Bangkok--17 Jul--Penner-Madison IBRIX Co., Ltd. and 4 Major Alliances join forces to organize the SIGN ASIA EXPO ’07 in Thailand With support from the Department of Export Promotion (DEP) of the Ministry of Commerce and the Thailand Conventions and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) Promoting the Thai signage and outdoor advertising industry and Thailand as the future Gateway to the Asian Signage Industry within 4 years IBRIX Company Limited announces its official partnership with the four major alliances of Thailand’s signage and outdoor advertising industry — the Asia Sign Association (ASA), the Advertising and Sign Producing Association (ASPA), the Thai Inkjet Club (TIC) and the Thai Screen Printing & Graphic Imaging Association (TSGA) — to co-organize the 4th annual international exhibition, SIGN ASIA EXPO ’07, in Thailand. Organized with the intention of promoting Thailand as the regional center of the Asian signage industry within the next 4 years, the exhibition is scheduled to be held during 27-30 September 2007 at Hall 2-3, IMPACT, Muangthong Thani. The trade fair is expected to attract more than 130 exhibitors and 1,500 visitors from all over the world, generating more than 300 million Baht in revenue. At present, more than 70% of the exhibition’s display area has already been booked by interested exhibitors. Mr. Sakkachat Sivabovorn, the Managing Director of IBRIX Co., Ltd. and the Chairman of SIGN ASIA EXPO ’07, asserts that, “The SIGN ASIA EXPO ’07 is the 4th exhibition organized for the international trade event. We want this event to help push Thailand to become the main hub of the signage and outdoor advertising industry in Asia. With this in mind, the slogan — ‘Gateway to Asian Signage Industry’ — was created. The event is a great opportunity for Thailand to show the potential of its signage and advertising industry, which has been constantly evolving and advancing, to the global audience — whether it is our advanced manufacturing technology, creative and innovative designs or the talents we have in the industry. The Thai signage and advertising industry experienced a growth spurt, expanding from a market value of 4 billion Baht in 2005 to 6 billion Baht in 2006. These figures are important in establishing, building and maintaining the confidence of the international community in the stature of Thailand as the destination of choice or Gateway of Asia in the future. We hope to achieve this goal within the next 4 years.” This year, the exhibition and display areas of the SIGN ASIA EXPO ’07 will be divided according to the different types of signage business and are as follows: Technology Suppliers -the zone will exhibit technology-based products, tools and machinery for thecommercial production of signs such as ‘Wide Format’ printers, font cutters and laser engravers. The digital technology helps produce signs that are rich in colors, fast and of quality. Material Suppliers - The products displayed in this zone are the materials used to make the various forms, quality and colors of signs. With the signage market constantly growing, signs have been made with more modern, interesting and unique designs, and as a result, have broaden the variety of materials used to produce them to include vinyl, sticker, ink, acrylic and other reflective materials. This year’s exhibition features local and overseas sign makers in Sign & Advertising business. Display & P.O.P.- Pretty displays at various shopping venues today are widely popular. It is regarded by marketers that displays or promotional sales tools at these points of sales help make the goods and products look interesting and influence positive purchase decisions. The Display & P.O.P. zone, this year, showcases a large array of quality, attractive and unique products from leading suppliers. Electronic Signage - The zone displays various types of Electronic and Digital Signage products and components such as LED and LCD. Electronic and Digital Signage are currently gaining popularity as they present distinctive designs and vibrant colors, in addition to the versatility to meet all customer demands. Mr. Vinai Silapasiriporn, the Chairman of the Asia Sign Association (ASA), states that, “Thailand is a country that has the capability and competency to develop its signage and outdoor advertising industry into one that is recognized throughout Asia, especially in the Southeast Asian region. Moreover, we have a great strategic advantage as we are already the gateway of trade to many of our neighbors. Additionally, we have operated this business longer than most and have an open trade policy sponsored by the Thai government. Entrepreneurs and service providers of the Thai signage and outdoor advertising industry also have the expertise, skills and creativity that can match anyone in Asia.” Mr. Noppadol Tansalaraks, the Chairman of the Advertising & Sign Producing Association (ASPA), affirms that, “The Advertising & Sign Producing Association is more than pleased to be part of the team organizing the SIGN ASIA EXPO ’07, as it will help promote the overall