Co-located with The Big 5 for the last six years, MEC/PMV is looking forward to carve out as an independent event starting 2018. To be hosted at Dubai World Trade Centre from 26-28 March, the event has seen a 106 per cent growth and therefore has decided to focus on relevant participants and visitors in future years
Talking about the diversification from The Big 5, James Meltz, event director at MEC/PMV, says, "We have to acknowledge that while there is a challenge in the business environment, there is still business to be done in the region and there is potential growth. At dmg events, when we realise that an event is large and strong enough to stand on their own, we let them go as standalone. Its very important for a show to have its own identity because even till today people think until today that MEC/PMV is Big 5. We like to have targetted shows for specific industries. We did that for Windows, Doors and Facades show this year, which was a sector at The Big 5 show until last year. It was very successful. We plan to emulate that with the MEC/PMV. The idea behind that is we give it some platform and target it for visitors, which is different from Big 5. At MEC/PMV, we have stone crushers, construction equipment that may not want to buy bathroom fixtures or tiles.
He added to say that MEC/PMV located with The Big 5 has limited growth potential. A lot of international companies want a dedicated show for construction. Therefore, the idea behind the separate event.
MEC/PMV saw new country pavilions this year, which, according to Meltz, is good as it shows increased participation. There were also added features and activities like Selfies At A Height, Diggers Dance, Excavator Challenge, Concrete Robotics and Decorative Concrete Zone. "If you look at PMV, we have enhanced features and allowed exhibitors the leeway to do activities. We want exhibitions to be more profitable and fun. It is impossible to do The Big 5 in one day. If you come to just MEC/PMV, you could come over for a day and pick contacts and participate in the activities. The whole point is to make the entire experience profitable, educational and fun.
In 2018, MEC/PMV is looking to focus on mining, heavy roadwork and concrete clay as sectors within the event.
"We also want to introduce the concept of Founding Partners - those who will be a big part of the show and also an advisory member.?
