Big 5 provided the right opportunity for interactions. Though business was good, participants felt they should be clubbed togther product wise and not according to nationality. Also transport facilities should be updated. Participants share their experiences with CW.
AsumanSoylu, Implementation and Coordination Director, Export Promotion Centre of Turkey (IGEME)
This year, Turkey made a strong showing at Big 5 with 78 companies over two separate pavilions in a total area of 1,395 sq m. Products showcased included stone tiles and slabs, kitchen utensils, furniture, sanitaryware, saunas, cabin systems, doors and windows, plastic profiles, pipes and fittings, plastic and aluminium processing machines, plastic pipe welding and cutting machines, cutting and bending machines for reinforcing bars, industrial storage systems, wires and fences, forged iron accessories, iron manhole covers, steel products, tanks, pumps, valves, industrial coolers, flexible ventilation ducts, hoses, water treatment plants, concrete batching plants and block production machines, aerated concrete blocks, concrete and aggregate testing equipment, plate compactors, asphalt cutting machines, prefabricated buildings, roofing materials, rubber products, electric hand tools, and electronic security systems. Turkish companies have reported handshake transactions of about $ 5 million this is sure to increase following negotiations after the show. The show is expected to stimulate an atmosphere of greater cooperation between Turkey and the GCC countries.
Anthony Peter Fragatos, CEO, Best Tyre Protection Sealant
We got a high level of satisfaction from the show. We transacted business worth almost $ 500,000 and the potential is even bigger. For me, the impact of splitting the show with pmv was negative because my product is suitable for both groups of visitors. So we either had to participate in both sections (which is practically impossible) or lose some visitors. In 2008, I suggest they hold one show in one place.
Miquel Costa, Marketing Department, Roberlo SA
We were very satisfied with this year's Big 5. Many professionals showed an interest in our products, which could lead to many business opportunities. We will now wait for orders and contract confirmations. This was our second year here and there were definitely more people at our stand--proof enough that we are ready to compete in the Middle East. In 2008, it would be good if exhibitors are classified according to their genre of products, at least in the catalogue if not the show itself. Further, it would be good if the show was shorter; seven hours a day for four days. This would save costs for exhibitors.
Gianni Giardinieri, Junior Area Manager, Thermowatt SPA
We were happy with our showing at Big 5 and transacted good business. The only disappointment was the big, white wall built for the Italian Chamber of Commerce just in front of our stand, reducing our visibility for many visitors. We hope something like this doesn't happen again.
Christopher Trider, President, Macleod Resources
We tasted success on the first day of the event itself with a US $ 60,000 transaction for a deal in Jamaica, adding to our achieved $ 2 million turnover for this year. Despite a new marble quarry and being in business for only six years, the company has achieved success as the only red marble quarry for the whole of North America. The company has its own plant for stone to be custom-sized for specific demands. The reserve coughs up an estimated 82 million tonne of marble a year. It produces 300 tonne of commercial-sized blocks a month, 40 per cent of which is exported to Italy, Russia, Ireland, the US and China. Our marble is competitively priced at 75 Euro per sq m on a 2 cm slab (ex-factory Carerra). Other marble is priced at 95 Euro per sq m. At Big 5, we witnessed keen interest from a mixed clientele looking for both unfinished and finished marble, from slabs to custom-sized finishes. We do have high-end products but the market is looking promising here.
Christian R Schmid, Director, Marketing & Sales, Okalux GmbH
We had a number of interesting contacts with architects, our target group, and customers and it was better than last year. But it's still far from other expositions like 100% Detail (London) or the AIA Show (USA) because stands are assembled country-wise rather than according to products. Visitors need to go to several halls to see similar products from different suppliers and this is a waste of their time. This should change.
