South Africa’s only all-inclusive broadcast, media, entertainment and AV trade fair, which takes place at Johannesburg’s Coco-Cola Dome at Northgate from 23 to 25 July, will showcase cutting edge technologies and services from industry leaders in television and broadcast, sound and audio, lighting and staging, animation, communication and related fields.
Particular emphasis will be placed on the role these sectors can play in South Africa’s successful staging of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and the benefits thereof.
Nick Matzukis, managing member of AVL Distribution, anticipates increased equipment sales and demand as a direct result of the World Cup. “We expect to see about a 25% growth in staging and production equipment sales and at least a 25% increase in demand for roof systems and trussing.”
Colin Wainer, general manager of Inala Broadcast, agrees. “I think increased product sales and system integration are some of the positive spinoffs we’ll see coming out of this event.”
AVL Distribution and Inala Broadcast are just two of the many exhibitors participating in Mediatech Africa 2009.
“The event is vital for the industry. It provides an opportunity to interact with a broad base of users and other providers. Without it, there would be no centralised showcase for new product developments,” says Matzukis.
Wainer adds further, “it provides for presence, new business opportunities, networking possibilities and principal participation.”
Simon Robinson, Mediatech Africa trade fair director, notes that aside from the World Cup, the industry is facing a number of other opportunities. “Getting to grips with the introduction of high definition (HD), Dolby E and 5.1 surround sound to television; digital terrestrial television (DTT) implementation and new players in the direct-to-home (DTH) space, as well as training technically qualified personnel, well-versed in these new technologies, are just some of the opportunities and challenges we face at the moment.”
These issues, along with the latest technology such as video servers, digital live mixing consoles, automation systems, routers, LED lighting and circular roof truss systems, will be explored at Mediatech Africa 2009.
The expo will cover the following sectors: broadcast, film and production; professional AV (sound, lighting, staging and rigging); DJ and professional music equipment; system integration; animation, new media and web; satellite and signal; and – two new sectors that have been introduced this year – computer music and production tools; and musical instruments.
The trade fair is a must for industry professionals working in these areas and attracts buyers, top decision makers and influential visitors from across the spectrum. It combines the absolute in current technology with live demonstrations and special events, and offers unparalleled industry networking opportunities.
A host of industry leaders have already signed up as Mediatech Africa 2009 exhibitors, including Sony SA, Spescom, Altech UAE, Inala Technologies, AVL Productions, Touchvision, Concilium Technologies, Visual Impact, Zimele Broadcasting, Questek Broadcast Technologies, Academy of Sound, Matrix Sound, ProSound, The Camera Platform and Movie Vision, amongst others.
The previous Mediatech Africa drew 4,170 trade visitors. The trade fair also sparked interest from around the world and a total of 233 foreign visitors attended from 26 countries, with the majority coming from Africa. “Substantial growth in visitor numbers is expected this year as the industry prepares for 2010 and seeks to investigate the plethora of new technology,” adds Robinson.
This, together with Mediatech Africa’s increased sector profiles, necessitated the need to move the fair from its previous location at the Sandton Convention Centre to the Coca-Cola Dome at Northgate. This new venue is not only bigger but also offers up state-of-the-art exhibition technology, meeting the exact requirements of a trade fair of this nature.
Mediatech Africa is this year taking place in July as opposed to June (when it is traditionally held) to accommodate the Confederations Cup soccer tournament.
Mediatech Africa is organised by Thebe Exhibitions and Projects, which launched the show in 2001. Since then, it has grown into South Africa’s most comprehensive industry trade fair, driving growth, research and development, networking, collaboration, training, and business and sales on the show floor.
For further information contact Simon or Marita at Thebe Exhibitions and Projects Tel: (011) 549 8300 email: simon@mediatech.co.za or visit www.mediatech.co.za
