Trade Arabia reports that the 11th annual Sign and Graphic Imaging Middle East (SGI 2009) exhibition will adopt the online Business Matching component, enabling pre-registered visitors to match their requirements to exhibitors. This way, the exhibitors can ensure they have the information required by potential customers before attending the show. SGI 2009 takes place from February 15 to 17, in Dubai.

“Business Matching enables exhibitors and visitors to begin communicating before meeting at SGI 2009. We hope that this will help both parties to define their goals for the show and will lead to more concrete orders being placed at SGI 2009,” said Abdul Rehman Falaknaz, president of show organisers International Expo Consults (IEC).

Despite the global economic turndown, IEC is predicting that this year’s SGI will be 40 per cent larger than the 2008 edition.

"Dubai, with its $100 billion retail market and its emerging retail trends, is known for its unique perpetual growth rate. The local industry offers tremendous opportunities across all segments of the signage, digital, retail and advertising industries," he added.