The PackTech International show in Dubai has been accepted as a new member by the UK-headquartered Confederation of Organisers of Packaging Exhibitions (Cope). The recognition will ensure that the event, to be held in January 2003, gains widespread global exposure,
"Membership of Cope means the Dubai show will now be marketed at major packaging industry events around the world," said a spokesman for the organisers Fairs and Exhibitions.
Though Pack-Tech International has been previously staged in conjunction with printing and plastics shows, Fairs and Exhibitions says it will be a dedicated vertical event, reflecting region-wide growth in the packaging sector. PrinTech International will run simultaneously in an adjacent hall.
"We're re-launching the show into a vertical B2B packaging exhibition - PackTech International," explained Clive Richardson, chief executive, Fairs and Exhibitions.
"Whilst the show has generated useful growth over the five years of its existence, it has not grown in line with the development of the industry serving the wide Middle East where per annum growth figures of 30 per cent are now being quoted. With Cope's support and a stronger emphasis on packaging, speedier growth is possible."
PackTech2000 had attracted almost 5,000 visitors from 44 countries during its September showing.
"What was particularly significant was the spread of the visitor base," said Richardson. "Though 75 per cent of the visitors came from within the six GCC states of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE, there were healthy showings from the wider Middle East, most notably Iran, North Africa, the Levant and Indian subcontinent."
Almost half the visitors represented companies with 50 or more employees and more than half specialised in the packaging and bottling sectors.
"Close to 2,000 visitors said they had purchasing authority of over $100,000 with nearly 900 having authority to spend upwards of $500,000," said Richardson.
Declared on-site sales amounted to $3 million with exhibitors expecting to quadruple business generated in follow-through orders.
"Overall exhibitor satisfaction as shown through an on-site pool was very high," said Val Don, project manager, Fairs and Exhibitions.
