Show Review by: Michael Gazzola

Images captured on Olympus E-520

Today we visited the PMA Australia Imaging Technology Show, this year held in Brisbane, Australia. Although Thursday was open to the press for just 2 hours, today (Friday) is officially day one, open to trade/ industry only though. Saturday, day two again will be for trade up to 2pm, then the doors open to the general public until 6:00pm to come along and see the absolute latest imaging technology available, along with Sunday being a full day for the public from 10:30am - 5:00pm too.

With the option to have an entry ticket printed out when registering online (for free access) this really does help for quick entry at the doors - where only a few years ago there had been lengthy queues. 

On entry there is the option to grab a trade show booklet which has a map of the place and exhibitors listed. With wide walk-ways and big signage for the majors hanging from the roof of the venue you will find pretty quickly you wont need a  map - but if you're time poor at least you can skip to your favourites with a little help.

One thing which would have been nice is if the orgnisers consider next year to have arrows on the floor - "Ikea" like. This would ensure that visitors would see every sqaure inch of the place and for exhibitors they would get greater value for their spend with their stands - right to the corners. If PMA did this next year, it would be first for trade shows - not just photographic.

Show organiser Paul Curtis of PICA (Photo Imaging Council Australia) was very happy in our chat

mentioning the show had enjoyed over 10,000 pre-registered visitors in the lead up, with people through the door by Sunday evening expected to hit 20,000. Mr. Curtis also mentioned that people interested in the show had until Sunday 4pm to register online and print out their free entry ticket should they wish to attend, otherwise passers

by can pay a $20 entry fee and spend the afternoon perusing 
the multitude of stands, or photographic exhibitions in the hallway leading to the main entrance.

The show this year boasts a record number 35 new exhibitors, bringing the total up to 136 exhibitors, with many making the journey from across the globe - including USA, Europe, Asia and India - just to be a part of the action.

While the weather in Brisbane is forecast for rain and wind over the next 7 days (which is great for 'Mother Nature' in Brisbane), and Qantus doing their best to cause a disruption with strikes and delays to flights I really don't think this will affect visitor numbers as it's a great excuse to get out of the house on a Wintery day, it's under cover and warm, and provides a glimpse into the near future of electronic photographic products soon to hit the market from many big manufacturers.