InfoComm MEA is to become a standalone show in 2016. To be held from 6 to 8 December 2016, the event will continue to be jointly organised by InfoCommAsia and the Dubai World Trade Centre, where it will be held once again. Although it will no longer be co-located with GITEX, it will be promoted “with the deep involvement and support from the GITEX Technology Week marketing team”, according to the organisers.
For the first time, the Digital Signage Summit MENA will be co-located at InfoComm MEA 2016, bringing a stronger focus on digital signage’s uses in retail, hospitality, transportation, and digital out-of-home. Organised by invidis consulting, the Digital Signage Summit is set to deliver an increased number of attendees and media to InfoComm MEA.
“The Middle East and Africa are early adopters of audiovisual technology, and InfoComm MEA will be a standalone show in 2016 to foster growing audiovisual business ties in the region. The event aims to capture the full attention of visitors, and as a result, exhibitors will be able to spend more quality time with visitors, and attract more end-user visitors,” said Richard Tan, executive director, InfoCommAsia.
The Middle East’s audiovisual market is set to reach US$2.76 billion by 2016, up 76% from 2012, driven by GCC megaprojects and increasing demand for screens, audio, lighting, and control systems in smart cities, hospitality, retail, transportation, and entertainment sectors.
InfoComm MEA 2015, held under the theme of “Digital Interconnect for Peak Performance,” hosted more than 200 manufacturers and suppliers from 30 countries, increasing from over 184 companies in 2014. Total visitors were up 3% to 14,659, despite the show closing two hours earlier.
Sarah Cox, regional sales manager – EMEA at d3 Technologies, said:“This is the first time that we were participating at InfoComm MEA and it was a great event to connect with the current partners. The quality of visitors was very good, and we have also met with new potential partners. We look to coming back again next year to build and expand on this year’s result.”
RMG Networks, which participated in GITEX Technology Week for the past four years, made the switch to InfoComm MEA this year – which the company termed a “great decision.” Managing director Joe Rabah said: “It had a very focused group of high quality visitors, and we were kept very busy.”
