A leaner, meaner PALME

This year’s PALME Middle East convention may have been smaller than previous events, but the overall response from exhibitors and the vibe on the showfloor confirmed it as one of the better instalments in recent years.

The professional audio, lighting and live event production showcase has built a solid reputation over the years for being the regional industry’s number one annual tradeshow.

From humble beginnings in 2002, PALME’S year-on-year growth reflected the rapid expansion of all three industry sectors in the GCC region.

Last year’s show marked PALME’s biggest instalment to date, with the event accounting for five halls of the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

But as the old adage goes, bigger does not always mean better.

The event was roundly panned by exhibitors and visitors (including yours truly) for its lack of focus and reliance on non-trade delegates, with many of the former telling S&S that they had little intention of returning in 2009.

With the worst global recession in recent memory biting hard in the Gulf, this feedback did little to inspire confidence in the lead-up to this year’s show.

However, contrary to the usual heady dose of overly optimistic PR spin, IIR staffers, to their credit, confirmed from the outset that both exhibitor and visitor numbers would be significantly down on previous years, with overall floorspace contracting markedly compared to 2008.

Undoubtedly, the fact expectations were so low prior to this year’s show made its incremental success all the more satisfying to witness.

The fact the vast majority of exhibitors agreed with this sentiment bodes well for the future of the event.

Despite the overall gloom, in the immediate term there’s further room for optimism, with technology transactions estimated to be worth more than $1.5 million taking place during the three-day show.

The feel-good factor extended to this year’s Sound & Stage Awards, which recognised the industry’s top talents for the 2008/09 events season.

The fact that all but one of the winners were first-time nominees reflected the regional industry’s strength and vitality and its rapid evolution from global backwater to international destination for grade-A production and performance talent.

Each nominee and winner should be congratulated for their efforts. Their collective ability, talent and commitment to excellence will see the industry continue to weather the storm created by the global economic downturn in international markets.

For the full rundown of who made it on to this year’s honours list, visit Sound & Stage online at www.digitalproductionme.com.

Aaron Greenwood is the senior group editor of ITP Business’ media and broadcast magazines.

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