FICCI Frames 2016: Day 2
Category: Events
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FICCI elects Harshavardhan Neotia as president
NEW DELHI: Ambuja Neotia Group chairman Harshavardhan Neotia took over as the president of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) at the conclusion of the Chamber’s 88th Annual General Meeting.
Neotia was conferred with the ‘Padma Shri’ by the President of India in 1999 for his outstanding initiative in social housing.
Additionally, Zydus Cadila – Cadila Healthcare chairman and managing director Pankaj R. Patel has been elected as senior vice president, whereas Edelweiss Group chairman and CEO Rashesh Shah has been elected as vice president.
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MCOF to organise 2 day event ‘NAFDI’
MUMBAI: Maharashtra Cable Operators Federation (MCOF) is set to unfold its two day special event named NAFDI (National Agenda for Digital India). The event will see Last Mile Operators (LMOs) participating from across the region.
“With this event we are trying to chalk out a plan for the upcoming days. I know 31 December is knocking at the door but there are still few options that we can discuss and that’s what the event is all about” said MCOF president Arvind Prabhoo.
The two day event commences on 28 November and will conclude the next day on 29 November. The organisers are also trying rope in executives form the regulatory bodies.
“LMOS’ from all over the country have shown their keenness to attend this event to carry forward the Prime Ministers dream of Digital India” informed MCOF
The Agenda
Agenda for NAFDI (National Agenda For Digital India).
Day 1
9am- tea and breakfast
9:20 a.m. : Welcome speech.
9:40 to 11:00 a.m. : DAS DEADLINE – A THREAT OR OPPURTUNITY
(Discussion on analogue sunset 31st December 2015 , action required for smooth implementation and maximum penetration of digital boxes)
11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. : LESSONS FROM PHASE 1 AND 2
(Analysis on past mistakes done in phase 1and 2, its pros and cons faced by LMOs and where they stand now. Changes in MSO Strategies and their impact/B2B prepaid and STB sales)
1:00 to 2:00 p.m. :lunch break.
2:00 to 3:00 p.m. : RIGHT TIME TO SHAPE THE FUTURE
Impact of FDI in Cable, pro consumer regulation and ICA.
3:00 to 4:00 p.m.CONVERGENCE OF INFRASTRUCTURE AND SERVICES.
(Role of Telcos and PSUs in Digital India)
4:00 to 5:00 p.m.OUTSOURCING, THE NEXT BIG LEAP
(Resource sharing, profiting from outsourcing)
5:00 to 6:00 p.m. question and answers / tea break.
Day two 29th Nov.
9:00 to 9:30 a.m. : Tea and breakfast
9:30 to 11:30 a.m. : BROADBAND – THE FUTURE : Monetising the Pipe.
11:30 to 1:00 p.m.Infrastructure development and F.D.I push…role of existing M.S.O affiliated LMOs .Changing Regulations, their impact and imposing GST…100% FDI approved.
1:00 to 2:00 p.m. : lunch break.
2.00pm onwards. National Alliance requirements on one India and one solution for digital India LMOs , suitable platform required.
Tea break and summit curtain falls.
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TRAI prefers industry-driven guidelines instead of mandating directives: SK Gupta
GOA: Even as he reiterated that there will be no further extension of date for the third phase of Digital Addressable System (DAS) slated for 31 December, 2015, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) principal advisor SK Gupta stressed the need of industry-driven guidelines instead of those mandated by the regulators.
Pointing out that many lessons had been learnt from implementation of the first two phases of DAS, Gupta also stressed that the consumer was king and all policy decisions including tariffs had to be made with him in mind.
Addressing the concluding session of the Indian Digital Operators Summit (IDOS) 2015, through teleconferencing from Delhi, Gupta accepted a suggestion for the need of a ‘supra-body’ other than the Task Force to go into these issues and solve problems that arise during implementation.
IDOS 2015 was organised by Indiantelevision.com and Media Partners Asia from 24 to 26 September in Goa.
Gupta was of the opinion that the consumer’s choice was neglected and he was forced to pay for bundling of channels or bouquets instead of a la carte rates, which may not give him the channels he wants.
At the outset, he said that there the industry had seen a sizeable growth. “The number of cable households have gone up from 79 million in 2006 to over 101 million at present. The number of channels have gone up to over 800,” he said.
