SIM delivers cost-effective solutions for marketers
Marketing show provides focus on technology and return on investment as regional industry professionals laud inaugural event
The inaugural three-day Signage, Imaging and Media (SIM) 2008 the most comprehensive trade show for the regional marketing communications industry concluded on a high note recently at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).
SIM is a combination of three vertical events in the form of an exhibition and three one-day forums providing a platform for companies to showcase products and solutions. The focus sectors of SIM 2008 included printing; signage; banners and posters; pre-press; digital imaging, capture, storage and processing; electronic media; conferences under advertising production; marketing and public relations; outdoor media; new media and entertainment.
In addition the event held three one-day dedicated vertical seminars for industry professionals and specialists alike, which were sold out weeks in advance.
"Our daily seminar programme proved to be a major success. We consciously decided to hold one-day vertical events separately, dedicated to new media, digital signage and outdoor advertising respectively. That enabled marketing professionals to focus on their core interests,” stated, Spencer Felix, Exhibition Manager for SIM 2008.
“Many of the theoretical solutions presented during the seminars were then practically demonstrated in the exhibition hall, creating further value for money. Many marketers came to SIM to look for cost-effective solutions to stretch their budgets even further, the feedback so far is that we have delivered in that respect,” added Felix.
Underscoring its new-found status, SIM 2008 was opened by Saleh Rashed Hamad Al Dhaheri, Board Member Chairman – Industry Committee, Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce, who said, “I’m really impressed with the advances in digital technology and the quality of cost-effective large format printing, this is good for business.”
Indeed on view were the latest in digital printing technology, especially for in-house printing, which usually encompasses rapid short print runs and ad hoc outsize prints. Top international brands such as HP, Epson, Roland and Xerox were all displayed the hottest digital printing technology.
“The quality and versatility of digital printing presses is such that not only end-user companies find them cost-effective, advertising agencies, pay-per-print document centres and even medium to large size printing houses are adopting these solutions,” said Deon Swanepoel, Business Development Manager, Xerox Emirates.
“The return on investment (ROI) can be anything from 12 months to 3 years, depending on print volume,” commented Obaid Kareem, Graphic Arts Business Manager, Xerox Emirates.
This was music to the ears for the region’s marketers, many of whom were facing budget reviews. However it was business as usual for Chandrasekhar Thampi, a ‘finishing’ professional at Dubai-based Helios, a company which specialises in finished laminates, protecting outdoor prints from UV damage, scratches and harsh detergents.
“We have not felt any real affect so far from the global downturn, we deal across all industries and to date that strategy has served us well,” he remarked.
Thampi’s sentiments were felt throughout with many exhibitors generating onsite orders and many more receiving solid sales enquiries. “Just in terms of business secured, the event was a success, even without estimating post event sales,” commented, Felix.
“Our visitor survey highlighted the role that technological advances have made in digital imaging and printing and their quality, cost-effectiveness and versatility for both indoor and outdoor applications,” he added.
SIM 2008 also received staunch industry support from major organisations such as Arab Media Group, the largest media organisation in the UAE, who was headline sponsor. Xerox, Cool Sign 4, Planar and MxN Middle East Digital media and Synaxis took platinum sponsorship. Gold sponsors were Samsung and Right Angle, whilst HP secured the status of Technology partner.
SIM 2009 will take place at ADNEC on 18-20 October 2009.
