Printing trades to congregate at international trade fair CTP technology to be focus of End User Forum

Printers and allied trades will congregate next week at the region's largest trade fair, Gulf Print 2005. Set for the Dubai Airport Expo between 11 – 14 December, the event is expected to attract many visitors from around the region, reflecting the importance of this fast growing industry.
Publishers, commercial printers and packaging suppliers will be able to see the latest developments in the printing industry along with participating at a unique “Ask the User Forum” being staged at this year’s Gulf Print event. The sessions will provide prospective buyers with the opportunity to find out first hand how the latest CTP technology performs relative to their own printing requirements. So far customers of Heidelberg, Presstek, Agfa and Creo have agreed to take part.
According to Gulf Print’s Project Manager, Lina Alousta, “it’s an opportunity buyers welcome as they consider the various requirements of their business to suit their needs within their own printing press. Visitors to the forum will get the opportunity to put forward questions, exchange views and information.”
Facilitated by an internationally acclaimed expert, Keith Hevenor, Ask the User Forum aims to provide a balanced and objective appraisal of the views of the users, the suppliers and prospective customers, all focused on the latest CTP technology.
Trade visitors will also see many first time exhibitors to the show, including major industry leaders. Many of these have taken part in Gulf Print as it provides a focused opportunity for them to meet prospective customers from the printing industry.
An impressive 150 exhibitors will be taking part at this year's show, reported as a sell out event. These include major international manufacturers such as Heidelberg, Presstek, HP, Du Pont, Xeikon - Imagemart and Xerox, along with the opportunity for visitors to buy used printing machines at the UPEX  UK stands.
Many exhibitors will be unveiling new technology and machines for the first time in the Middle East. HP have already confirmed that they'll be launching a new range at Gulf Print 2005, including  printers aimed at the graphics industry complemented by the latest support software from Quark, represented by Layout Middle East.
Last year Gulf Print notched up on-site sales exceeding US$13m. With a 50% increase in the number of exhibitors taking part at this year's event, the organisers are confident that this record can be broken.