However, he added that though the number of channels have grown to over 800 in India, the driver channels totalled to just around 50.
Furthermore, he said that customer still face billing problems and it wasn’t easy for them to switch to another operator. “The stakeholders must jointly resolve these issues. It has to be understood that it will not be easy to get customer to pay more,” he said.
Pointing out that the increase in average revenue per user (ARPU) is illusory, if the system was faulty, Gupta asked stakeholders to reflect on it jointly. However, he was quick to add that this may not be possible, given “the level of infighting within the sector.”
Gupta also urged the broadcasting sector to take a few lessons from the telecom sector, which had also begun with lot of litigations but had then realised that collaboration was the only way to go ahead. “Today they are prepared to share and sell spectrum and have accepted mobile portability. As a result, there has been tremendous growth in the telecom sector,” he said.
Speaking on broadband, Gupta said, “Lowering the price of broadband is do-able if set top boxes could provide both television and broadband. TRAI gave its recommendations in this regard to the Government in January this year. This will herald the start of a new era in broadband growth.”
“Stakeholders need to realise that the concept of television or video watching is moving to mono-viewing,” he said.
While it was for the stakeholders to find ways to get the customer to fill the Common Assessment Framework (CAF) forms, Gupta said that lessons learnt from the first two phases should help. TRAI would “like to see consensus,” he said.
Gupta also said that while TRAI had its offices in many centres of the country, he would urge the Information and Broadcasting Ministry to send proper instructions to nodal officers in the Phase III and Phase IV areas. His remark came following a complaint that most nodal officers in smaller towns were still not clear about their role in DAS.
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EMVIES 2015: Mindshare named agency of the year
MUMBAI: The battle between siblings in EMVIES 2015 was as one sided as the match at Arthur Ashe Stadium where Serena Williams overpowered sister Venus rather easily. WPP’s media agencies Mindshare and Maxus both were neck in neck in the initial stages but eventually Mindshare won the agency of the year award with 30 metals (5 Gold, 8 Silver, 17 Bronze) and 240 points.
At the end of the tally, Maxus was spotted at the third slot with 19 metals (6 Gold, 4 Silver, 9 Bronze) and 175 points. Sam Balsara’s Madison Media bagged the second spot with 21 metals (6 Gold, 6 Silver, 9 Bronze) and 195 points.
With 4 Gold, 3 Silver and 1 Bronze in its kitty, Tata Sky won the client of the year award at EMVIES 2015. In the second spot stood, Procter and Gamble (P&G) with 4 Gold, 1 Silver and 3 Bronze statuettes, while Marico captured the third slot with 3 Gold, 2 Silver, and 3 Bronze metals.
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Kyoorius unveils debut line up for Melt 2015
MUMBAI: Kyoorius has unveiled the event line up its two day festival Melt 2015.
Kyoorius founder and CEO Rajesh Kejriwal said, “With Melt 2015, we’re pioneering an exciting new model where our partners co-curate content with us. Together, we have created opportunities to learn and interact in myriad ways, always keeping our partners’ brand goals and vision in mind. Melt 2015 is a chance for them to showcase what they do best.”
As the knowledge partner, GroupM will empower the event with international speakers, workshops and seminars. GroupM agencies will also showcase new technology in advertising at ‘FutureReady’ in the Hall of Knowledge. Participants of Melt can expect to see the Loop Room by Mindshare, Moribus- the Behavioral Economics Lab by Maxus, great global work by Mediacom and MECFresh by MEC Global.
The festival has a packed schedule of events including conferences, seminars, workshops, showcases, exhibitions and installations catering to a variety of audiences and disciplines.
On 21 May, the HT Osmosis Conference will offer insights into advertising as it exists today and a glimpse into what it could be in the future. Speakers include Chris Sanderson (Future Laboratory), Daniele Fiandaca (Creative Social), Bo Hellberg (Brave and HeyHuman) and Hugh Macleod (Gaping Void). It will be followed by a IAA debate where industry stalwarts will battle it out on whether mobile has taken over TV as the default screen for viewer. Other events for the day include a series of seminars with consumers titled Kinetic Future Citizens.