image of the Out of Home Media industry as well as help stimulate the country’s economy. This year’s exhibition will be interesting with a lot of variety. Apart from the Out of Home Media, there will also be other Media and innovations featured to attract the interest of visitors. Moreover, the exhibition is an important source in inspiring entrepreneurs to create and develop innovations to awe both local and overseas members. It also provides the drive for us to move forward and become the hub of Asia in the next 4 years.” Mr. Adisorn Sikatat, the Club President of the Thai Inkjet Club (TIC), further affirms that, “The signage and advertising business can be considered as one of integral parts in pushing the business sector forward as well as helping increase sales and promote positive corporate image. Despite the current economic situation, the signage and outdoor advertising business continues to grow every year — this is especially true with the ink-jet business group. The SIGN ASIA EXPO ’07 plays an important role in helping the signage and advertising business to continually grow as it is a venue for entrepreneurs and innovators as well as leading manufacturers to meet with reputable buyers and participate in seminars and enjoy entertainment. This year, we anticipate and are certain to receive positive feedback from both foreign and local entrepreneurs.” Mr. Pirath Thampipit, the Chairman of the Thai Screen Printing & Graphic Imaging Association (TSGA), mentions that, “The SIGN ASIA EXPO ’07 meets the objective of the Thai Screen Printing & Graphic Imaging Association, which is to support, raise the level of quality as good supporters of the 18 different clusters of industries, and create a regional Screen Valley for the future. The trade event is important in introducing new developments of signage production technologies and provides a venue for matching advertising signage businesses with other local and international business groups. It also helps present a positive image and create awareness of Thailand’s advertising signage industry to the Thai public; encouraging the support and growth of the business.” Mr. Pirath adds. Mrs. Supatra Srisuk, the Expert of Product Development at the Department of Export Promotion, the Ministry of Commerce, comments that, “The success of the past SIGN ASIA EXPO exhibitions is the reason why the Department of Export Promotion has always helped support it from the beginning. The trade event projects the country’s potential of becoming the base for producing and offering services of the signage business. With effective public relations via Thailand’s Out of Home Media, we can become the gateway of this developing industry. The growth of the industry is one of the goals the DEP has for the export of business services. To achieve this goal, the DEP lends its support to these promotional trade events, whether it’s held within the country or abroad, and helps promote the events through its 56 overseas trade promotion offices. The DEP hopes that the SIGN ASIA EXPO ’07 will become a major exhibition for the signage and outdoor advertising industry.” Mr. Vithaya Sintharapanthorn, Sector Director — Exhibitions, Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) said that, “On behalf of TCEB, which has business partners supporting the organizing of international trade expositions in Thailand, especially in promoting Thailand as an Asia-Pacific hub for organizing trade fairs, we recognize the SIGN ASIA EXPO ’07 as a promising new project by the private sector. TCEB has played an important role to the event by being its supporter since its very first year. The Thai signage and outdoor advertising industry has developed its competency and grown immensely throughout the years as the advertising media industry incorporated signage and Out of Home Media as effective marketing tools to touch the daily lives of consumers at a large scale. As a consequence, the industry helps stimulate continual growth in other businesses as well. Therefore, by organizing the SIGN ASIA EXPO ’07, we are also making Thailand become the future regional center of the signage and advertising industry. We are confident that Thailand’s trade fair industry will continue to grow with the support of the private sector. The SIGN ASIA EXPO ’07 is another opportunity for other countries to see our capability to organize international trade exhibitions as well as to help strengthen the export sector, building the confidence for foreign investors to invest.” For exhibitors interested in participating in the Sign Asia Expo ’07 exhibition and seminar sessions, please contact: IBRIX Co., Ltd. Tel.: 0-2641-4381 Fax: 0-2641-4381 ext. 13 E-mail: [email protected] For more information about the Sign Asia Expo’07, please visit the event’s official website — www.signasiaexpo.com. Media Contact: Theresa Rawipan Sareedokchan Suthira Suwanbenchakul IBRIX Co., Ltd. Penner-Madison & Company Limited Tel: +662 641-4381 Tel: +662 716-5246 ext. 125 Fax: +662 641-4381ext. 18 Fax: +662 7165250 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]