MIAC 2008 - PAL 2008 Wrap Up News Release

MIAC 2008 & PAL SHOW CONTINUES WITH STRONG RESULTS

TORONTO, Ontario……September 11, 2008

MIAC 2008 & PAL Show, Canada’s largest music products and production technologies trade show completed another strong showing at the Toronto International Centre, August 24-25. A total of 180 exhibitors attracted approximately 2,600 dealers and industry representatives to the two day Show, equal to last year’s results.

“We are very pleased and encouraged that the Show was able to do so well under current economic conditions,” said Chris Griffiths, MIAC President and Chairman of the Board. “Although our attendance on the MIAC side declined slightly, we did experience important increases on our PAL side which does reflect a continuing growth trend.”

The 37th annual MIAC Show also included a dynamic PAL Show featuring outside demonstration areas and product training sessions, a State of the Canadian Industry kick-off seminar, an extremely popular sales seminar by Bob Popyk for retail dealers, exciting social events such as the Charity Golf Tournament, Casino Royale Welcome Party, a rousing Industry Gala Dinner which featured exciting entertainer Martin Fontaine, and a special MIAC Music Advocacy Award to Fran Herman, founder of the Canadian Music Therapy Association.

“The buzz and excitement was certainly evident at the Show,” said Al Kowalenko, MIAC Executive Director, “Many exhibitors wrote great business and many retailers commented on the first class array of new products on display and how vibrant the Canadian industry was faring despite the uncertain economic climate.”

This year, the MIAC/PAL Show added 40 new exhibitors and also featured 26 Industry Partners. Many existing exhibitors increased their space and presentation areas. In particular, the PAL Show experienced continued growth with several new companies in pro audio, lighting, video and staging exhibiting for the first time. An inaugural program of PAL & NSCA sponsored Project Management Course proved very successful. Product training seminars staged by several exhibitors were also very well attended.

MIAC 2009 & PAL Show will continue at the Toronto International Centre (6900 Airport Road), Sunday and Monday, August 23-24, 10 am to 6 pm both days. Further details may be obtained on the Association websites www.miac.net and www.thepalshow.com.

With annual sales approaching $800-million US, Canada is ranked as the seventh largest music, sound and lighting products in the world – as well as the second largest market in per capita sales. The Music Industries Association of Canada (MIAC) currently represents more than 330 manufacturer, distributor and retailer members.

For more information contact: MIAC/PAL National Office 416-490-1871 ext. 102.