FM EXPO returns to The Big 5 Show

• Three-fold increase in audience a boost for exhibitors

FM EXPO, the Middle East’s only exhibition dedicated to the burgeoning facilities management industry, is taking its place alongside the construction industry’s biggest event – The Big 5 Show – from November 21 to 24 at the Dubai International Exhibition and Convention Centre.

Andy White, Event Director, dmg :: events, said: “Amid increased construction growth in the Middle East, facilities management is becoming an increasingly important part of the picture. In this changing scenario, dmg :: events has taken the strategic decision to co-locate FM EXPO with The Big 5 Show, offering even greater exposure for FM service providers to meet with thousands of players from the construction industry.

“Frequently, the developers and architects who choose contractors are the same people who have to make a decision on facilities management when the project is completed. Having decision-makers and FM suppliers under the same roof makes a great deal of sense, as The Big 5 Show assumes the mantle of being a true ‘one-stop shop’ for everyone associated with construction and maintenance in the Middle East.”

FM is still a relatively young industry in the Middle East, but is one poised for huge growth. The market in the GCC alone is projected to reach a value of US $8 billion by 2013. As such, the FM EXPO will not only showcase FM products and service providers but will also create an important platform for the participants to discuss issues affecting the FM markets, such as the introduction of strata laws in the Gulf, best practice solutions to improve the management, service level agreements, technology and innovation in FM among others.

David Thompson, Event Manager, FM EXPO, said: “FM EXPO was held in May this year, and was a huge success, with footfall up 10 per cent on the year before.

“At the previous Big 5 Show, almost 40% of the 35,000 visitors stated that they wanted to see a greater FM presence at the event, which is why we decided to co-locate FM EXPO alongside the region’s largest event for the building and construction industry.

“Exhibitors are excited to get a second chance at exposure this year especially given the extra benefits and opportunities The Big 5 Show offers. We’re taking their audience from 5,000 to 14500 – a three-fold increase that will encompass potential customers including architects, procurement directors, engineers, CEOs, facility managers, property owners association and real estate developers.”