At the time of going to press, 90 exhibitors representing close to 500 brands had signed up for the 2009 edition of Mediatech Africa, the biennial advanced technology trade fair for the broadcast, media and entertainment industries. Mediatech Africa runs from 23 to 25 July at the Coca-Cola Dome in Northgate, Johannesburg.
Says festival director Simon Robinson: "Despite the economic downturn we have 19 new exhibitors, including, for the first time, a number of overseas exhibitors. These are Black Magic Design, Enping Aoda Electronic Technology, Fly Dragon Lighting Equipment, Guangzhou Yinhe Lighting & Sound Equipment Factory, Night Sun and United Broadcast & Media Solutions. It’s clear that South Africa’s hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup is driving international interest in the show. Also, overseas companies are looking at emerging markets as developed markets become saturated.
"Most of our big exhibitors from previous Mediatech Africa events are back this year, such as Sony South Africa, Spescom, Concilium Technologies and Telemedia, among others. I can report that we’ve seen definite growth in both professional AV and professional audio since our last event in 2007. "
Screen Africa previously reported that the move of venue to the Coca-Cola Dome had been a key factor in the selling of exhibition space. New innovations made possible by the Dome venue are outside exhibits (ie. outdoor screens, staging and roofing systems) and open air sound demos, which are likely to create a "wow" factor. Five audio companies will give demos in a specially sectioned off area of the parking lot on a half hourly basis. In addition, Millers is sponsoring an outside marquee and will have live bands paying unplugged at lunchtime.
Read more in the July 2009 issue of Screen Africa
