Regional communications trade fair opens today as marketing executives look for cost-effective solutions to stretch budgets further
The three-day Signage, Imaging and Media (SIM) 2008 the most comprehensive trade show for the regional marketing communications industry opens today (25 November 2008) in Abu Dhabi, at a time when companies are scrutinising their marketing budgets and pushing their marketing executives for increased returns.
"Due to the global economic downturn, many marketing budgets across the board are now coming under the spotlight. Company bosses will be pushing their marketing executives to achieve the best possible return on investment from potentially tighter budgets," said Spencer Felix, Exhibition Manager for SIM 2008.
SIM 2008 is a combination of three vertical events in the form of an exhibition and three one-day conferences under one roof and a platform for companies to showcase products and solutions. The focus sectors of SIM 2008 include printing; signage; banners and posters; pre-press; digital imaging, capture, storage and processing; electronic media; advertising production; marketing and public relations; outdoor media; new media and entertainment.
"The traditional marketing mix will now certainly be under review so the choices made in terms of the cost effectiveness of the equipment or media employed will be critical," Felix stated. "For this reason we have created special forums to address such issues and to cover the latest technologies and thinking in new media, digital signage and outdoor advertising."
The New Media Forum will take place on 25 November 2008 focusing on the latest trends and exploring how Arabian Gulf organisations can use new media more effectively within their marketing and communication strategy.
The Digital Signage Forum is on 26 November 2008 and will feature stimulating discussions on technology, hardware, software and applications by bringing together suppliers, integrators, location owners, content developers and advertisers.
The Outdoor Advertising Forum is on 27th November 2008 - the most comprehensive outdoor advertising event in UAE. The forum will bring together the region’s out-of-home advertising industry and marketing decision makers.
In addition on the exhibition floor, large format printing majors such as like HP, Xerox, Gandi Innovations and Roland, will showcase their latest technology.
“This is another area where potentially marketing executives can reduce their costs, especially on short run or out-sized print jobs,” added Felix.
Arab Media Group, the largest media organisation in the UAE, has confirmed headline sponsorship of SIM 2008 Xerox, Cool Sign 4, Planar and MxN Middle East are the platinum sponsors. Technology partner is HP. Digital media platinum sponsors are Synaxis Media. Gold sponsors are Samsung and Right Angle.
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