CABSAT gains support of international trade associations

As a result of these agreements, IABM and GVF will be endorsing CABSAT as representative international event for the Electronic Media and Communications Industry in the Middle East, a move which will result in reinforcing the position of the show as the most representative and significant of its kind in the region apart from boosting the awareness of CABSAT as a event not-to-be-missed for those seeking a foothold in the region's rapidly expanding broadcast and satellite market

Riding on the strength of these associations, CABSAT aims to draw more international exhibitors to showcase their latest technologies as well as to develop conference programs and workshop that will benefit the industry in this region.

'We are extremely upbeat over the endorsement and support that will be given by IABM and GVF. The industry is growing at an amazing rate and the need to provide a common industry platform for networking and exchanging of ideas amongst the regional players are more intense than ever,' said a DWTC International Project Manager CABSAT, David Lim. 'We look forward for CABSAT to fulfill the industry role of faciliating information and experiences within the industry', he added.

IABM is the international trade association that represents manufacturers and suppliers of products and services to the broadcasting and electronic media industries. The association represents the interests of companies taking part in international broadcasting equipment exhibitions. Now with over 180 members, the association has expanded its activities to offer an increasingly wide range of services including recruitment, training, legal and technical information. Globally, IABM also supports BroadcastAsia (Asia) , IBC (Europe) and NAB (America) all of which are representative events of the industries in their respective continents.

Martin Salter, Chairman of the International Association of Broadcasting Manufacturers (IABM) commenting on the IABM endorsement of CABSAT said, 'CABSAT has long been appreciated by many of our members who have found this exhibition an excellent opportunity to meet their valued customers in the Middle East, and indeed from an area extending beyond that geographical territory. It is therefore with pride and pleasure that we extend the status of Officially Supported Exhibition to CABSAT and hope that this partnership will further the growth and stature of this respected event'

The Gobal VSAT Forum, an association of key companies involved in the business of delivering advance digital fixed satellite systems and services to consumers, commercial and government enterpise worldwide, will not only endorse the event but will also organise GVF Arab & African States Satellite Symposium, a major two-day regional event for satellite industry professionals with a focused interest in satellite-based video solutions, as well as data and voice.

'Drawing upon the expertise of top executives and key officials, the GVF Arab & African States Satellite Symposium will provide delegates with valuable insights into cutting-edge broadcasting & telecommunication applications, the latest regulation & policy trends, state-of-the-art technology, and successful business models,' said David Hartshorn, Secretary General of the GVF. Commenting further, Mr. Hartshorn said that 'This is an exciting opportunity to bring together the key people to discuss the major trends at a strategic event for the satellite sector around the region.'

CABSAT 2005, which will be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre Complex from March 8th to 10th, is already acknowledged in the industry as the ideal showcase in the burgeoning Middle East market for the latest technologies and business strategies, which provides an avenue for the exploration of new business opportunities. This fact is reinforced by leading industry players regularly scheduling a series of launches and presentations during the event so as to be able to more effectively reach their target audience.

The 10th edition of CABSAT in 2004, saw a remarkable surge in visitor numbers with 6,112 going through the gates, an increase of more than 35 per cent over the 4,523 trade visitors who came to the previous edition of the show. Visitors came in from all parts of the world including the Middle East, Africa, Southern Asia, Europe and the USA.

With Dubai being the gateway to the entire Middle East region and being ideally located at the crossroads of a potential market of over two billion consumers, the development of Dubai's technology, E-commerce and media industry has provided increased momentum to the show. Cabsat has also benefited from the region's rapidly developing electronic media markets and associated activities.

CABSAT in the past editions has provided participants with a unique networking opportunity to touch base with trade professionals and forge new links with organisations that can help further the corporate goals of suppliers who specialise in cable, satellite, telecommunications and broadcast equipment and services.