PLASA's own research into the global market indicates that the sound and lighting sector generates $20 billion a year worldwide. "With so much construction and so many major events in the Middle East, we anticipate that the Middle East will grow to be worth $1 billion a year. The sector is already worth that a year in the UK and the Middle East can certainly match this given the level of activity here.
"This is a dynamic part of the world. It isn't afraid to be loud and proud - PLASA likes that and our industry likes that. The key is that sound and lighting technology sector isn't simply about entertainment - it is also very relevant to the large range of construction and architectural projects. The same technology that is used for live performance is being adapted and applied in shopping centres or sports stadiums, and safety-specific technology is also being developed - sophisticated voice alarm systems, for example. That's why the growth of the sector applies to all countries in the Middle East: there is massive growth in construction in Dubai, for instance, allied to which the area in general is attracting events of international standing - the Fourth World Trade Organization's Ministerial Conference was recently held in Doha, Qatar, and Bahrain will host a round of the FIA Formula One world championship in 2004."
Griffiths added that a "highly professional" exhibition like PALME, being staged at the Dubai World Trade Centre, would help "streamline" many aspects of the sound and lighting sector in the Middle East. "The industry now has a focal point in the Middle East. PLASA is highly impressed with PALME and we definitely want to be involved next year and beyond.
"With the industry having a genuine hub in the Middle East, people can put names to faces - nothing can beat one-to-one contact." Griffiths also felt that PALME would generate and solidify industry relationships in the Middle East, allowing companies to establish sound distribution networks, thereby assisting in the growth of a sound industry platform. "PALME will help bring about the best trading routes and the highest standards for the industry. For the sector to grow and prosper in the Middle East, it is necessary to have a quality expo' and people who know how to run it. PALME covers those bases."
More than 70 exhibitors from 16 countries are at PALME and over 60 products are being launched in the Middle East at the three-day event. The range of technology on show includes many forms of concert and nightclub speakers, mixers, sound consoles, DJ equipment, microphones, lighting, fog and smoke machines, trussing and rigging, conferencing equipment and more.
Iain McLean, IIR's PALME project manager, says that to have the backing of PLASA is further evidence of the international commitment of the industry to the sound and lighting sector in the Middle East. "It also vindicates our decision to make PALME an annual event," says McLean.
(Ruth Rossington)
