COMEX 2010 expects sales of S$67m
By Lynda Hong | Posted: 02 September 2010 2148 hrs

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SINGAPORE: The country's biggest IT and consumer technology show, COMEX, expects to rake in sales of S$67 million this year.

This is S$4 million more than the sales achieved last year.

COMEX will feature over 800 exhibitors, the largest number so far.

It is expected to attract a record turnout of 800,000 visitors, up from last year's 710,000 visitors.

About 20 percent of gadget sales in Singapore is expected to come from COMEX and all these only helps to boost the performance of the technology sector.

"I believe there is a pent up demand because over the last couple of months, there were big events going on like YOG and the World Cup. So a lot of consumers are coming out to spend this time round," said Melvin Koh, GM of Eastern Directories.

To cope with the record turnout, additional safety measures have been implemented.

Comex 2010 was supposed to occupy 330,000 square feet at the Suntec International Convention and Exhibition Centre but organisers say another 15,000 square feet were added due to overwhelming response from exhibitors.

Just before the exhibition opened on Thursday morning, officers from the Singapore Civil Defence Force or SCDF made a routine inspection resulting in slight modifications for safety reasons at level two.

"We will re-model, in terms of changing the design, like for example, lowering the height limit of the booth which is affected to be able to activate the water sprinkler in case of a fire. And at the same time in the ballrooms, we have incorporated more exit points and put up more signs in case of emergences," said Koh.

The modifications should be completed on Friday, September 3, as most visitors are expected to turn up during the weekend.

The number of security officers will also be increased to 200 this year up from 150 in 2009.

Some will be stationed at various entry points, including the new Esplanade MRT station, to turn away visitors from the venue when there are more than 40 thousand visitors at the exhibition.

Organisers say this is to prevent stampede. - CNA/fa