Index expands its market position with new product-specific shows

INDEX, the Middle East and North Africa’s largest and longest established Interiors and Design Exhibition, is expanding its market lead this year by featuring over 800 exhibitors spread across 20,000 sqm, representing top international brands from across 49 countries.

Taking place across an increased ten halls at the Dubai World Trade Centre from October 22-25, INDEX 2011 will evolve its profile by introducing a brand new line up of six product-specific shows under the INDEX brand including Furnishings*, InRetail, Kitchen & Bathroom, Lighting, Outdoor Living and Textiles. Running for the 21^st consecutive year, the exhibition will also showcase 20 national pavilions, providing product specification by country.

“The introduction of the product-specific shows solidifies INDEX’s position as the ‘must attend’ design show for industry professionals from the MENA region,” said Paula Al Chami, Event Director for INDEX. “Based on insights and feedback we received from the market and from our visitors, 68 per cent of the people wanted the show to be product-specific while the remainder wanted to see products split by the manufacturing nation, so we now offer both. We believe this structure will allow exhibitors to effectively present their products and services to the right audience and also make it easier for visitors to navigate throughout our very large exhibition.”

The new product-specific shows at INDEX will showcase an impressive line up of top international manufacturers and brands, bringing their latest products, trends and design innovation to this region.

Al Chami added: “Visitors to the show can also look forward to the highest number of additional show features the show has ever had. We are introducing interactive features alongside each of the new product-specific show sectors, generic features, conferences, competitions and panel discussions and CES seminars.  With nearly 90 per cent of our visitors looking to INDEX for networking and inspiration, there will be something in it for everybody. ”

INDEX 2011 will feature a host of events including:
 

"K&B Essentials” -  A part of the dedicated Kitchen & Bathroom show, “K&B Essentials” will bring together brands that combine innovation with working towards reducing the environmental impact, limiting the consumption of non-renewable resources and improving water management.

LIGHTING | Visione - A celebration of iconic lighting products and truly inspiring innovations in lighting from the past, the present and the future, LIGHTING | Visione will showcase the most original lighting pieces, and view the latest trends and advancements in lighting in a showcase of truly stunning products at the show.

Les Collections Exclusives -  An exclusive fashion show launched as part of INDEX Textiles, ‘Les Collections Exclusives’ will bring to life premium textiles brands through couture creations designed exclusively for this fashion event, using textiles from premium sponsoring brands, including traditional  high-end Italian fabrics manufacturer Rubelli.

InRetail Summit 2011 - A dedicated conference grouping retail giants from the Middle East region and international markets, to discuss and debate threats and opportunities for the sector. The conference focuses on innovation as the key solution to current market challenges and highlights key retail and regional projects from the biggest retailers across the MENA region.

INDEX Artist’s Avenue – features an art gallery on the show floor created specifically for interior designers, art procurement professionals and enthusiasts, to meet up-and-coming artists and view their latest works. There will also be a number of Art Galleries surrounding the INDEX Artist’s Avenue offering visitors a delightful art space that will showcase a wide range of art as well as informal talks on how art transforms a room, art as an investment and the economics of art procurement.

Design Talks Seminars - A series of free to attend themed seminar sessions on the show floor which will cover topics such as Business and Finance, Trends, Innovation, Technology and Sustainability.

INDEX ISG Student Challenge - In association with UK-based fit out company ISG and locally based non-profit organisation Tasmena, the theme for this years challenge is "Reuse" and will feature design students from 12 different universities from the UAE. 

3^rd Contemporary Majlis Design Competition - Running for the third consecutive year, this year’s competition will feature six leading Middle East interior designers who will be tasked with designing a majlis space, showcasing their vision of the traditional Arabic space and giving it a contemporary twist. 

PIDA – Ischia International Architecture Award - INDEX 2011 will host the PIDA Awards, an awards competition taking place in Italy and focusing on architecture and interior design in the Middle East. This year the competition’s spotlight is on Italian architects and designers who have realised works for the hotel and spa sectors.

APID Festival of Interior Design Congress – INDEX will host on 22 October 2011 a one day conference on Interior Design featuring key note speakers and panel discussions. The Congress is part of the Festival of Interior Design which will be held for the first time from October 22 to 24 across Dubai and is organised by the Association of Professional Interior Designers (APID), an organisation for professional interior designers in the Gulf Region.