MediaTech Africa, an exhibition focused on advanced technology for the media industry, was launched on Thursday October 26 with an information sharing session at the newly opened Sandton Convention Centre. South Africa RAI, the organisers, are a division of the century-old, world-renowned RAI International Group that globally is responsible for some 140 shows and exhibitions.
This dynamic show is due to take place 30 May - 02 June 2001, at this world-class venue. MediaTech Africa promises to be a breath of fresh air for companies participating.
Exhibition manager for the event, Samantha van den Berg, comments that through MediaTech Africa they hope to provide the media, entertainment and communication industries with a professional and dynamic experience that is comparable with international standards.
"We are also looking to attract both quality local buyers and decision makers, as well as their counterparts from the rest of Africa," she confirms.
Having spent time researching the market, South Africa RAI concluded that major industry players were looking for a Johannesburg event offering a platform for both buyers and sellers, with special deals, interactive demonstrations, infotainment and networking opportunities.
"Consequently, we have packaged MediaTech Africa to include these facets and more," says van den Berg.
"A strong PR and marketing campaign as well as a website with hotlinks will offer publicity and support, and the introduction of a 'Publisher's Pathway', a press lounge and a Department of Trade and Industry information stand will ensure that an all-encompassing mix of needs and requirements is met.
"In addition, we want MediaTech Africa to bring the industry it serves together and become a week long media celebration, which is why we are encouraging industry associations to hold their annual general meetings, or Gauteng get-togethers, during this period, " she adds.
A Big Screen festival is proposed for the entire duration of MediaTech Africa, featuring exciting happenings from advertising awards to animation and beyond.
Screen Africa's 'Talent and Technology' conference will run alongside the exhibition.
" The gap between technology and production is closing, " affirms van den Berg, " therefore Screen Africa's conference will bring immense value to the event and will be particularly relevant to the unique South African and African markets."
A glitzy complement to the programme is the inclusion of the new look National Television and Video Association's (NTVA) Avanti Awards, set to attract a host of celebrities and to close what is hoped will be a highly successful annual addition to the media industry's calendar.
"Since reservations opened on October 16 we have been inundated with enquiries and bookings and this augers well for the future," says van den Berg,
"This we attribute to the lure of the state-of -the-art Sandton Convention Centre, as well as the fact that MediaTech Africa is truly 'for the industry, by the industry', she affirms, using the well-known IBC slogan.
"Furthermore, South Africa RAI's reputation for power, passion and professionalism ensures that MediaTech Africa will be the most comprehensive and innovative exhibition to service this dynamic market both now and in years to come," she concludes.
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