UAE. The International CES-Hometech wrapped up this week after featuring 250 companies across the largest exhibit floor in show history. Sponsored by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and produced by Messe Frankfurt, the International CES-Hometech, the UAE’s largest event for consumer technology, ran from 25-27 May at the Dubai International Convention Centre.

The 2008 International CES-Hometech experienced tremendous growth across all categories, including exhibiting companies and exhibition space. The show floor increased by 50% over the 2007 event, with a record-breaking 68,000 net square feet of exhibit space, up from 45,000 in 2007. Exhibiting companies also increased with 250 companies debuting their latest products on the CES-Hometech show floor, an increase of more than 35% from the 2007 show which featured 181 companies.

“The consumer technology industry in the Middle East marketplace, and specifically in the UAE, continues to thrive, providing incredible opportunities for companies looking to expand their brands internationally,” said Liz Hyman, Vice President, International, CEA. “CEA’s partnership with Messe Frankfurt and CES-Hometech paves a road for US technology companies to explore new global markets and business opportunities.”

International CES-Hometech featured leading US consumer electronics companies including Gibson Guitar and Monster Cable. In addition, government leaders and key executives spoke at the show including HE Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, UAE Minister for Foreign Trade, who delivered opening remarks; Noel Lee, CEO and 'head monster', Monster Cable and CEA’s Hyman.

This year’s CES-Hometech featured several events and exhibits new to the show floor. The 1st Annual Last Gadget Standing competition hosted by technology expert, author and columnist Robin Raskin, featured ten on-stage product demonstrations, with the product drawing the most crowd applause given the title as ‘Last Gadget.’ An annual favourite at the International CES in Las Vegas, the Last Gadget Standing at the CES-Hometech attracted a standing-room only audience with the Philips 3D WOW vx 42-inch, submitted by EON, named as the ‘Last Gadget’ by popular crowd vote.

In addition, the show floor included a new Game Zone, which featured the first Electronic Sports World Cup (ESWC) UAE Championship Finals played on high-end gaming PCs. The Game Zone also highlighted the latest PC, console and mobile games coming to market for 2008.

Also new for 2008, the CES-Hometech featured a new training programme produced by CEA’s partner, Bedrock Learning, and sponsored by UAE-based retailer Al-Futtaim, for professionals in the digital home market, including installation technicians, distributors, integrators, retailers and sales associates. The programme educated more than 100 professionals on the latest technology trends and prepared attendees for industry certifications and exams, including the CEA-CompTIA DHTI+ certification.

Additionally, Monster Cable hosted its second annual Monster’s Best Meets Best Awards Dinner, which celebrated the success of key retailers from around the world. Opening remarks for the evening were delivered by US Representatives Tom Davis and Jim Moran, who both spoke of the importance of technology in the booming UAE marketplace. Additional speakers included CEA Senior Vice President of Events and Conferences, Karen Chupka, as well as executives from major electronics retailers including Best Buy and Al-Futtaim.

As part of its commitment to grow the consumer technology industry and expand international business opportunities, CEA also sponsored a delegation to CES-Hometech, which included consumer technology executives whose companies exhibited at the show, as well as media.

The 2009 International CES-Hometech will be held in the Spring of 2009 in Dubai.

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