From content creation to 5G, and 8K cameras to satellite innovation, experience the biggest breakthroughs in media and entertainment at the 26th edition of CABSAT
CABSAT, the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA)’s leading specialist event for the broadcast, satellite, digital media and filmed entertainment industries, is entering its 26th edition with a newly evolved format that will bring the entire content, satellite, broadcast, digital media and entertainment ecosystem under one roof.
Taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), 31st March – 2nd April, CABSAT 2020 will unite the media industry’s creative experts and most sought-after technology suppliers to unpack and unveil the latest in consumption habits, digitisation efforts and next-gen revenue opportunities being shaped by modern audiences.
For the first time, CABSAT 2020 will host its 5G Focus Day, a one-day seminar to explore 5G advances in the MENA region that are reshaping the media conversation. The Middle East and Africa region is set to be at the centre of the 5G revolution, with 30 million 5G mobile subscriptions expected in the region by 2024 , and all six GCC countries are expected to launch 5G mobile services in the next two years, with the UAE aiming to deploy 5G in 2020. As 5G networks become a reality, new products, services, business models and entire industries will be born. Under the theme of ‘5G and Beyond’, the seminar at CABSAT 2020 will give visitors a glimpse of how 5G will drive productivity, task automation and digital connectivity. Featuring a series of technical and strategic keynotes, panel discussions and workshops, the seminar will address the needs of broadcasters and content providers to transition smoothly into the 5G era.
CABSAT’s Content Creation pillar will be the meeting point for the industry’s brightest minds. The Content Congress will engage a unique cross-section of senior industry stakeholders with up-and-coming influencers to share forward-looking insights into how to adapt traditional broadcast models, the benefits of disruptive thinking and the future of broadcasting not only for the region, but worldwide.
Key speakers sharing their knowledge and insights at this year’s CABSAT include Bernie Su, three-times Emmy award-winning American web series creator, writer, director and producer; Sanjay Raina, Senior Media and Entertainment industry professional and broadcast and media trailblazer; David Clark, CTO of Sky News Arabia and the man behind the launch of all Sky News Arabia’s OTT products across major smart TVs as well as Apple TV and Amazon Fire; Archana Anand, Chief Business Officer, ZEE5 Global and the lady behind the digital charge at ZEE, launching the digital platform ZEE5 across India and across over 190 countries; Yusuf Al-Butti, Head of technology and engineering at twofour54 and Klime Mickovski, Head of digital data and insights, Sky News Arabia and global digital transformation and growth guru for digital media and telco brands.
Making its debut this year is the all-new GVF SATEXPO Summit, formerly known as the GVF Satellite Summit, which will focus on industries including aviation, military, maritime, humanitarian assistance and disaster response. The Summit will extend over two-and-a-half days during CABSAT, featuring keynote addresses, a series of themed interactive sessions, and special focus sessions, covering key topics on the satellite industry agenda.
Launched last year, CABSAT’s Esports section will provide broadcasters, advertising and marketing agencies, premium brands and game developers a tremendous opportunity to understand, learn and adapt these bite-sized formats. Launched at CABSAT 2019, the Esports Congress will once again discuss opportunities across the plethora of original revenue generators the skyrocketing gaming phenomenon presents, in the form of networking as well as panel discussions and keynotes. Government recognition of Esports, monetisation in the industry and how game publishers view the region are some the topics that will be discussed at the Congress, to be held on Day 1 of CABSAT.
While CABSAT’s Digital Hub will continue to focus on the digital and over the top (OTT) technologies this year that facilitate the delivery of video or digital content via internet protocol and purpose built platforms for ‘anytime, anywhere’ consumption, this year will also see the photography and videography sectors evolving further at the show, through Imagescape. The show will continue to support the entire imaging sector and feature the latest in video and photography. Held in collaboration with Advanced Media Trading, the visitors will get access to free workshops, educational seminars and interactive learning sessions presented by leading professional photographers.
In collaboration with mena.tv, CABSAT will also host Contentscape where original Arabic and international content will be screened to visitors. This will also be a platform for businesses to exhibit their latest content, explore production and co-production opportunities, while discovering the latest formats in TV and film. As well as a dedicated content marketplace for buying and selling content in the MENA region – especially for content buyers from across the region who are looking to buy content for TV, film, serial dramas, documentaries, comedy, kids entertainment, animated series – the platform will also be apt for creative professionals involved in filmmaking to create, launch and establish a viable and successful content market in the region.
The CABSAT Global Meetings Programme will also provide unprecedented opportunities to exhibitors, visitors and delegates to network and have pre-arranged meetings set up before they even arrive at the venue with key players. Last year, 1,178 meetings were booked as part of the programme, engaging with 5,000 users and deals worth up to $3.75 million signed during the programme.
CABSAT’s supporting partners include Dubai Studio City, twofour54 Abu Dhabi, IABM, World Teleport Association, TUYAD,GVF, Asia Pacific Satellite Communications Council among others.
