AV Specialist - Africa Edition Vol 92 - (Page 29)

he says. “The simple reality is that local shows [like MediaTech or Futurex] are not targeted to our industry and are driven primarily by the dealer channel. IS Europe provides a unique opportunity for African integrators to open a dialogue with the manufacturer and learn more about the emerging technologies that are shaping the future of our industry.” Ideal opportunity On the show floor, local dealers were enthusiastic as they engaged with international manufacturers and suppliers. “IS Europe provides an ideal opportunity to meet with our suppliers and learn more about the technology trends that are shaping the future of the professional AV industry,” declared Anton van Wyk, technical manager at Omega Digital while Dennis Feldman from EMS reckons it’s equally important as a meeting place for the region’s AV integrators. “Over the three days of IS Europe I had more opportunity to spend time with industry colleagues from Africa than I ever have back home. In South Africa the industry is cut-throat but when we’re all strangers in a new town, even fierce competitors seem to unite in a common bond. If the professional AV industry in Africa is ever going to mature, we all need to work more closely together – and IS Europe brings us together in a giant melting pot.” His views are echoed by Phil Buckingham from Data Video Consultants. “IS Europe has become the favoured meeting place for professional AV integrators and dealers from Africa. It’s a lot easier to get to than Infocomm in the USA … and it’s a lot cheaper. The time zones are more or less the same as we experience back home and regular flights means that we can easily participate.” ISE breaks 16 thousand barrier Records were broken in every area as Integrated Systems Europe 2007 closed after three days of huge crowds and packed conference rooms. Exhibitors reported their busiest show yet, with over 16 thousand people attending. Although there was a significant swell of attendees from Europe, visitors came from all parts of the world, including a significant delegation from the African continent. A key aspect of the show was the positive response from the visitors and exhibitors alike. Many of the exhibitors were firm in the opinion that they would definitely be returning for the next edition of ISE which will again be held at the Amsterdam RAI from 29-31 January. “ISE 2007 has been an outstanding success and the huge rise in visitor numbers has prompted an overwhelming response from exhibitors to rebook their booths for next year,” said Mike Blackman, managing director of IS Europe. “Because of this, we have already secured an extra hall at the RAI, ensuring that ISE 2008 is set to be even bigger than this year’s event. Almost without exception, everyone has commented favourably on the RAI as a venue which, due to its close proximity to Schiphol airport and major transport routes, is easy to access.” Great conference programme Buckingham was particularly impressed with the IS Europe conference programme. “IS Europe is more than a global meeting point, it’s a great opportunity to participate in training programmes and workshops run by both the participating manufacturers and the industry Associations that run the show. Attending IS Europe isn’t an expense, it’s an investment that gives me a real and immediate return that’s many times greater than the costs involved.” The good news is that Infocomm International will be attending the upcoming Mediatech show in Johannesburg, specifically to promote their on-line training programmes and to encourage the adoption of professional standards and industry certification within the African market. Enthusiastic feedback from floor Visitors were delighted with the size and scale of the show. “Absolutely amazing,” enthuses Bruce Genricks from Electrosonic. “Allthough I’ve been to many Infocomm exhibitions this was my first ISE show and I’ve been blown away by the size and diversity of the show. It covers every facet of the professional AV market and provides manufacturers an ideal opportunity to interact with dealers and AV integrators from around the world.” And it wasn’t just first-time visitors like Bruce who were impressed by the scale of the show. Industry stalwarts like AMX’s Leon Fourie was equally upbeat. “IS Europe provides AV professionals based in Africa with a unique opportunity to interact directly with the manufacturers that serve our market,” 29

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of AV Specialist - Africa Edition Vol 92

Larger than life
Mediatech Aftrica shines bright in local market
HD camcorder runs with the wild dogs
Divers Down pursues tapeless workflow
Broadcast industy feedback

AV Specialist - Africa Edition Vol 92