ATF Expects Record Attendance for Ninth Edition

SINGAPORE, July 1: The
organizers of the Asia Television Forum (ATF) say that registrations for this
year have picked up pace since the cancellation of Amazia, with expectations
for record-breaking attendance at this year’s event, set for December 10 to 12
in Singapore.

Reed MIDEM recently
cancelled plans for its new multiplatform content conference and exhibition,
Amazia, which was to be held in Hong Kong in November. The organization cited a
reluctance on the part of some companies to attend, given the timing’s close
proximity to other Asian events—Amazia was scheduled within a few weeks
of both CASBAA and the ATF.

Reed Exhibitions says that
70 percent of exhibition space is already booked for the ninth edition of its
annual conference and television market. “ATF is now regarded as the
must-attend event for industry professionals serious about doing business in
the region,” said Michelle Lim, the general manager of Reed Exhibitions. “ATF
serves as the TV broadcasting and new-media content marketplace bringing
together international programming sellers and Asia-Pacific buyers.”

This year’s event marks a
change from ATF’s traditional hotel format, used first at the Shangri-La’s Rasa
Sentosa Resort and, since 2004, the Shangri-La Hotel. To accommodate increased
attendance, ATF is relocating to the Suntec Convention Centre. New enhancements
on the show floor this year will include more meeting areas for participants,
an option for a suite-style stand equipped with private meeting spaces, and a
Buyers Lounge.

ATF 2008 will feature
pavilions from France, Malaysia, South Korea, Singapore, Spain and Taiwan.
Confirmed exhibitors include 4Kids Entertainment, ALL3MEDIA, BBC Worldwide,
Dori Media Distribution, Endemol, Studio100, Telescreen, Telefe International
and Televisa, among others.

—By Mansha Daswani