RIYADH, 4 March 2007 — Clasma Events Inc., the leading US technology events company, launched its flagship building automation event BuilConn at the Four Seasons Hotel yesterday.

Clasma Events Inc., in cooperation with Noortech Buildings Systems Integrators headquartered in Jeddah, organized ConnectivityWeek, BuilConn, M2M Expo & Conference and GridWise. First held in Dallas in April 2003, BuilConn has become a major event for the convergence of building systems.

“The conference was arranged anticipating the mega developments that are to take place in the five economic cities planned throughout the Kingdom,” Clasma’s president and chief executive officer (CEO) Anto Budiardjo said in his opening remarks. “ Smart buildings will make smart cities,” he stressed, pointing out that the event has united all the individuals involved in buildings and IT to take an objective and comprehensive view of buildings and facilities, understand the technologies and trends that shape it, and discover the steps required to implement truly intelligent, integrated buildings. “Intelligent buildings mean cheaper to develop, economic to operate, gives more value for investment, provides adequate security and becomes environmental friendly, “ Budiardjo said.

Yesterday’s conference was the second of its kind in the Middle East following the event held in Dubai last week.

“The Middle East Region is leading the construction boom today, with such a grand vision and aspiration, developers in the region are now seeking ways to differentiate themselves. The adoption of connected building is seen by many as a way to achieve this,” Budiardjo .

“Available data demonstrate the immense infrastructure and facility developments in the region. Bold and visionary economic cities and buildings are being created for commerce, industry and leisure; and we believe BuilConn would present every idea, perspective and technology that benefit building owners in every way,” Budiardjo said.

“ Located at the crossroad of the emerging markets of China, India, Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe and Africa, the Middle East region is poised to become a significant region for the global economy in the 21st century.”

“ Over the past four years, BuilConn has developed globally to become the focal meeting point of experts involved in the convergence of building systems and IT. This rich gathering of expertise creates the foundation of a transformational conference to discuss and educate owners, developers, consultants, architects and integrators on key strategic and tactical information in building and operating intelligent buildings, “,he added. The event, he said, was structured to provide many networking opportunities allowing all participants to meet individuals from other disciplines.

Working alongside with Clasma Events Inc., Cisco, leading IT and technology giant, will partner with BuilConn 2007 and promote the concept of the data network as a pervasive fourth utility within municipalities and buildings. Cisco is making a huge investment with their CCRE (Cisco Connected Real Estate) initiative in the region and has identified the Middle East as one of their fastest growing markets of connected buildings.

Rick Huijbregts, director of Tourism Real Estate and Construction of Cisco Systems, said: “As Cisco enters the real estate market with its connected real estate proposition, BuilConn Middle East was a timely global industry event. It would create proper awareness and focus on how technology can help maximize return on investment in facilities for developers, owners and occupiers alike.”

Hani Bakr, executive director of Noortech, said the conference focused on the trends, drivers and opportunities in real estate developments in the Kingdom, with particular emphasis on the role of connectivity in building systems and with IT.

Eng. Naser Alodan, project manager of the High Technology Park in Riyadh, a participant, told Arab News that this was a good program that would benefit people involved in constructions. He said the work for the SR5 billion park is steadily progressing and will be completed in a period of three years. “It is being built on an area 800,000 sqm with four main buildings, each having 20 floors. It would provide employment opportunities for more than 60,000 people,” he noted.