The ten UK companies receiving UKTi Grant support for the 17th annual Dubai Entertainment, Amusement & Leisure Expo held 04-06 April 2011 reported huge interest in their products and services, despite the usual average attendance being hit by the current civil unrest within the Middle East.
Related: ALES-UK company profile / Amusement parks: UK ‘characters’ head to Dubai
More than one million pounds worth of orders were transacted during the show and companies anticipate that a further potential £4 million could be achieved within the next 12 months.
Other UK companies who are no longer eligible for grants, most of whom are re
gular exhibitors at this event, also reported orders and potential medium-long term further business.
The range of products and services offered included coin operated amusement equipment, animated costumes, inflatables, go karts, admission systems, redemption games prizes, water rides, children’s indoor and outdoor play equipment, walkabout inflatable costumes, 3D/4D films brand management and leading industry trade publications.
12 of the 16 UK companies exhibiting are members of ALES-UK.
Secretary of ALES-UK Gerry Robinson organised and presented the accompanying seminar programme, now in its 4th year, which saw a substantial increase in the total delegate attendance from its previous record of 181,rising to 354, with the largest single session attendance record also being broken at 91, up from 53.
“All in all,” Robinson stated, “despite the regional difficulties surrounding the events this was a spectacular result for UK companies and emphasises the importance of DEAL as the major networking opportunity for the attractions industry within the MENA region”.
He continued, “Whilst it was almost embarrassing to have run out of delegate packs, despite catering for a potential 25% increase from the previous year, the feedback from delegates was unanimous in their praise for the programme and quality of speakers”.
UK Speakers included Richard Taylor, Director of Bounceabouts Ltd (Leicestershire), Nick Booker, Director, Attract Marketing Ltd (Warwickshire) and Kevin Williams, Director KWP Ltd (Surrey).
Included in the delegate information was the publication ‘ExperienceUK’.- a guide to the UK’s creative excellence in planning, designing, engaging and advising on all types of visitor attractions launched in 2010 by the Creative & Media Sector of UKTi .