1. How has SGI stayed relevant and influential during the past 20 years?
The journey began with humble beginnings 20 years back as we envisaged a dream to nurture SGI Dubai into a colossal event which would be looked up by everyone. Today SGI Dubai is a force to reckon with, and being the largest exhibition of its kind in the Middle East, SGI Dubai has exhibitors and visitors from across the world who mutually stand to benefit from each other’s presence. This mega event is a one-stop-shop where exhibitors and visitors can interact with sign makers, print and production manufacturers, architects, media agencies, real-estate developers, brand and image consultants.
The SGI Dubai show has many reasons as to why visitors and exhibitors should take part in this exhibition. Primarily one gets to meet the most important and eminent decision makers apart from networking with the key local and international industry professionals. There is scope for exploring the latest innovation and breakthroughs around the globe. One can get the chance to experience innovative developments first hand and also build and develop a strong customer base including future prospects to expand and propel one’s business. We have 415 exhibitors this year.
2. What are the new features of SGI 2017?
SGI Dubai 2017 will bring more specialized pavilions to cater to the ever-developing needs of the digital, retail, textile, screen printing, LED, finishing and fabricating industries. We have added new dimensions to the show based on the growing industry requirements and our research team is on top of this. In this 20th edition, we will have a strong representation of exhibitors from across the GCC, Africa, the Sub Continent, Europe, Asia and US among other regions. This edition will also have the largest showcase of innovative products and the best brands in the industry.
Many exhibitors of SGI Dubai 2017 are participating in the ‘Wall of Fame’ which is a newly introduced segment which will help the exhibitors to showcase their brands in form of an artwork. The ‘Wall of Fame’ is a concept that has been introduced by the SGI team to welcome its exhibitors to be part of its prestigious highlighted segment that provides exquisite brand visibility. It is a lucrative opportunity to make the exhibitors’ brand famous. Exhibitors were urged to showcase their best campaigns that were developed in 2016, which could be anything to do within the printing and signage industry in the form of artworks.
3. How is SGI positioned to grow in the coming years?
SGI Dubai is aptly positioned to cater to the demands of the industry and is in sync with the exponential growth that the region is witnessing. Confidence has returned to the region in a big way post Dubai’s Expo 2020 win and we can see the development happening around us at a rapid speed. The demand within the printing and signage industry has grown tremendously, and I am sure the stakeholders in this industry have experienced this growth since the last few years.
The SGI Dubai show is a brilliant trade event with a plethora of incredible opportunities. It boasts to be the one of its kind show in the world with numerous products and technology on display. It just gets bigger and bigger every year with infinite opportunities for the visitors to see and discover. A huge build-up of potential customers and numerous business opportunities await the exhibitors of SGI Dubai 2017 which is truly a niche event in the Middle East. This show has the best and it offers class offerings with potential avenues for sales and a platform to channel the latest and the finest every year.
4. What excites you the most about the signage industry in the Middle East and its future?
The UAE will play a significant role within the digital signage sector and the growth will be largely driven by the country’s growing retail, commercial, healthcare, tourism, education and infrastructure sectors. According to a report by Global Market Insights Inc. the global digital signage industry is expected to touch $23.02 billion by year 2023.
The worldwide digital signage systems market is poised to touch $13.8 Billion by 2017 as per a new report by Global industry Analysts Inc. As per reports, the UAE digital signage market is pegged to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of around 23% during 2014-2019. This growth is being attributed to the surge in travel, retail, tourism and hospitality industries in addition to the fact that Dubai would be hosting one of the largest World Expos in 2020.
Investments within the government and educational sector and the need for enriched user experience and subsidised prices for display panels will all facilitate the growth of this sector. Several mega projects in the GCC region are in various stages of construction. With global mega events, particularly the World Expo 2020 in the UAE and the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar will also trigger the need for high end digital signages in this region. Despite the oil and market conditions, the retail establishments in the Middle East market are upbeat on the digital signage technology.
