BroadcastAsia returns this year with 647 exhibitors

BroadcastAsia this year will feature 647 exhibiting companies, 85 per cent of which are from overseas. The region's most comprehensive digital multimedia and entertainment technology exhibition and conference will also welcome more than 60 new companies to the show.

The annual event will be held at the Singapore Expo on 16 - 19 June 2009. It serves as a stage for international companies from across the globe to reach out to partners and customers from the Asia Pacific region.

"In spite of the current global economic downturn, businesses are still looking towards Asia to drive the new wave of growth in the broadcast and media sectors. Broadcast Asia remains the must-attend event for companies to source, purchase, network and foster collaborations between international, regional and local players, to leverage on each others' strengths and seize new business opportunities," said Stephen Tan, chief executive of the show's organiser, Singapore Exhibition Services (SES).

BroadcastAsia, currently in its 14th year, has grown to encompass a broader spectrum of media beyond the traditional television and Internet outlets. With the shifts in media consumption patterns and the increasing demands for more interactive and mobile content, services and applications, this year's showcase of technologies reflect the increasing convergence of media across the entire landscape.

"BroadcastAsia has become one of the leading shows of its kind by spotlighting industry innovation and fostering collaborations by bringing together the world's broadcast technology players in a single place. It also reinforces Singapore's aspirations to be at the leading edge of digital technology through an environment that promotes experimentation and test-bedding," said Dr Christopher Chia, chief executive officer, Media Development Authority of Singapore.

Featured for the first time at BroadcastAsia 2009 is Digital Signage, a form of converging media that makes use of electronic displays installed in public retail, hospitality, transportation and entertainment spaces to captivate consumers. Digital Signage is altering outdoor advertising and is set to be a strong growth segment in Asia as the region's affluent consumer population swells.