Leo Connell, Director - Marketing, Kryton
We have bagged some interesting projects, like Atlantis, where we have installed four water tanks over an area of 4,500 sq m purpose-built for salt water storage and dolphin skimmer tanks, among others. Indeed, our turnover has doubled in the past year in the Middle East alone. Now, a product with real potential for us is the Krystol internal membrane (KIM) waterproofing admixture system. It is an original, integral crystalline concrete waterproofing admixture that eliminates the need for conventional external waterproofing membranes, and saves time, money and hassle, both at the construction site and over the lifetime of a concrete structure. KIM, which comes with an unprecedented 40-year warranty, has already been used for a project in Knowledge Village and a residential venture in Al Nahda near Sharjah Mall.
Benoit Leclair, President, Palmex
We created our Synthetic Tropical Thatch to replace the natural thatch of leaves. A 100 per cent synthetic product made of polytelene, it fits wonderfully in resorts and spas, a big market in the Middle East. A patented product of TDS Monde (Palmex), there is no similar product available worldwide. Thus the Big 5 was a good event for Palmex to extend its market portfolio. We received a lot of interest from Dubai and the Northern Emirates such as Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah where a number of resort projects are under way. We are now heading back to Canada and immediately getting in touch with the database we have collected.
Claudio A Cetenareski, Gulf and Middle East Manager, Casagrande
We are satisfied with the results and transacted business worth $ 230,000 to $ 300,000.
Banu Cakiroglu, General Manager, Civtas
We were happy with the show and are getting many inquiries from customers. It is a good experience to deal with lots of people and ascertain their views on Turkish production quality. The show is very good - the only problem is transportation, which is a disaster.
Christian Marte, Head, Marketing, Franke Washroom Systems Franke GmbH
We were happy with the number of visitors and thought the stand and the concept of the Austrian pavilion were good. A suggestion for 2008 would be to group exhibitors in terms of product category rather than country, although this may prove hard to do.
Philippe Francois, NMC SA
It was a good show with many visitors from all over the GCC though there were no sales concluded during the show, only promises. We hope the show is reduced to four days from five next year.
Wendy Weber-Kubitzki, CUTEC-Institut GmbH, International Operations
We were moderately satisfied with our showing. We feel the event should have increased participation of companies from the environment and environmental engineering sector.
Victor Schoone, Regional Manager - Middle East, Roca Sanitario SA
It was a great success for us; we distributed at least 6,000 magazines and 2,500 bags, and collected close to 1,000 business cards. It was an excellent marketing event that will help our brand awareness and image. Between direct and indirect transactions, we are talking about a minimum of $ 500,000, a good return on our investment. For 2008, the halls should definitely be organised by product instead of country. It is good for any business to be close to the competition.
Mike Sable, Export Sales Manager, Guardian Lock & Engineering Co Ltd
The number and overall quality of visitors was very good and we hope to receive much business. We did not take any orders at the show but hope to convert some of the enquiries into orders. A show of five days' duration is too long - three or four days would be better. Also, finishing at 8 pm on the last day is not fair on exhibitors; the fair should wind up latest by 6 pm.
David Phillips, Command Alkon Ltd
We had a very good mix of existing customers and new potential customers. It's very difficult to be sure of the actual sales we would achieve but the potential could be around $ 500,000. For next year, finishing the show at 7 pm rather than 8 pm will be far better for participants. If necessary, we could start at 10 am to make up the time lost.
Gokhan Vural, Export Area Manager, Goksu
It was a really productive show and we were able to reach many potential clients in a short time. We transacted business worth about $ 1,000,000. Next year, I hope the show is held at a bigger place.
Aricesar Assunção Ribeiro, Braminas
We made good contacts and did good business. We transacted business worth around $ 30,000,000 before and during the fair. However, transport after the show is a big problem and I hope they increase the number of taxis and buses next year.
Loris Minassians, Managing Director, Dynamic Today LLC
The Big 5 was very good for us. We found some potential distributors of our products in different countries, who will be able to promote our products there. In 2008, we should have similar products in each hall. Also, car parking was a problem this year. It is better to give exhibitors a free parking pass and a special area. Further, it's better to include standard table and chairs and cleaning services in the package for each stand rather than paying separately for them.
Mauro Albano, Veronafiere
The show was good but we need to improve transportation to and from the event.