Zee MindSpace on 22 May will host a stimulating conference for industry leaders to discuss, debate and reflect on issues and challenges facing the industry. Speakers include Sir Martin Sorrell (WPP), Tom Goodwin (Havas Media), Adam Ostrow (Mashable) and Joshua Black (GroupM).
The second day also features THiNK BARC India, a seminar developed by Broadcast Audience Research Council of India that will have global industry leaders presenting key insights into measuring content consumption.
Delegates can get a first hand experience of augmented reality with Happy Finish global chairman Stuart Waplington and go behind the lens with him to create stunning 360-degree visual experiences on screen. A host of augmented and virtual reality tools will also be on display at Nehru Centre during the festival.
YouTube will take over the Hall of Vision at Nehru Centre with a series of presentations hosted by YouTube India’s Satya Raghavan along with a select group of YouTube creators, who will go in-depth into developing a successful YouTube strategy for brands and creators. The seminar also gives room for delegates to sign up for a one-on-one consultation with a YouTube expert on how to develop compelling online content.
Other events and discussions include invite-only workshop for brand managers explores mobile-first branding.
Madhouse India will host a Mobile Masterclass with marketing consultant Tomi Ahonen. Hands-on workshops on branding and idea generation by D&AD Trainers Bo Hellberg of Brave and HeyHuman, and Alex Lampe of A+B Studio will also be held.
Hyper Island Master Class speaker Daniele Fiandaca will lead two workshops discussing the most disruptive trends in digital and the challenges that the changing nature of work holds for modern creatives
The festival will also have The Other Bookstore display its extensive collection of design and advertising books and publications.
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IIFA set to dazzle KL; to screen ‘Dil Dhadakne Do’ on 6 June
MUMBAI: The 16th edition of the International Film Academy (IIFA) Awards is all set to startle Bollywood. The Videocon d2h IIFA Weekend will take place at Stadium Putra in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 5-7 June 2015.
IIFA will be screening Zoya Akhtar’s upcoming film Dil Dhadakne Do on 6 June. The film is a comedy drama about a family that takes a trip, which changes them forever. It stars Anil Kapoor, Shefali Shah, Farhan Akhtar, Priyanka Chopra, Ranveer Singh, Anushka Sharma and Rahul Bose amongst others.
This year, IIFA will witness an exclusive night dedicated to fashion, which will be hosted by Neha Dhupia. A host of performances by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, Mika, Anikt Tiwari and others will be seen at IIFA Rocks, the exclusive music extravaganza. Some of the other stars, who will take centre stage at IIFA Rocks are Jacqueline Fernandes, Aditi Rao Hydari, Lisa Hayden and Lauren Gotlieb.
Wizcraft International Entertainment director Andre Timmins said, “We have some incredible performances all set for the IIFA stage this year including some of the biggest stars of Bollywood in film as well as music. Huge preparations are on to manage the backend, airlines, hotels, different venues and other logistics and we are happy that the Malaysian Government is laying the red carpet to make this a spectacular event.”
Actor Anil Kapoor added, “Through time, IIFA has grown from a mega awards ceremony into an iconic global platform for Indian films and culture while showcasing to the world the best that Indian cinema has to offer. I am looking forward to the film media briefing of Dil Dhadakne Do, which will be a part of the Weekend this year and I am delighted to see IIFA return to Malaysia, this time to the vivacious city of Kuala Lumpur.”
Speaking about the association, Videocon d2h executive chairman Saurabh Dhoot said, “Videocon d2h has had an extremely successful innings with IIFA and we are pleased to continue this association with them for the fourth year. The common link of wholesome entertainment brings IIFA and Videocon d2h together. Our recent listing on the Nasdaq stock exchange, bears testimony to our global outlook and tremendous growth. Videocon d2h will continue to bring unique content, new mediums of delivery and innovative services to our consumers.”
This year, Viacom18’s Colors and not Star Plus has the broadcast rights for the event.
Colors CEO Raj Nayak said, “IIFA is the world’s biggest global Indian event, where the entire industry comes together to showcase Bollywood and India. We at Colors are proud to be associated with IIFA and we promise our viewers, in true Colors style Bollywood entertainment like never before.”
