"More than 40 speakers are set to share their insights during the Content Congress, representing industry heavyweights such as Facebook, BBC, iflix, Rotana Media Group ..."
In conversation with BroadcastPro ME, Frederique Maurell, Show Director for CABSAT 2018 outlines how the show will offer a unique 360-degree view on the industry from content creation to consumption.
How is CABSAT going to be different this year?
The content for delegates and attendees at CABSAT 2018 can be divided into three distinct pillars: broadcast, satellite and the content marketplace. Between these, the show offers a 360-degree view on the state of the industry from the creation of content up to its consumption. Professionals in the field will have access to new source materials as well as have the opportunity to train in new techniques allowing them to keep abreast of developments in the industry.
This year, we have worked closely with key industry associations and leaders to present vibrant content throughout the three days. At the IP theatre hosted by IABM on the first day, delegates will hear from industry leaders at the Content Congress.
CABSAT has also commissioned an industry report from Ernst and Young which will be exclusively accessible to the delegates attending Content Congress.
Could you list some new exhibitors within various segments at CABSAT?
Were excited for some of our newcomers this year as a host of new technologies will be showcased.
The TiVo Corporation will be exhibiting their voice-controlled DVR, the TiVo BOLT VOX. These are the first TiVo DVRs to include a voice remote control, which allows users to search across live TV, DVR, video-on-demand and online streaming services just by speaking.
ARISTON Broadcast and telecom solutions will display broadcast applications and audiovisual systems along with their latest innovative case studies in the field of broadband and telecommunications.
Additionally, there will be some exciting news from our regular participants at CABSAT as well.
Eutelsat Communications has acquired NOORSAT, one of the leading satellite service providers in the Middle East, from Bahrains Orbit Holding Group. The acquisition of NOORSAT will allow Eutelsat to strengthen the long-term commercial development of its market-leading video positions in the Arabic world and increase its direct access to end-customers, facilitating stimulation of High Definition TV take-up and the upselling of incremental video services.
Al Yah Satellite (YAHSAT) Communications Company plans to launch their third satellite in the first half of 2017 to expand broadband operations in Africa and Brazil. They also announced the successful trial of a 50Mbps in-flight connection which is the result of a partnership between YAHSAT, du, Etihad Airways Engineering, Hughes Network Systems and Carlisle Interconnect. The high-speed broadband offering will be available for airlines within the next 12 months.
You have brought the event forward from previous years. Could you explain how this might benefit the industry?
We have brought the event forward from March to January 14-16 for the year 2018 due to the timing of other major international shows as well as Ramadan moving forward in the calendar in the coming years.
The show will be hosted at the new Zaabeel Halls 1-6 facing Happiness Street, formerly known as Al Saada Street. Dubai World Trade has invested significant capital in infrastructure surrounding the venue including a service road, LED signage, restaurants and cafes both on the concourse and within the halls. The organiser also hopes that a new multi-storey car parking with spaces for 2700 vehicles will be open in time for the next event.
What are some of your focus areas at CABSAT this year?
There will be a diverse set of themes at this years Content Congress, and speakers are set to discuss critical attention to the increasing role of new technologies such as metadata, content storage, predictive analytics, artificial intelligence, and how to monetize social media content.
The growth of the Arabic content sector will play a large role in the conferences with a host of speakers sharing their insights. Adam Khwaja, Creative Director, Cartoon Network Studios Arabia; Khulud Abu Homos, Chief Executive Officer, Arab Format Lab; and Mido Shaban, Executive Director, Entertainment and Commissioning, CBC Egypt, to name a few.
More than 40 speakers are set to share their insights during the Content Congress, representing industry heavyweights such as Facebook, BBC, iflix, Rotana Media Group, Turner Broadcasting, Cote Ouest, Cairo News Company and FremantleMedia. Similarly, SATEXPOs line up will include high level speakers across broadcast, telecoms, aviation and maritime sectors with the keynote being delivered by HE Dr. Eng. Mohammed Nasser Al Ahbabi, Director General of the UAE Space Agency
Streaming content providers and/OTT players are completely changing what it means to be a broadcaster in the Middle East. How are local companies standing up to the challenge of major international OTT players entering the market and producing content?
The cable and satellite industry has experienced a multitude of changes and challenges brought on by the dawn of a technology-driven society.
Between competition from new industry players offering over the top services and video on demand content, to the adoption and integration of these services by existing and established organisations, companies have been forced to make changes in order to stay relevant in the industry.
CABSAT will take place from January 14-16 at the new Zaabeel Halls 1-6, Dubai World Trade Centre.