Ali Zaagoug, Key Account Manager, Consumer & Craftsmen Adhesives, Henkel Middle East We are quite satisfied with the outcome of Big 5 this year.
Albert Douglas CEO, Alomi Real Wood Floors LLC
I was extremely satisfied with the show. I exhibit throughout the Middle East and this was the best show by far. We have an estimated sales figure in excess of $ 5 million.
As for suggestions for next year, don't fix something that is not broken; Big 5 is perfect!
Shivaji Jammalmadugu, Regional Manager, IDtech Middle East
This time, the show was better for us with a few prospective contacts from the region. We hope to convert at least 20 per cent into revenue before the next show. We have good leads to follow up and normally it takes three to six months for closure of a deal. For 2008, more media coverage should be provided by organisers to create more enthusiasm among prospective visitors. Documentation must improve to include more information about exhibitors to help visitors plan effectively. And infrastructure needs to be better for transportation, parking and food outlets.
Chandran Velayudhan, General Manager, Beckhoff Automation FZE
The show was successful and we achieved, say, about 70 per cent of our objectives. In 2008, building automation should be included as a core market segment. Also, the show needs to be promoted better to attract more customers, especially from other GCC countries.
Fabio Casula, Head of International, Chartered Institute of Building
As an educational institution taking part in Big 5 was very good for us. However, I suggest that in 2008 universities and educational providers who are related to the construction industry too are invited.
June Hartland, International Coordinator, The Chartered Institute of Building
Our stand was situated within the UK pavilion and I was disappointed in the number of visitors to the hall. However, compared to other exhibitions we have participated at, allenquiries were serious. As the show was very big, perhaps too big and diverse, perhaps the organisers could consider grouping professional associations together next year. Also, the education sector (under which CIOB could be classified) appeared to be under represented.
Azzouz, Marmi Graniti Dec
We were quite satisfied with show and the transac-tions conducted. However, the organisers should give more attention to the disassembling of the stands. After the exhibition, we found our stand completely plundered and had to inform local authorities.
Abdul Wahed, Operation Manager, Desert Roofing & Flooring (DRFCO Group)
The show was excellent. Our stand aimed to generate publicity and make contacts. Business will be pursued after the show with a long-term perspective. Generally, visitors and exhibitors felt that splitting the show with Big 5 pmv was a weird arrangement. There were many problems faced by exhibitors. The people supervising the setting up of the stands were extremely rude to us. They would not allow lift trucks and they could provide no other solutions for lifting heavy objects. Power supply was anything but desirable. There was a hellish traffic snarl at the loading and unloading area and dismantling was a pain with no access time for vehicles to enter and exit.
Peter Nischwitz, Manager - Corporate Communication, Bystronic Glass, Lenhardt Maschinenbau Gmbh
In general, we are very satisfied with our participation. We met a lot of our customers as well as potential customers. Our sales team had a lot of very interesting discussions with new contacts. One of our aims has been to strengthen the image of our brand and we achieved this. According to the feedback from our visitors, the signage of the halls and booths could be improved, as could the parking situation.
Michael Shand, RB Farquhar Manufacturing Ltd
We were highly satisfied with our showing at Big 5. Next year, though, we hope exhibitors are classified by product and the time of the show is amended to 9 am to 6 pm.
Emanuele Stano, Middle East Marketing Manager, Home Country, Mediterranean & Overseas Area, Merloni Termosanitari spA
We are satisfied as the number of visitors at our stand was bigger than ever and many potential clients showed an interest in new products. We are confident of making some good deals over the next few months. Just one thing: divide the exhibitors by business, not nationality!
PP Sally Müller, Dep. Marketing and Sales, Multifilm Sonnen- und Blendschutz GmbH
We were satisfied with our participation at the show, which was well organised. We were able to get in touch with about 200 people - these contacts hold high value for us. In 2008, we suggest that sockets should be activated in all halls when the booths are being built.
Dheeraj Jain, Sales Manager, Pokarna
This was our first time at Big 5 and it was a satisfactory experience. One thing, though: prices for everything at the exhibition (for exhibitors) are very high.
