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Entertainment Expo adds new elements - Education to play a central role as amusements industry demands more market knowledge

Published June 28th, 2009 - 05:52 GMT
Al Bawaba
Al Bawaba

The 16th edition of the Dubai Entertainment, Amusement and Leisure (DEAL) expo will offer a host of new attractions making the show even more pertinent to the region’s burgeoning amusements industry.

“The Middle East and North Africa has nearly overtaken the US as a major centre for family entertainment. The opening of more shopping malls, family entertainment centres (FECs), bowling lanes, theme parks and many more attractions all point to growing interest in entertainment for all,” said Abdul Rehman Falaknaz, President of show organisers, International Expo-Consults (IEC).

“This increased demand has translated into increased interest in DEAL and we expect more than 200 companies from 30 countries to be presenting their products and services with us again in 2010. This overwhelming success proves that the formula for DEAL works, but we believe in constant innovation of our shows and the 2010 expo will see the addition of new and improved elements for the benefit of both exhibitors and visitors,” Abdul Rehman Falaknaz added.

Following on from the success of the inaugural DEAL Seminar Programme, hosted at this year’s show, next year’s event will see the seminar series double and cover a two-day workshop offering regional and international business insight.

“The first-ever DEAL Seminar Programme attracted almost 180 delegates – more than 50% higher than pre-registration figures had led us to expect. This proved to us that education was a prized component of the amusements industry and therefore we have decided to extend the seminar programme by one extra day in order to provide a wider base for education and discussion,” said Abdul Rehman Falaknaz.

A new fast-track entry system is also being offered for exhibitors keen to lock in their DEAL participation before October 2009 and Early Bird discounts are being offered to these companies.
Meanwhile, online registration for visitors will also speed up the entry process, enabling visitors to make the most of their valuable time at the show.

A new product demonstration area will also ensure that exhibitors and visitors get more from their DEAL 2010 attendance as large-scale product demonstrations are given their own space. This will provide these demonstrations with a powerful platform from which to showcase their unique selling points. It will also ensure that the rest of the show floor provides an environment conducive to business.

DEAL 2010 will take place April 25-27, 2010, at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Substantial industry support for DEAL is given by the Amusement Industry Council of Europe, including Association Fabricantes Y Exp. Maquinas de la Foia de Bunyol (Spain) Associazone Nazionale Costruttori Attrezzature, Spettcoli Viaggianti (Italy); Amusement & Leisure Equipment Suppliers of the UK; American Amusement Manufacturers Association); International Association for the Leisure & Entertainment Industries; India Association of Amusement Parks & Industries; and the World Water Park Association.