Malaysia Major Events GM Tony Nagamaiah said, “As excitement heightens, we are proud to host the 16th IIFA Celebrations 2015 and welcome its entire contingent to Malaysia. Being host city, Kuala Lumpur anticipates the weekend’s buzz as it shall be among our biggest showcases for the year in conjunction with the Malaysia Year of Festivals (MyFest) 2015. The city’s dazzling setting will imprint the Bollywood family and fans with spectacular experiences in a truly diverse environment.”
Malaysia Airlines regional SVP South Asia & Middle East Azahar Hamid asserts, “It is an honour for Malaysia Airlines to be a part of this glamorous event and flying in some of the best Bollywood stars to our home ground, Kuala Lumpur. The airline’s extensive network and world-class service makes it a desirable partnership with IIFA. It is our commitment to provide the best service and we look forward to welcoming the celebrities from the Indian film industry and fans of the IIFA awards on-board Malaysia Airlines.”
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CASBAA 2015 forum to focus on ever-evolving satellite industry landscape
MUMBAI: CASBAA, which will be hosting its annual Satellite Industry Forum in Singapore this June, will explore the latest developments and issues affecting the satellite industry in the Asia Pacific.
The CASBAA Satellite Industry Forum 2015 is a one-day event that brings together industry experts to examine a variety of topics and to exchange and discuss information critical to the development of the communications sector and related services across the Asia-Pacific.
The conference has an impressive lineup of speakers and a good mix of Asian and global players in attendance. Last year around 100 companies were represented with almost half of delegates coming from the US and Europe- with most of the balance coming from Asia.
“Satellite services are instrumental in delivering television signals to the bulk of viewers across the region, and the satellite sector is an integral component of the multichannel TV industry in Asia. The annual CASBAA Satellite Industry Forum is an extremely important event in our calendar, a fact that is reflected by our very active Satellite Industry Committee, as well as by the number of satellite-related companies that are CASBAA members,” said CASBAA CEO Christopher Slaughter.
ITU secretary-general Houlin Zhao will deliver this year’s welcome keynote.
“Zhao only took office in January this year so for many this will be the first opportunity for people to see him in this capacity,” said CASBAA programme director Kevin Jennings.
In addition, Intelsat chief executive officer Stephen Spengler will also be delivering an Industry Keynote. Spengler is a satellite and telecommunications industry veteran with experience in the media, broadband, government and internet sectors and is a driving force behind Intelsat’s next generation of satellite solutions.
Myanmar Communications and Information Technology deputy minister U Thaung Tin will also speak at the forum and discuss Myanmar’s plans to launch its own satellite and how the role of a sovereign satellite will impact the country.
The theme for 2015 asks “Is The Satellite Game Changing?” in acknowledgement of the ever-evolving industry landscape. The agenda for this year’s forum will touch upon the challenges the industry is facing as the very definition of television changes to embrace new technologies, delivery methods and consumer habits.
The roster of speakers encompasses the whole value chain of the satellite industry including: SKY Perfect JSAT Space & Satellite Bus Group exec officer Mitsutoshi Akao, SpeedCast CEO P J Beylier, Intelsat Asia Pacific Regional VP Terry Bleakley, MEASAT CEO Paul Brown-Kenyon, SSL Business Development SVP Richard Currier, ABS CEO Thomas Choi, GapSat CEO Gregg Daffner, Intelsat associate general counsel Gonzalo de Dios, Eutelsat CEO Michel de Rosen, MEASAT Space Systems Development SVP Dr. Ali Ebadi, LeoSat CEO Vern Fotheringham, ITU Space Services Department chief Yvon Henri, APT Satellite EVP Huang Baozhong, Via Sat programme manager Erwin Hudson, SES CCO Ferdinand Kayser, Eutelsat orbital resources director Ethan Lavan, SES Asia-Pacific and Middle East SVP Deepak Mathur, SpaceX commercial sales & business development SVP Barry Matsumori, Encompass Digital Media Asia MD Deepakjit Singh, Globecast Asia MD Soo Yew Weng, Sea Change International SVP& GM Dave Ulmer and AsiaSat CEO & president Bill Wade.
The sponsors on-board the CASBAA Satellite Industry Forum 2015 are ABS, AsiaSat, Boeing, Eutelsat, Intelsat, JSat, Lockheed Martin, Marsh, Measat, SES, SSL, and Telstra.