Emma Peters, Marketing Executive, Chiltern International Fire
The show was satisfactory for us. The visit from the trade and industry minister was good and should be repeated.
Mark Parr, Hallsbeeline Ltd
We returned with a satisfaction level of about 75 per cent from the show and transacted business worth about $ 300 with ongoing sales of $ 1 million. I do think, though, that the pmv detracted from Big 5, with constant announcements advising visitors of the other show. Next year, I think the organisers should try and attract more visitors from Saudi Arabia.
Yann Salaün, Area Sales Manager, Thibaut SAS France
We only participate every two years here. I believe classification by country is not right - the show is too big to continue like this. You must classify exhibitors by products.
Hilde Frederix, PR - Assistant, Echo nv
The organisation, our booth and the Belgium group were all very good. But there were more people looking for ideas and fewer people looking for solutions. We got handshake contracts worth 825,000. Regarding splitting the show with pmv, it would be better to regroup all the exhibitors.
Scavino Gianfranco, Miroglio Sublitex Division
We were not satisfied; we found the location inadequate. The hall pavilion was not visited by people at all - it should be made more visible or avoided altogether.
Artiz Lazcoz, Reviglass SA
We are satisfied with the quality and number of contacts we made during the fair. Next year, we suggest that pavilions are laid out by markets or sectors, not by countries.
Danny Sin, Managing Director, SKB Shutters Corporation
Even though our trademark is already well known in the UAE, it enhanced the company's commitment to stay close to clients. Developers were happy to see our full range of shutters, doors and related products and we hope to do business with many of them. We hope the impact of the show is soon reflected in our order book. We hope other Malaysian manufacturing companies participate in such trade fairs to create awareness of our country's expertise.
Dieter Penninck, Technical Support Manager, Spano Group
We were satisfied with the show; we made almost 200 new contacts and we have a good feeling about some of them. One suggestion for next year is to improve the quantity and availability of taxis after the show.
Jean-François, Chef de Projet Sectoriel, Uubifrance
It was a very successful show this year, with a very huge increase in the amount of visitors. In spite of instability affecting stock exchanges all over the world, the market in the Gulf area remains very active, with lots of new projects coming up, attracting interest of French companies. The 50 exhibitors present in the French pavilion are optimistic about the future. Thanks to the very high quality and reliability of products offered, French companies are getting stronger in GCC countries. The distance between the Big 5 and pmv made it a bit difficult for visitors. But, owing to the importance of the market, it was a very good idea dedicating a new extension to the heavy machinery industry. Some of our exhibitors will probably join pmv next year. We would like to get more space next year, as we have a huge demand of new French companies willing to enter the market.
Emiel Van Den Boomen, Marketing & Communications Manager, Wavin Overseas BV
This was our first time at Big 5 and we are happy to have received high quality visitors to our stand who were interested in learning about our plastic pipe systems and solutions. However, next time the event should be classified according to product rather than country. We would love to participate in 2008 but preferably within a hall that is dedicated to pipe systems or water treatment, transport and supply.
Luca Guercilena, Simaco SRL
For us, the returns were better that the last edition although it is too early to pinpoint the exact value. Next year, there should be better signage inside each pavilion.
Tino Schreier, Managing Director, Menuiserie Kraemer s.a r.l.
This was our first time at the show. In the five days, we collected over 120 business cards and made serious contacts, including architects. We are looking forward to coming back in February to follow up with our contacts and will be at Big 5 next year.
Suneil Deliwal, MD, Chaq Point
Our satisfaction level after the show was normal and business was transacted as expected.
Some suggestions from participants
Stands should be assembled product-wise and not country-wise.
Keep the event shorter - four days instead of five - and wind up earlier on the last day.
There should be more taxis and buses. Also, better parking facilities.
Loading and unloading facilities should be improved and provisions made to handle heavy objects.
Have better signage inside pavilions.
Standard table and chairs and cleaning facilities should be included in the package.
Don't club PMV with Big 5 as participants can't be in both sections simultaneously.
© Construction World 2008
