AFTER a successful second edition of Intermat Middle East, the Middle East’s only dedicated exhibition for construction infrastructure projects, the show’s organisers have now commenced preparations for the third edition to be held from January 20 to 22, 2014, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec) in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

“The new January dates reflect the opinions of our key supporters, exhibitors and buyers” says David Hirst, exhibition director.

Hirst says: “The third edition will be built upon impressive foundations – our exhibitor surveys conducted onsite found that 88 per cent of exhibiting companies met or exceeded their objectives for participating. This reflects the appeal of the market and the success of the exhibition in attracting active senior level buying groups from across the region. The profile of attendees was particularly pleasing, with 60 per cent sourcing projects starting in the next 12 months. This led to deals being signed and new contacts made for our customers within their exhibition stands.”

“For the past two years, we have been successful in providing a platform for professionals in the construction industry to network and strike lucrative deals. At Intermat Middle East 2012, 72 per cent of exhibitors had already met or exceeded their ROI targets for participation by the close of the event, and overall, 88 per cent of exhibitors will consider or have already confirmed to return for the third edition,” he says.

Exhibitors benefited from the support UAE Federal Ministry of Public Works and the Abu Dhabi Department of Municipal Affairs as the foundation partners. Both government entities provided a positive endorsement and were actively sourcing solutions for their own projects.

In addition senior level attendance, strong regional demand, and a dedicated hosted buyer programme from across the Middle East, Africa, and Asian sub-continent, created a new industry platform for the construction industry and specifically infrastructure projects.

The second annual exhibition for construction machinery, materials equipment also conducted an independent survey with visitors that attended the 2012 event. The results revealed that 84 per cent intend to visit again next year, and 82 per cent of visitors met or exceeded their objectives for attending Intermat Middle East.

In line with visitor demand, the Intermat Middle East team will increase focus on: health and safety products, transport infrastructure, concrete, scaffolding and formwork and general building materials. Visitors and buyers see Intermat Middle East as the regions ‘pre fit out’ construction event.