PROCABSAT
CABSAT 2021: THE NEXT FRONTIER OF CONTENT After conducting a virtual edition last year, CABSAT is back for an inperson gathering and exhibition. Thomas Löffler, AVP, Exhibitions, Dubai World Trade Centre, takes us through some of the key features this year
How is CABSAT shaping up at present? Will this be a hybrid version or in-person only? CABSAT will reunite the region’s content and broadcast communities in-person once again at its 26th edition. Our exhibitors, speakers and visitors are extremely excited to meet again after a year that has been defined by virtual interaction – or, in other words, the missed opportunities that are associated with being unable to meet in-person. Technology played a vital role in helping to mitigate the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. While life went on pause for people across the world, online streaming boomed to unprecedented levels as a result of lockdown measures. Digital transformation was already affecting every major industry across the world, Thomas Löffler. but the pandemic has only accelerated that pace of change. The main challenge for the global broadcast and content communities is to now ensure that the increased levels of demand seen during the pandemic for a variety of services can be effectively sustained. In terms of the satellite industry, it seems fitting that CABSAT follows soon after the UAE’s Hope Probe successfully entered the orbit of Mars, which represents a landmark historical occasion for the Arab world and a hugely exciting opportunity for satellite operators, not only in the region but also internationally. CABSAT plays a key role in sparking international conversations within these communities to ensure that stakeholders are able to stay on top of the latest developments
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in their industry through the cornerstone of business networking, which is of course meeting in-person. What big lessons has DWTC learned from Covid-19, and how have they shaped your strategy for future events? Visitor well-being is our number one priority at Dubai World Trade Centre, and CABSAT 2021 will be held under stringent safety and hygiene protocols. DWTC has proven its capability to curate the safest faceto-face business environment and deliver world-class events with the highest safety protocols, as evidenced by the recent GITEX Technology Week – the only live in-person tech event in 2020. Held in December, the event welcomed tens of thousands of visitors, with 96% of local and international attendees recording a ‘safe’ or ‘very safe’ experience. DWTC’s protocols were further intensified for Gulfood 2021, the only major F&B industry event to go live in a year and hosted this February, under strict guidance and coordination with the Dubai Health Authority and Dubai Municipality, to ensure the safest possible business conditions. The wearing of masks is of course now mandatory, with social distancing enforced to ensure the well-being of all delegates. DWTC continues to work with these authorities to ensure it complies with local regulations, and is also Bureau Veritas-certified, which attests to its commitment to world-class health and safety standards.
