CASBAA to Shine a Spotlight on OTT

HONG KONG: This year's CASBAA Convention, which is taking place at the new venue of Hong Kong's Intercontinental Hotel, will touch on a wide range of issues related to OTT, including revenue drivers, technologies, audience behaviors and regulations.

"Whilst we cannot deny the role that linear TV will continue to play a role in the region, we must face the reality that OTT is here to stay and adapt accordingly," said Christopher Slaughter, CEO of CASBAA. "The simple truth is that companies that fail to evolve will be left behind. By taking a look at some of the best practices in the industry, both in our neck of the woods and further afield, it is our belief that the CASBAA Convention will help our members find ways to navigate—and even conquer—these unchartered seas."

Carrie Lam, the chief secretary of the Hong Kong SAR Government, will open the event, followed by AOL's David Shing providing an overview of the digital landscape, focusing on how OTT is now permeating every aspect of the content industry. Giving a U.K. perspective, Tom Mockridge of Virgin Media will discuss how the broadcast and digital landscapes have become increasingly intertwined and Virgin's in this space. Li Ruigang of China Media Capital will be giving the China keynote speech. He will discuss how his investment strategy has helped establish him as one of the major players in the region bridging both the Chinese and international media landscape.

Greg Beitchman of CNN and Mark Howard from Forbes will look at driving revenue streams in the increasingly digital landscape, while content providers Alon Shtruzman from Keshet Media and Mike Hyun-dong Suh from CJ E&M will highlight key trends in the content market across Asia. David Downey from Invidi and Sam Rogoway from Victorious will be covering the latest developments in how technology is being used in the broadcast arena. Gwynne Shotwell from SpaceX will look at how space technology will revolutionize the media industry.

This year, CASBAA will also hold an additional conference on the Monday before to the convention at the Sheraton Hong Kong to discuss the topic "Making Online Advertising Click." Detective Chief Superintendent David Clark from the City of London Police Force will discuss what policies have worked for them in the U.K. in the online advertising space, while Dr. Paul Watters will present updated research on the less-than-favorable places respectable brands can appear online.