ABU DHABI, UAE -- Turret Media today announced the launch of MediaLive! in association with twofour54 and the NAB Show, the world's largest digital media and entertainment event covering every stage of content from creation to consumption.
Chris Fountain, managing director of Turret Media said, "This brand new media event in Abu Dhabi will bring together a host of events under one roof, from the industry leading the NAB Show to celebrations of homegrown talent in the twenty-four hour Abu Dhabi Film Challenge. A media event specifically for the region, organised in association with one of the world's most successful international trade shows is something not to be missed."
Scheduled for 24-26 January 2011 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, MediaLive! will feature a unique visitor experience where attendees will be guided through the entire content lifecycle using four interactive zones dedicated to content creation, management, commerce and delivery.
MediaLive! will also inclulde training workshops and live demonstrations alongside a series of interactive events including a two day Broadercasting conference; Mohtawa Arabic Content Clinic; Get Streamed seminars and the 24 hour Abu Dhabi Film Challenge.
Chris Brown, executive vice president of conventions and business operations at NAB, said "We are very excited to be given the opportunity to contribute over 80 years of experience to this new event in Abu Dhabi, and to connect the NAB Show brand to a rapidly expanding media community in the MENA region."
Demand for new media in the Middle East is growing and the opportunity for greater penetration remains. "There is a rapidly growing demand for local content catering to regional, cultural and language differences being driven by a young and wealthy population base with a healthy appetite for new technology and entertainment. We look forward to engaging with the region's media in January of next year," Brown said.
Indeed, the pan-Arab media industry is expanding faster than that of any other region and is now estimated to be growing at 19 percent per year. With 55 percent of the Arab population under the age of 25, it seems the Middle East is offering a variety of opportunities for local, regional and global players in the media industry.
"In addition to a younger, wealthier population base, the region's growth is being driven by top down structural changes by Governments to liberalise the media industry. Governments are investing in media zones, easing regulations and reducing the barriers to entry in a strategic move to develop knowledge-based economies," said Fountain.
In the UAE these moves have already attracted the likes of the BBC, CNN, CNBC, MBC and Showtime to the country's media zones. Medialive! is also being held in association with twofour54, Abu Dhabi's media community dedicated to providing a regional centre of excellence in content creation across all media platforms.
Companies interested in exhibiting or sponsorship should contact Turret Media (971 2 401 2777; info@medialive.ae or Margaret Cassilly (202-429-3189; mcassilly@nab.org).
For further information and announcements visit www.medialiveuae.com.
About the NAB Show
The NAB Show, held annually in Las Vegas, is the world's largest electronic media show covering filmed entertainment and the development, management and delivery of content across all mediums. With nearly 90,000 attendees from 151 countries and more than 1,500 exhibitors, the NAB Show is the ultimate marketplace for digital media and entertainment. From creation to consumption, across multiple platforms and countless nationalities, the NAB Show is home to the solutions that transcend traditional broadcasting and embrace content delivery to new screens in new ways. Complete details are available at www.nabshow.com.
About NAB
The National Association of Broadcasters is the premier advocacy association for America's broadcasters. NAB advances radio and television interests in legislative, regulatory and public affairs. Through advocacy, education and innovation, NAB enables broadcasters to best serve their communities, strengthen their businesses and seize new opportunities in the digital age. Learn more at www.nab.org.