14 December 2010
Awards will reward innovation and creativity in the print sector

DUBAI: AGFA Graphics has been named as the Platinum Sponsor for the Sign and Graphic Imaging (SGI) Awards 2011.

The inaugural SGI Awards, set to take place at a gala dinner event on January 25, 2011, will reward innovation and creativity in the sign and graphic imaging industry throughout the Middle East, with a focus on the use of outdoor applications for brand promotion.

"AGFA Graphics is a leading force in the region's sign and graphic imaging industry and we are delighted that they are joining us in rewarding creativity and innovation in this fast-paced market segment," said Abdul Rahman Falaknaz, Chairman of International Expo-Consults (IEC), the organiser of the SGI Awards 2011.

AGFA develops, produces and distributes an extensive range of analogue and digital imaging systems and IT solutions, mainly for the printing industry and the healthcare sector, as well as for specific industrial applications.

AGFA has a long standing presence in the Middle East and has led the way with product innovations in inkjet printing, digital proofing and eco-friendly print options.

IEC, organisers of the SGI Middle East exhibition, in co-operation with the Advertising Section of Dubai Municipality, opened nominations for the SGI Awards 2011 over the summer.

"Signage is a huge growth area in the advertising medium and here in the Middle East we continue to see some of the most creative uses of large-scale outdoor promotion. The aim of these awards is to encourage further innovation and creativity in the outdoor signage industry," said Mona Al Khamis, Head of Advertising Section, Dubai Municipality.

There are six award categories, with companies invited to submit their nominations online at www.sgiawards.com

The categories are:

Most innovative Marketing Campaign - Outdoor

Most innovative Green Outdoor Application

Most innovative Signage

Most innovative Wrap

Most innovative Digital Media

Most innovative SGI exhibition stand (Special Award)

The deadline for nominations to be submitted is December 30, 2010. A panel of esteemed industry experts will judge the awards.

Additional opportunities for sponsorship of the awards, table sales and the events ceremony itself, are available and will enable many different industry sectors to become involved in this exciting initiative. Further details of these sponsorship opportunities can be obtained directly from IEC.

SGI 2011 will take place from January 24-26, 2011 at the Airport Expo Dubai. The exhibition showcases the latest products and emerging technologies from the industries of Advertising, Architectural Hardware, Banners & Posters, Digital Imaging, Electronic Message Centres, Electronic Signage, Graphic Imaging, Graphic Services, Large Format Printing and Signage.

The show is endorsed by the Advertising Section of Dubai Municipality and supported by industry associations such as the Visual Industries Suppliers Association (VISA), Australia. ME Printer takes on the title of the Official Media Partner along with World ofPrint.com as the International Media Partner for SGI 2011.

-Ends-

About International Expo-Consults (IEC):
International Expo-Consults (IEC) is an internationally recognized trade show management company with an impressive track record of 16 years of operations in the Middle East and Asia Pacific region. The Exhibition arm of the Dubai-based conglomerate, the Falak Holding; IEC is the organiser of key exhibitions including Chemical Process Plant and Machinery (CPPM), Sportex Middle East, Franchising Middle East (FME) and the Dubai, Entertainment, Amusement and Leisure (DEAL).

A multi-billion dollar Dubai-based conglomerate, Falak Holding has been an industry pioneer for the last 30 years having diversified business interests including real estate development; retail - sports, fashion, home furnishings; exhibitions, medical diagnostics, trading and many more as part of its portfolio. Falak Holding is also a key stakeholder and investor in the prestigious Dubai Sports City project.

For more information, please contact
Upasna Barua Kumar
CEO
Blazon Communications
Email: upasna@blazoncommunications.com
Mob: +971 50 7185895

Sarah Campbell
PR Director
Blazon Communications
Email: pr@blazoncommunications.com
Tel: +9714 3116694, Fax: +9714 8845405
Web: www.blazoncommunications.com

© Press Release 2010