INSIGHTS AND OPPORTUNITIES INTO ONE OF THE WORLD’S FASTEST GROWING BROADCAST MARKETS

CABSAT MENA Conference Highlights Latest Technical Business Solutions

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

With the Middle East television audience set to rise by almost 20% over the next three years[1], 19 new satellites due for launch by 2013 and 90% satellite TV penetration[2], there has never been a more important time to be aware of the latest broadcast technology and business practices.

To address those trends and assist in realising the potential in the Middle East, CABSAT MENA, running from 8 – 10 February 2011 at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, has transformed its conference for 2011, making it more detailed and more international in its scope. The two-day programme will feature industry leaders from some of the most experienced markets in the world, including Europe and the USA, plus the most recent papers from the International Broadcasting Convention.

Produced on behalf of CABSAT by a team from Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU), International Association of Broadcast Manufacturers (IABM) and Middle East Communications Industries Association (MECIA), the programme includes sessions for both engineers and managers, with a clear focus on innovation and technology.

Cutting edge concepts such as cloud services for broadcasting feature in the programme, along with papers on content creation workflow and will empower local service providers to take their place in global collaborative production and post production. Other sessions look at the migration to IT for broadcast and the potential for video over IP, as well as important sessions on challenge of maintaining profitability in the multi-platform marketplace.

A panel discussion on training and skills development led by Peter White, the Director General of IABM the body which represents manufacturers and suppliers in the industry, will focus on a major training initiative aimed at filling the skills gap globally.

 Key speakers at the conference include Dr Fares Lubbadeh, Technical Director, Arab Radio & Television, Thomas Heinzer. CTO, Nevion and Gavin Campion, President, KIT Digital Inc amongst others.

Finally, a special programme will be presented in association with the International Broadcasting Convention (IBC) – the largest industry event of its kind in the world. The half day session will include a number of IBC papers which were recently presented in what is recognised as the industry’s leading forum for debate and innovation.

“CABSAT has traditionally included conference sessions, but as the market and our event matures we needed to take the conference to a new level,” said Trixee Loh, Senior Vice President, Exhibitions and Event Management of Dubai World Trade Centre which organises CABSAT & Satellite MENA. “Working in partnership with bodies who have their fingers on the pulse of the region we have developed a programme which offers real insight, challenging opinions and stimulating discussions.”

The CABSAT Broadcast Conference team is led by Kevan Jones, Executive Director of the Middle East Communications Industries Association and a well-known figure in Middle East broadcasting. “Thanks to great support from the industry we have been able to plan a programme which includes real, in-depth information on both a technical and a business level,” he said. “Top decision makers from some of the largest and most important companies in our business are giving presentations because they want to engage the CABSAT audience. The conference will equip delegates with the information they need for their future planning, which in turn will help them as they discuss new technology with the exhibitors on the show floor.”

The conference is one part of the learning opportunities that are available under the broad umbrella of the CABSAT Academy, sponsored by twofour54 tadreeb. The GVF Satellite Summit in turn supports the satellite sector and is presented in conjunction with industry body, Global Vsat Forum on 9 February. The exhibition has also expanded in 2011, moving to the Sheikh Saeed Hall within the Dubai World Trade Centre and its associated outdoor exhibit area.

CABSAT & Satellite MENA are the most established and respected trade platforms for the digital media and satellite sectors across the region. Together, they welcomed 8,837 visitors from 104 countries with 11 national pavilions in 2010. The 2011 edition is sold out and is set to be the biggest CABSAT ever.

CABSAT & Satellite MENA 2011 will run from 8-10 February 2011 at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. Show opening hours are 10am – 6pm on 8 & 9 February and 10am – 5pm on 10 February. The exhibitions are strictly for trade and business only. Visitors under the age of 18 will not be permitted entry. Pre-register now at www.cabsat.com.