The timing was chosen to coincide with the 2011 Prolight+Sound Exhibition in Frankfurt, at which Robe launched five new products - the Robin 600 PureWhite, the Robin 300 LED Wash, the Robin MMX Spot - the first of a new generation of 1200 Series luminaires, the DigitalSpot 3500DT and the versatile CityFlex 48.
The fast moving format of the 2011 IDC included a full presentation and overview of all the new feature-packed products, giving the distributors a preview ahead of the exhibition.
Robe's sales director Harry von den Stemmen kicked off the Conference, updating everyone with developments since the last IDC in 2009. Robe's efficient and streamlined business model has been instrumental in its robust weathering of the global economic storm, says the company. This has also aided in the recovery that started building steadily from the middle of 2010 - culminating in March 2011 being Robe's highest ever turnover for that month of the year.
The predictions for this year are all on the upward trajectory, strongly reinforced by the expansion of the Robin range.
Some of the key events using Robe fixtures were highlighted, along with new and emerging markets, with Asia standing out as a particular area of growth.
Robe's MD Josef Valchar presented a brief company history - from their first Frankfurt exhibition in 1994 as an OEM manufacturer to today - where Robe is one of the highest profile and strongest moving light and LED technology brands in the world.
Valchar announced that Robe is to be the host and co-organiser of the 2013 Showlight international event, a premium quadrennial event and exhibition organised by and for lighting professionals, which will take place in Cesky Krumlov in the south Czech Republic.
Harry von den Stemmen expanded Robe's Think of The Future - Consider Nature green initiative and outlined the company's commitment to producing genuinely energy conscious, innovative technology for the future - smaller, brighter, lighter and consuming considerably less power than previous generation products.
(Jim Evans)
