Preparations are now complete for what will be the largest, liveliest and most important CABSAT convention in the show’s history.When the doors of the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre open tomorrow, trade and professional visitors will be welcomed into the biggest electronic media event ever staged in the Middle East and North Africa region. Alongside the comprehensive exhibition will be a conference, workshops and specialist presentations addressing the real issues of the day, from satellite technology to social media.
This year’s exhibition brings together more than 800 companies from 42 countries around the world, including 14 national pavilions. This impressive presence reflects the huge importance of the region and research for IABM states that the market will be worth $2 billion by 2015.
Major manufacturers on the world stage now choose CABSAT to launch key new technologies. In 2011 Harris unveiled its Selenio processing platform at CABSAT, and in 2012 it is planning an equally impressive technology launch. Canon has invited Emirati film director Nayla al Khaja to talk about the company’s new range of HD cameras, and she will demonstrate them to the Sheikh during the opening tour of CABSAT.
“There is no doubt that the satellite and broadcasting industry in the Middle East and North Africa is creatively rich and commercially dynamic”, said Trixee Loh, Senior Vice President, Exhibitions, Dubai World Trade Centre, organiser of CABSAT.“By working closely with a thriving industry and our partners such as twofour54, we have made some exciting new developments at CABSAT which continue to reinforce the show’s position as a global industry leader. “
As well as the world’s leading vendors, CABSAT is a tremendous showcase for the industry in the region. One of the exhibition highlights will be the first outside broadcast truck ever to be built in the UAE, by Best Broadcast Hire. The truck will be one of the many attractions in the outdoor exhibit area, in the Plaza in front of Sheikh Saeed Hall.
Recent research by TNS MENA found that UAE residents are spending 15 hours a week online, and 47% of them cited social networking as their most important online activity. Developing new media solutions for this shift in preferences is a challenge facing everyone, and several features at CABSAT are tackling this issue.Global connectivity leader Cisco, participating at CABSAT for the first time, is building an executive lounge - a place to discover and debate media free from the traditional restrictions of time, place and platform. Dubai Studio City is bringing its Thought Incubator conference to discuss the impact of technology in shaping the media landscape.
Add to this special presentations from leading technology providers at the CABSAT Vendor Theatre, and it is clear CABSAT 2012 cannot be missed by anyone serious about the MENA broadcast and media industry.
CABSAT will be partnering with twofour54 tadreeb who have recently acquired SAE Dubai, a leading higher education institution for broadcasting, film and interactive media to deliver specialist training, workshops and immersive experiences. This will enable students to review latest products from all the top manufacturers, and talk to application experts at the show.The event will serve as a platform to encourage the brightest students in the region to seek careers in the growing media sector.
CABSAT 2012 will run from 28 February – 1 March 2012 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. The exhibition is strictly for trade and business only.
