Changes in both date and venue will mark the 2009 edition of MediaTech Africa, the continent’s biggest technology trade fair for the live entertainment, broadcast, audio visual and corporate communications industries, held biennially in Johannesburg. It will take place from 23 to 25 July at the Coca-Cola Dome, Northgate, Johannesburg.

Positioned as the technology run-up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup to be hosted in South Africa, MediaTech Africa 2009 exhibitors will in particular be vying to expose the latest in broadcast, audio and staging equipment.

Commenting on the change of venue from the Sandton Convention Centre (SCC), where the last four editions have been held, exhibition director Simon Robinson explains that the decision to move to the Dome was done in consultation with the industry. “We have been in discussions with the MediaTech steering committee, which guides us in terms of engaging with the industry, and have surveyed about 20 past exhibitors. Although some people enjoyed the high profile of the SCC, the majority of people welcomed the move, which was largely triggered by the cost of the SCC, a pertinent factor in the current economic climate.

Read more in the August 2008 issue of Screen Africa