Dedicated product sectors and awards for vendors are highlights at the show’s tenth edition

New office projects in the GCC are set to double between 2009 and 2010, according to research commissioned by dmg world media, organiser of The Office Exhibition. 

The research proves that despite the recent economic recession, the Middle East remains an attractive region for companies to locate to. In addition to the significant value of the commercial projects to the construction sector, there is massive potential for interior designers and office suppliers.

Now in its ninth year, The Office Exhibition, sponsored by HP, is a leading platform for the high-end products, technology and services that combine to create outstanding working environments.  Set to take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from February 9 to 11, the show will feature more than 250 companies, covering an area of approximately 15,000 sq m. 

The Office 2010 will showcase some of the industry’s most innovative products, with designs from international and local high-profile companies including Unifor, The Total Office, Al Reyami, Knoll, Boss Design and HP. 

Based on visitor demands in 2009, the exhibition will also now include four dedicated product sectors to make the visitors’ experience even more rewarding: furniture, interiors, technology and consultancy.

One of the key features at 2010’s exhibition will be Office Talks, a series of informal seminar-style events.  This year sees another impressive lineup of speakers from leading companies.

The exhibition will also be launching a new feature entitled The Future Office, which will demonstrate what working environments will look like in the future. Leading companies including Mazari Consultants, Frezza SpA, Quantum Glass, 3D Lux, Skad Media and HP will present equipment and furniture showcasing the latest in technology and design to create an ergonomically sound environment.

As a result of the growing demand for high-end, quality products that excel in design, sustainability and pricing, The Office Exhibition will feature a brand new online awards programme, The Office Awards, for the first time in the show’s history. 

Created exclusively for 2010, the awards have been developed to provide a high-profile avenue for exhibiting companies to gain recognition for new launch products and exceptional creativity within the industry. 

A panel of industry leaders from companies and organisations including Du, Cityspace, World Green Building Council, Hamilton and Gensler will judge the awards, which will only be open to exhibitors at The Office Exhibition.  Winners will be selected based on three criteria: design, sustainability and ergonomics.

Winners of The Office Awards will be announced on the first day of the exhibition and will be recognisable by the stamp of approval on their stands.

As well as the O Awards, The Office Exhibition will be hosting the eagerly anticipated Student Loft Design Competition, sponsored by Frezza. Design students from leading local universities, will be taking part in this established competition, with the hope of winning an all-expenses-paid trip to Italy.

Four winners will be selected and announced during The Office Exhibition, with the successful students visiting the Milan Show – one of the largest interior design shows in the World – and the  Frezza SpA Factories.