New ‘Content Marketplace’ to Launch at CABSAT 2016

Exhibitors Welcome Holistic Platform Conceived to Unite Entire Commercial Ecosystem for Filmed Entertainment Content

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Wednesday 11th March, 2015: Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the organiser of this week’s CABSAT 2015 – the leading platform for the broadcast, production, content delivery, digital media and satellite sectors across the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) – has revealed next year’s exhibition will feature the all-new Content Marketplace, a co-located event designed to unite the entire commercial ecosystem for filmed entertainment content.

As a dedicated platform to launch and source new content, explore exchange and funding opportunities and seal distribution partnerships, the CABSAT Content Marketplace will connect studios and content creators, producers, distributors and licensors with a host of buyers – from free-to-air and Pay TV operators, to Telcos, brands, advertising agencies and media buying houses.

With the value of global Over-the-Top (OTT) video streaming due to reach US$22.7 billion by 2018 – up from US$6.5 billion in 2013 – the CABSAT Content Marketplace comes as Frost & Sullivan, the Knowledge Partner of the exhibition, predict the Middle East will have 390 million internet users and up to seven connected devices per household by the end of the decade.

Indeed, as increasingly connected regional users consume vast amounts of video content, the Internet of Everything (IoE) – the hyper-network of connected physical objects that enable enhanced value and service by exchanging data with the manufacturer, operator and other connected devices – will present a further raft of challenges and opportunities for the film and audio entertainment industries.

“Our aim is for CABSAT to remain at the pulse of all disruptive trends, technologies and emerging content platforms over the coming years,” said Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice President, Exhibitions & Events Management, DWTC. “In this regard, the CABSAT Content Marketplace will service the MENA region’s relentless appetite to consume Hollywood, Bollywood and Arabic content on multiple viewing platforms in the ever-evolving digital content space. With companies such as Netflix and Amazon already streaming in 4K formats, this exciting new feature will only grow in relevance as OTT distributors embrace the potential of Ultra HD video.”

With CABSAT already attracting all of the region’s major satellite operators, Telcos and broadcasters involved in the creation, distribution and monetisation of filmed entertainment content, the CABSAT Content Marketplace will complete the show’s holistic offering by providing a space for key regional players in the Pay TV and content distribution spheres – such as OSN, Fox, MBC Group and icflix – to buy, sell and exchange multiscreen, HD or digital film content.

“With the Middle East being a gateway to the world, having a professional market place in the UAE will help bridge East and West. In the long-term, I would like to see the Content Marketplace evolve from a compelling commercial proposition into a vehicle which makes Dubai as huge and successful as the Cannes film market,” said Carlos Tibi, Co-Founder and CEO, icflix.

Other CABSAT exhibitors were universally positive. “The Middle East continues to be one of the most dynamic broadcast markets for us,” said Stuart Russell, EMEA Marketing Manager, ROSS. “Video is all about live production, so we’re happy to see the show growing into the content space which is of primary importance to us.”

“This is good synergy with the existing exhibitors and the mood of the show,” added Nicki Fisher, Director of EMEA Sales at Clear Com. “It’s complementary in terms of the brand – which should encourage a broadening of the delegate footfall.”

Finally, Michel Merten, CEO of Memnon Archiving Services, said: “We are excited to see CABSAT introducing its Content Marketplace for next year. As a company that handles the restoration, digitisation and preservation of all types of filmed content we see this as an important move for the region.”

Open free-of-charge to business and trade visitors only, CABSAT 2015 is open until Thursday 12 March (10am to 5pm). Visit www.cabsat.com to find out more.

About CABSAT: CABSAT is the leading professional content management event in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA). An exciting, interactive event featuring all the major global technology and service providers for this growing industry, CABSAT – now in its 21st year – continues to extend its global reach. The show is the dominant digital media and satellite technology platform for anyone wishing to target broadcasters, production houses, animation houses, content owners and creators, software developers, systems integrators and distribution channels in the vast MEASA region. www.cabsat.com

About Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC): As the organiser of CABSAT 2015, Dubai World Trade Centre offers more than 35 years’ experience delivering world-class events in the Middle East, providing local, regional and international exhibitors with unmatched expertise and in-depth market knowledge. Our team organises 20 of the region’s largest and most successful international and regional shows, providing an ideal platform for business development across the Middle East.

Our commitment to ongoing innovation within the exhibition industry has supported the rapid growth and development of a wide range of business-to-business and business-to-consumer shows, and delivered consistent satisfaction to exhibitors and visitors. DWTC works with the leading trade bodies and industry associations to ensure that all exhibitions deliver full value and are built upon the real needs of their specific sector. www.dwtc.com