As in the past, the organisers have developed a mobile app that’s freely available on Apple or Android devices. Exhibition director Simon Robinson says that to take full advantage of everything on offer, and to avoid missing any of the exciting 2019 attractions, visitors must download the 2019 mobile app.

Alongside its regular features, this year’s Mediatech event line-up will aim to bring visitors closer to new technologies and make clear how technology is driving disruption and distinction. Robinson says that booking is essential to avoid missing out on what is sure to be oversubscribed events.

"Our 2017 show stopper Black Box returns, and if you were in awe of what the team pulled off then, you will be spellbound this year. It’s hard to improve on perfection but the suppliers and manufacturers who have laboured on the project have exceeded all expectations adding new elements and twists to the automated light and visual performance. We have highly educational and entertaining performances on the hour daily — so don’t miss it," Robinson adds.

This year, Mediatech, together with the Academy of Sound Engineers, launched MasterMix — a competition for emerging sound engineers. Robinson says that the uptake was unprecedented with the entry cap exceeded within three days of taking the competition live.

The first ever MasterMix titleholder will be announced on the final day of the show – an honour that will be determined by visitors who are invited to cast their deciding vote at the show. Another highlight never seen at Mediatech before is the inclusion of a new 3D flying broadcast solution.

"Just as the birds-eye tech brings viewers closer to the action, so visitors will have the opportunity to get close to this state of the art system. So sign up for this exciting experience where you can have a shot at guiding it around a fully-rigged ‘stadium’ set-up," says Robinson.

This year’s appointed radio partner is Hot 91.9FM, and Mark Pilgrim and other members of the team will be broadcasting live from 09:00 to noon daily. The station's stand is an entertainment zone, with pool and pinball on offer as well as ice-cream.

The station will also be selling old-school vinyl LPs and have installed a vintage audio, broadcast and music equipment museum.

Drones will again be a feature and some of the best cameras and drones available will be showcased — from the Alta 8 Pro, a Shotover U1, Lidar scanners and headsets, to the smaller Ari and red cameras flying on drones. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience them first-hand.

The Gearhouse Group has been the official technical and event equipment sponsor of the show since 2007, and the partnership remains in place this year. As the show countdown begins, several of the group’s business units have combined their equipment and expertise to meet the technical requirements year.

"We are really pleased that this industry leader continues to see the value in supporting our tradeshow. Not just a show about the products available in six verticals, Mediatech is about innovation and bringing ideas to life using the latest tech, and Gearhouse recognised this at the outset and has grown with us on our journey of discovery," adds Robinson. 

Robinson concludes, "Mediatech will bring you closer to the best the industry has to offer. Discover, learn, be inspired, network and engage with people and tech. This is the media and technology tradeshow shaping the way creativity 'Inspires. Innovates. Delivers'. So take advantage of everything on offer and make the most of your show experience."

Pre-show registrations are sitting at 8 000. Those still wishing to preregister for the event can sign up here

For more information, visit www.mediatech.co.za. You can also follow Mediatech Africa on Facebook, Twitter or on Instagram.