DUBAI – As the region's building boom continues, the construction industry is turning to audio-visual solutions for “smart” features that enhance building sustainability and employee productivity, according to an industry expert. Long-term economic growth in the Middle East, North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa, projected by Fitch Ratings and the International Monetary Fund, is fuelling new infrastructure and construction projects, including the headquarters of multinational corporations, landmark museums, hotels and resorts, and convention centres. Strong government spending, especially in the GCC, is making 2013 a key year for new project tenders, especially for the construction of schools, hospitals and leisure projects, according to Fitch Ratings. In recent years, the construction of “green” or sustainable buildings has escalated around the world, enhancing design and construction costs, asset value, operating costs, workplace health and productivity, risk mitigation, according to a recent report from the World Green Building Council. Driving buildings' internal sustainability and advanced multimedia are audio-visual systems. David Lim, project director, InfoComm MEA, said: “The building industry in the Middle East and Africa are no longer contented with shell-only exteriors ; they demand fully-integrated ‘smart' audio-visual systems to add style, efficiency, and value. “Enterprises of all sizes attending InfoComm MEA 2013 can find audio-visual systems that best meet their needs in maximising building sustainability and employee productivity. “These solutions include audio-visual systems that monitor light and temperature, multimedia systems that enable rich presentations, and videowalls that communicate with people who live, work and shop in buildings.” Corporations, architects, engineers, investors, and project managers can find the latest audio-visual systems at InfoCommMEA 2013, co-located at GITEX Technology Week, from Oct. 20-24 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Organisers InfoCommAsia – the Asia Pacific regional subsidiary of InfoComm International, and the Dubai World Trade Centre, expect their largest-ever attendance, reflecting the region's healthy construction market. Among the audio-visual industry's leading firms at InfoComm MEA 2013 is the American-based firm Crestron, which provides control and automation systems for corporate headquarters and offices, major landmarks, homes, schools, and hospitals. Robin van Meeuwen, vice president, Crestron International, said: “The Middle East is a very strategic marketplace, as many customers are early adopters who recognise the importance and value of using technology in their business, home, or for their students. “We've worked with a wide range of clients around the world, and at InfoComm MEA we're eager to enable clients in the Middle East and Africa to meet and exceed global standards in every audio-visual field.” Also attending InfoComm MEA 2013 is Prysm, an American audiovisual firm that invented Laser Phosphor Display (LPD) technology, which enables high-definition, energy-saving, and scalable videowalls. Dana Corey, vice-president of sales and technical operations at Prysm, said: “In today's meeting spaces and boardrooms, decisions need to be made faster and smarter. “Companies need to share content dynamically, incorporate videoconferencing with remote sites, and enable better decision-making through on-screen information. “The proliferation of large videowalls provides the perfect large pixel canvas of possibilities. “Infocomm MEA is the perfect platform to see the latest in visual development from Prysm, including our new TD2 tile, which we will be launching to the Middle East market that week.” InfoComm MEA 2013 attendees can also benefit from learning and networking opportunities at the InfoComm MEA Summit. At the InfoComm MEA Summit, all levels of personnel can learn about industry best practices and trends at the InfoComm University Seminar, updates on products and services at Manufacturer Presentations, and audio-visual applications and solutions for specific markets at Industry Tracks.
