regional Sales Manager of ABtUS, said that the use of a/v equipment was taking on greater significance in schools and universities in Singapore and he expected the same to happen here as authorities upped the use of technologies in education.

The tour party also stopped at Triangle, suppliers of musical systems and sound sets where Managing Director, Zahid R Elian, told the Governor how the company had been involved in supplying some of the top Dubai landmark clubs over the past three years such as the Fairmont’s Cavelli Club Dubai which features a suspended platform for DJs and dancers.

A full seminar, conference and education programme includes an AV & Systems Integration Solutions conference, a Lighting Solutions Conference, and certified courses for the audio and acoustic industry.

The second Middle East Event Awards are to be presented at a gala evening at the Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, tomorrow (Monday, April 27), to recognise excellence in the events industry.

As with previous years, PALME Middle East will again take a well earned break from its B2B profile and hold the final rounds of the Pioneer-sponsored PALME DJ competition. This is being held from April 26 to 28. The best DJs will be battling it out for prizes worth more than $10,000 and the crown of PALME DJ of the year 2009.

Photo Caption: His Excellency Dr Omar Bin Sulaiman, the Governor of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and the representative of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, for DIFC Affair officially opens the PALME 2009.