Can InfoComm MEA stand alone?
Published: MEA
UAE: In the build up to the first standalone InfoComm MEA, the question was whether it would have the same pull away from the Gitex supershow where it was formerly co-located. It is impossible to answer this after the first day, but judging by the mood on the show floor people have been pleasantly surprised.
The timing of the show has always been a concern, coming so soon after the National Day weekend and a matter of weeks before ISE. But despite this InfoComm MEA has drawn a reasonable crowd. There has been the time and space for high-level conversations and there is a general sense of relief that the steady trickle of visitors who came throughout the first day were relevant. While Gitex delivered the quantity it would seem the standalone event has brought in quality visitors for a more focused offering.
And there are some interesting offerings for people to see when they do head to the show. There are a variety of well-appointed booths from a good mix of both manufacturers and their local partners. There is equally some new equipment on show for the first time such as Shure’s SystemOn and the G3 Paperless Congress System from Taiden. With the usual InfoComm standard of seminars plus the Digital Signage Summit, there are a fair few educational offerings to encourage visitors to stay.
Praise is also due for aspects such as the signage to the show – an area that was often a bugbear during the Gitex days. With its location in the new halls at the World Trade Centre it would have been easy for people to get lost. But the shuttle bus from the plaza area plus the red carpet leading from the main halls all the way to the show have been an important counter to a potential issue.
This is not to say there was resounding praise for the show. There are clearly some growing pains as InfoComm MEA sheds its Gitex skin. Exhibitors will expect to see more visitors over the next two days, particularly from the wider region. And there is no compelling evidence that those people who first stumbled across InfoComm a few years ago have gone out of their way to come back now that it is a standalone event.
Whether InfoComm MEA has the pulling power as a brand to encourage people to head to the show during a busy time of year is still up for debate. However, the organiser can be pleased it has produced a result that is better than many had expected.
InfoComm MEA continues at the Dubai World Trade Centre until December 8th.