Rod Perth, President and CEO of NATPE
In a conference call with the most important media industry, NATPE president and CEO, Rod Perth confirmed a significant assistance to NATPE in Miami, from January 27th to the 29th again at the Fontainebleau Resort and Convention Center in Miami Beach. “More international buyers, digital presence and new partnerships.”
He stressed that there will be 225 exhibitors from 23 countries, of which 34 will attend for the first time. All of the Hollywood studios will have greater presence and a number of exhibitors from the UK, France, Spain and Germany. ‘The Versailles Tower is fully sold, while reservations in the Tressor Tower floor are outpacing last year,’ said Perth.
He also emphasized that 44% of buyers are international, representing 46 countries and the rest of the domestic market (there will be 28 large groups of stations, 100% more than in 2013).
“Within that 44% there will be a preponderance of Latin America, but also a strong European support and the presence of Asian and the Middle East,” he said.
About the digital business said “we want to be protagonists of the (fast) changes occurring in this industry, and that the market will be a link between linear and digital business. We are looking for a common language that serves both worlds,” underlined Perth.
It is at the conferences where you will clearly see that strategy. In 2013, 41% of the panels had concerns about the digital area, and this year will be exactly half. Among others, will be Andy Donkin, Head of Worldwide Brand and Mass Marketing Amazon.com; Bryan Thoensen, director and head of Brand Content from Hulu; Sima Sistani, director of Yahoo! Mobile Growth; and Anthony Wood, founder and CEO of Roku.
Also will be the advertising market with a strong presence of industry leaders such as Joseph Feczko, SVP, Broadcast Innovation and Integration, Macy’s Corporate Marketing; Rob DeFeo, innovation leader, Expedia; and David Levy, president of Turner Broadcasting.
He also confirmed the participation of Emilio Azcarraga Jean, CEO of Grupo Televisa (Mexico). In that sense, the presentation of Televisa USA: Latin Feel will be organized. American Appeal, with the participation of Michael Garcia, Chief Creative Officer, and Ryan Likes, Chief of Operations & Business Affairs Televisa USA.
Other key speakers are Alberto Ciurana, president of Univision Networks programming; Mike Beale, director of international formats ITV Studios (UK); Andy Kaplan, president of SPT Networks, Sony Pictures Television; and Andrew Zein, SVP, Creative, Format Development and Sales, Warner Bros. International Television Production.
Perth also highlighted the partnership with Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), organizer of the CES (January 7-10), “for conducting research that will understand ‘better’ video consumption applications second screen”. At NATPE Miami 2014 the CES Innovations Design and Engineering Awards Honorees will be presented.
“An important part of our goals is to create the propitious climate for business development between buyers and sellers. What we can assure both groups is that those attending NATPE Miami will have a return on investment,” completed the executive.