Integrate 2012 kicks off to busy start
Published: ASIA
AUSTRALIA: Having acquired Integrate in June 2011, US-based Diversified Communications – owner of the Palm India show in Mumbai – demonstrated its professionalism in hosting a slickly managed exhibition. Contrasting starkly to the Royal Hall of Industries and Hordern Hall in the peripheral setting of Moore Park, the 2012 event is currently being staged at the Sydney Exhibition & Conference Centre in Darling Harbour.
The A/V suppliers that have converged in halls four and five report that they have been encouraged by the high standard of visitors in days one and two, who not only came to seek exhibitors but also to attend the many seminars and workshops. Attendance as a result of the relocation to the more expensive surroundings is definitely up, and the standard of exhibits had also risen. The emphasis of the main suppliers is a less is more strategy, as demonstrated by CMI, Hills SLV, Jands, NAS, Production AV Technologies and TAG. The stands haven't shrunk, but the distributors have definitely come to listen to customers as well as inform them of new technologies.
‘All the main companies here in Australia have a lot of brands and you could easily clutter up your booth with products, but that isn’t the point of this show,’ insisted Production AV Technologies MD Graeme Stevenson. ‘It’s about the sum rather than the parts.’ Pro Audio Asia can report that decibel levels were hardly registered on days one and two and that the atmosphere was relaxed but remained business-like.
‘It’s a good vibe,’ furthered Bosch Communications’ Bryan ‘Veg’ Davidson. ‘I’m demonstrating the new Dynacord Promatrix system but it’s really about catching up with old friends as well as meeting new faces.’
Having relocated to Darling Harbour, Diversified Communications will be faced with a dilemma after next year’s exhibition – scheduled for August 27th-29th – as the bulldozers are moving in shortly after. The new SECC is scheduled to reopen in 2017.