The BIG Show, formerly “Interiors & Buildex” Exhibition, has proven its successful rebranding with a resounding comeback after an equally successful “Interiors & Buildex 2010” and a promising close to the three-day exhibition and conference held from March 21 to 23, 2011 at the Oman International Exhibition Centre.  The show elicited an enthusiastic response and encouraging feedback from over 10,000 trade visitors, building, construction and interior furnishing habitués, as well as first-time visitors.

The UFI-approved event introduced a conference this year, with afternoon and evening sessions held alongside the exhibition from March 21 to 22.  The sessions, some of which tackled green building projects, were conducted by renowned consultants from the industry.  This new feature aroused the interest and curiosity of visitors and heightened the enthusiasm already expected from the already-impressive display of building and construction materials and equipment presented by the participating local and international companies. 

The BIG Show 2011 opened on Monday, March 21 with a ground-breaking ceremony inaugurated by the head and chairman of the Municipality of Muscat His Excellency Sultan bin Hamdoon Al-Harthi and graced by Turkish Ambassador H.E. Mehmet Hayri Erol.  

Omanexpo’s general manager Nasser Diab said “We are extremely happy about the outcome of this year’s event, as the number of visitors grew to exceed the previous show’s count.  Apart from the usual products and equipment on display, which are, of course, much more varied, newer and more innovative, we incorporated an instructive angle in the form of a conference, which has proven to be equally successful.” 

“We are grateful for the continued support extended to us by our loyal exhibitors, the encouraging contribution and participation of new companies, and the valuable role our sponsors and supporting organizations have played in this significant event.  We hope to receive the same support and patronage in The BIG Show 2012,” he added.

“It is heartening to note that the response that we get for each exhibition is always an improvement of the preceding show.  As always, we look at the ever-growing market of this industry to boost the interest of potential exhibitors and maintain the enthusiasm of our patrons and supporters.  We are seeing a market and an industry that will not waver in the years to come, and this is all the encouragement we need to aggressively work on improving the show and to contribute to the growth of the sector, regionally and globally,” said The BIG Show’s project manager, Abdullah Beg.   

The show’s roster of sponsors included Windows 2000 (Platinum Sponsor), Panorama Windows Co. LLC (Gold Sponsor), Oman International Exhibition Center (Silver Sponsor), Hamriyah Free Zone Authority (VIP Lounge Sponsor), and Mohammad Riaz & Partner LLC (Visitor Badge Sponsor).  It was also supported by the Oman Chamber of Commerce & Industry (OCCI), UK Trade & Investment, Brand Oman, Public Establishment of Industrial Estates (PEIE), Oman Society of Contractors, and Oman Society of Engineers.