Dr. Andreas Sennheiser visited the expo this year to launch a new product range for SennheiserMumbai's PALM Expo 2014 was the largest ever show in India with attendance increasing by 28%, with the majority of the 18,000 visitors attending in order to visit the stage sound, lighting and event production areas. The 14th successive PALM expo organised by Diversified Communications India attracted international supported and featured the most manufacturers and leading brands ever – including Yamaha, Sennheiser, Shure, JBL, AKG, Soundcraft, Martin Lights, Robe, KV2, TOA, Prolyte, Bose, Bosch, Osram, Sonodyne, Phillips, Neutrik, among others.
All International Brands’ Senior Management expressed complete satisfaction with the PALM organisation, in providing satisfactory and very high standards in all services, from registration to a very high percentage of interested visitors from a professional background.
The highlight of the PALM Expo as in the past years was the HARMAN Live Arena, which was a huge attraction. The creation and construction of the Demo Qube exhibit at the PALM was a winner with the target delegates as this novel idea, and its successful delivery at the PALM, exhibited a tremendous amount of effort toprovide an original demo environment for pro light and sound professionals.
The PALM 2014 and its unique features covered a total area of 18,000 sqm. Stage Sound and Lighting equipment, DJ Gear, Music Production and AV Install was showcased in Hall 1, the Qube Ground, Line Array Compound and Hall 5 Annex featuring the Harman Live Arena. Hall 2A was specially dedicated to the registration of 18,000 attendees and visitor services. The Conference was held in the International Lounge. Concurrently the Music Expo was held in Hall 2B + 2C.
As far as visitors go, PALM 2014 marked a dramatic increase in turnout of pre-registered delegates and the highest growth for day one visitor registration at 57% with 6,353 visitors. Total attendance increased 28% to 20,966 trade visitors.
The 14th Consecutive PALM show this year brought out not only the highest turnout ever, but the largest component of industry buyers and professionals. As expected, the Stage Sound and Lighting, Event Production and DJs comprised 55% of visitors, this includes rental companies, entertainment media and event management.
The second largest visitor group came from the AV Install and Systems Integration sector, making up 31% of 18,000 visitors. This segment was made up of representatives from Houses of Worship, education, hospitality, and performance venues such as malls, theatres, auditoriums and theme parks.
The percentage of visitors from the music production and studio sector comprised 12% of the total attendance, including those from a project studio background.
Industry Awards
Andy Munro received the IRAA Award for Global Innovation in Studio DesignThe 8th IRAA (Indian Recording Arts Awards) ceremony was hosted at the PALM 2014 in the Features Hall. Renowned acoustician and equipment designer Andy Munro received the Global Innovation in Studio Design, and applauding him was the largest gathering of sound engineers and studio owners. Daman Sood was awarded the IRAA Life Time Achievement Award.
The 3rd PALM Sound and Light Awards were hosted at the PALM Exhibitors’ reception party, the 4th DJ Championship was held in the Features Hall with its highest participation and the DJ Soundscape with the added Conference and Workshop attracted hundreds of professional DJs.
PALM continues to invest back into the industry platform with the objective to grow the industry and the international reputation of the Indian marketplace. The PALM organisation represents a highly knowledgeable team that delivers a trade show by the industry for the industry, and a neutral and independent convention.
