Enjoying his second year as exhibition organiser, James Raffoul, promises a sophisticated and professional forum at the Bombay Exhibition Centre this year — as befits an evolving industry rushing headlong into the world of integrated technology.

“We have had a massive response — particularly from international manufacturers looking to gain a foothold in the sub-continent,” he says.

In particular, he is delighted with the geographical spread of participants. “In addition to some of the world-leading audio companies we also have exhibitors ranging from Show Solutions’ Arch LED in Belgium to Toplite from Singapore, Meyer Sound from the US, Dataton from Sweden, Projection Design from Norway, and Ateis from the UAE. We are also delighted to welcome two audio manufacturers from India for the first time.”

The popularity of last year’s outdoor line array demonstration was such that IIR are repeating the exercise — and manufacturers like Italian company Outline will participate. At the same time Dubai-based events company, Mansion Group are this year building three 25 sq metre sound cabins — with German manufacturer, Coda Audio, quick to take up occupancy of one of them.

Mansion are a group of companies born and bred in Dubai, working by the appointment of the Abu Dhabi Royal Family. The company’s core business is as a turnkey creative agency, with an in-house team of designers and producers responsible for innovative and forward thinking exhibition stands.

Mansion has now delved into more commercial markets and its partnership with IIR will allow the company to influence and affect the marketplace on a broader basis. It currently has partners and suppliers throughout India and Pakistan enabling the company to design and build stands for this year’s PALME India. “We can work with exhibitors to create their vision, adding our own style and creativity to produce something that will promote PALME India as the leader in its field,” says Mansion’s Oliver Wood.
 
James Raffoul sees this as another vital cog in the show’s evolution. “Compared with this time last year the take up is double. The growth rate is phenomenal — everyone has raised their game.”

Some of the other highlights to look out for will be Modern Stage Service’s 450 sq. metre Bollywood stage and the FogScreen display at the entrance.

Raffoul is also delighted to have companies like Modern Stage Service and Tannoy supporting the seminars, and drinks brands Fosters and Shark supporting the PALME bar.

To reduce noise levels this year, a 50-metre zigzag tunnel will lead delegates into the seminar room, insulated by an acoustic cloth muslin ceiling.

Sound thresholds will be rigidly applied, says the exhibition organiser. This will be pegged at 70dB maximum inside Hall 6 — and will be rigidly enforced. “We don’t want people having to go offsite in order to talk — I want business to be conducted on the show floor.”

“The best thing about the industry is how quickly the Indian market has been educated,” summarises the show organiser. “Technological standards are now high in India and thanks to the training and seminar programmes initiated by the distributors, their clients have not only become well-informed about the latest technologies but have developed a real understanding of their equipment and are happy to share this knowledge.”