Visitors to this year’s Digital Show at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre starting this Friday can expect a world-class speaker line-up, hands-on workshops on the show floor for the first time and four creative Corners, with food, macro, lighting and printing classes, according to IDEA show director, Robert Gatto (pictured).
Gatto told Appliance Retailer that visitors will see a range of products from “digital cameras of all shapes and sizes, photography accessories, video capture devices up to 4k and new 4K OLED TV’s in dedicated viewing rooms.” He added that visitors will also be able to learn more about Tesla’s advanced electric motor vehicles and how digital technology is integrated into the car.
Nikon general manager of sales and marketing, James Murray has said the focus of this year’s Show will be education and creativity with the Fairfax Inspiration Theatre increasing to a dual screen, 400-seat space that will run daily presentations.
“We will engage with consumers and teach them about new camera capabilities and technologies, which push boundaries for photography enthusiasts. Instagram has also been an inspiring platform for consumers and we will embrace the influence of social media on photography,” Murray said.
“Nikon will have a dedicated stand with a similar concept to previous years. Visitors will also have the opportunity to learn from professionals in the Creative Learning Centres and there will be free presentations in the new Inspiration Theatre,” he added.
Tamron lenses make debut
Maxwell International Australia is a committed Digital Show exhibitor and this year is no exception. One of its key brands, Tamron, will be launching two new revolutionary lenses for its range.
Maxwell marketing manager, Brendan Lee said the lenses will be a large part of the company’s showcase, as it’s the first time the lenses will be available for sale in Australia.
“We will have a strong focus on partnering discussions and offers for our Retail Partners. We are planning on the return of the show, (after the first ever off year in 2014), drawing a larger retailer visitation than ever before and long-time Tamron supporter, Glynn Lavender, will be teaching portrait workshops at the Inspiration Theatre.
“Whilst retailers do a great job everyday offering a range of different products to consumers, the Show allows a brand to go that extra mile to explain the origins and history of certain products, and of the brand itself. Suppliers and brands will make a highly concentrated effort to shine a light on all the lifestyle improvements their products offer,” he said.
Innovation focus for Fujifilm
As with previous years, Fujifilm will be supporting the industry by launching its new business model in photo finishing solutions; including mobile printing innovations and software from Whitech.
Fujifilm Australia national marketing manager, Phil Hodgson told Appliance Retailer that the company will be introducing its new model store known as the Wonder Photo Shop to the Australian market for the first time at this year’s Digital Show.
“Fujifilm will also be showcasing the fun and creative range of instax cameras, printer and accessories, as well as our full range of renowned X Series cameras, lenses and accessories, available for visitors to experience for themselves,” Hodgson said.
The Digital Show, organised by IDEA, is scheduled to run at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre from October 16-18 with over 100 brands on display.
Badged as “one of the largest consumer electronics events in the southern hemisphere”, the event’s sponsors include Nikon, Fujifilm, Epsom and Olympus.