CABSAT 2016 is set to focus on the ‘transformed’ Middle East and North Africa (MENA) market when it takes place at the Dubai World Trade Centre in March.
Running from 8-10 March, the platform for broadcast, production, content delivery, digital media and satellite sectors across the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) is set to welcome more than 15,000 visitors to over 950 exhibitors.
The event provides an opportunity for industry professionals to test, use and experience the latest equipment in the broadcast, satellite communication, content delivery and electronic media industries.
Leading the CABSAT 2016 agenda are the rise of time-shifted, or ‘binge’ viewing, on video on demand (VoD) platforms, and the mass regional adoption of internet-driven content delivery platforms including Internet Protocol Television (IPTV), TV delivered over broadband, and OTT methods – content streamed directly to handheld devices, game consoles and smart TVs connected to broadband.
“The accelerated adoption of mobile technology across the region has created tremendous and transformative opportunities across multiple media platforms,” said Trixie LohMirmand, senior vice president and exhibitions and events manager at the Dubai World Trade Centre. “As international media companies and investors consider their global expansion strategies, MENA warrants new consideration and CABSAT provides a strategic entry point.”
The event will also hold the new Content Marketplace – focusing on buying, selling and co-production opportunities for Arabic and international content. Partners include Dubai Studio City TV and Film Commission, Dubai Film, VIACOM, Zee TV, Fox, MBC Group, NBC Universal and many regional broadcast pavilion organisers including the Nigerian Broadcast Commission.
“The Content Marketplace is the region’s first exhibition focused purely on the selling and exchange of filmed entertainment content,” added LohMirmand.
“International players from east and west will meet to discuss accessing and procuring content, co-production and format opportunities for scripted and non-scripted content, as well as monetising viewing mechanisms that are thriving across the Middle East and beyond – from the demand for increased production of local, Arabic content, to the highly lucrative, emerging post-TV market for multi-language content.”
CABSAT 2016 will also boast a rebranded conference called the Content Congress – held under the theme ‘the future of television in a connected world’ – and meetings programme dubbed the ‘red carpet lounge’.
Finally, the show will feature expanded certified post production trainings, CxO roundtables, an aerial robotics & drone zone, the content delivery hub, a live Hackathon competition to develop apps for the next-generation viewing experience and CABSAT Connect – a C-level evening network event.
The Satellite Hub – held in partnership with the GVF – will focus on key technical trends and major satellite issues and challenges across the satellite communications industry.
