“To miss the show is to be left behind. Without innovation it’s impossible to remain competitive.” – Simon Robinson
Few would argue that the tech deployed by the media and entertainment industry is radically progressive and emerging technology is steadily influencing the industry. From AI, drones, chat bots, and disruptive digital technologies like virtual and augmented reality – these advances are bringing creativity to life. Showcasing all these tools of the trade, and more, is what makes Mediatech Africa such an engaging platform and why this high energy tradeshow remains relevant and indeed the leading biennial event of its kind on the continent. Pulling over 7 500 visitors, showcasing close to 800 brands from 150 odd global and local exhibitor companies; Mediatech Africa is undeniably the premier trade show that serves the media and entertainment technology industry.
According to the organisers, registration for the latest edition of the highly specialised B2B trade show has already far exceeded 5 500 delegates; a figure that keeps climbing and is expected to surpass the visitor count achieved two years ago. Visitors have the opportunity to pre-register online ahead of the Friday, 14 July cut off and in so doing they will avoid the R100 onsite registration fee. The 2017 event is scheduled to run from 19 to 21 July at the Ticketpro Dome in Johannesburg.
Speaking about this year’s line-up, exhibition director Simon Robinson says, “We have a real feast of state-of-the-art technology for our visitors this year – across both components of the Mediatech Africa extravaganza. From the broadcast, film and production sector to the AV system integration and live event technology markets; delegates will not be disappointed.”
Show highlights include the two presentation zones where the latest trends in technology will be shared by local and international experts from the industry throughout the day. Not just the trends – the tech needed to execute these creative themes and messages will also be detailed. Appealing to audiences in the live events industry, the popular outdoor sound demo will again be on offer, which, according to Robinson, is sure to “blow your hair back”.
Highlighting this rapidly growing specialist technology product sector, this is the first year that Mediatech has introduced a drone cage demo area. “A powerful emerging technology that is reshaping entire industries, drones have the potential to replace business across key areas of the economy, including transportation, security, agriculture and media and entertainment,” says Robinson. “An affordable technology that can also be used for good, the potential of these unmanned aircrafts is unmatched and we believe this part of the expo will be a major draw-card for delegates this year.”
Another first for Mediatech is the introduction of Black Box – an “edu-taining” concept developed specifically to showcase how to achieve creativity using technology – and how the technology pulls it off. For Robinson and his team, Mediatech is a trade show that is shaping the way creativity plays, creates and lives and he says that the Black Box is a tangible demonstration of this reality.
The highly anticipated Electrosonic and Martin Lighting Design Competition returns and this year’s showdown for the coveted title will take place on Thursday, 20 July at 17h00. This year’s prizes are sure to attract further interest and with an esteemed panel of judges lined up to do the honours, the competition is expected to be greater than in the inaugural competition.
“The mind-blowing advances in tech today are possibly more pioneering and exciting than in any other industry – at any point in time. Keeping step with these developments is the only way to remain germane for those in the industry,” says Robinson. “To miss the show is to be left behind. Without innovation it’s impossible to remain competitive.”
With six verticals represented at the show, including Broadcast – TV & Radio; Film & Video Production; Digital Media; Pro Audio – Lighting – Staging; Audio Visual Integration; and Studio – Recording – DJ, the audience profile is all encompassing when it comes to media and entertainment.
Owned and managed by Reed Exhibitions and Sun Circle Exhibitions, Mediatech Africa is the largest show of its kind on the African continent, and the three day event attracts regional and international visitors and exhibitors from all over the world.
Unmatched in potential, Mediatech is an experience which visitors immerse themselves in, leaving invigorated and inspired by the possibility of opportunity and a fast forward glimpse into the future.
