BVE: A look inside the UK’s biggest tradeshow

24 February 2015

Today is opening day of Broadcast Video Expo 2015 at the ExCel in London. BVE is Europe’s second largest broadcast tradeshow (first place goes to the mighty IBC in Amsterdam) and is becoming a key event, not only in the UK production calendar, but increasingly in the international one. Whereas IBC has sometimes had difficulties incorporating its seminar programme into what has traditionally been a technology show, BVE’s seminars have gone from strength to strength and are drawing increasingly bigger names – this year’s show will feature actor/director Richard Ayoade (Submarine, The IT Crowd). And the show’s focus has expanded beyond the exhibition of kit to also incorporate knowledge sharing, education and networking.

The Association for International Broadcasting is also getting involved in BVE’s seminar programme, with AIB Chief Executive Simon Spanswick and Editorial Director Neal Romanek moderating and hosting sessions this week.

AIB had the pleasure of interviewing BVE’s Event Director, Alison Willis, about London’s biggest production event, where it came from and where it’s going:

How old is BVE and how did it start?

There has been a broadcast-based exhibition in London for over 20 years, though its name and venue have changed several times (remember The Production Show at the Business Design Centre?). London – indeed the whole UK – is a major centre for the global creative industries, boasting talent and facilities that are the envy of the world. The UK content creation industry also contributes a significant amount to the economy; according to a new BFI report on media production in 2014, 222 films started principal photography in the UK in 2014 with a UK spend of £1,471m, while 87 high-end television shows began production with a UK spend of £615m.

How has BVE changed and grown over the years?

BVE and its predecessor shows have always represented an important date in the UK broadcast industry calendar as an opportunity to learn about new technology, see the latest products and network with peers. Every year we strive to reflect the state of the industry, ask the questions that people want answered, and look ahead to the next set of challenges.

BVE took place at Earl’s Court for many years. Have people warmed up to the ExCel location?

By and large, they have. It’s very well served by public transport, and we’re finding that once visitors are here they are staying much longer than before; at Earl’s Court it was easier to pop in and out, but people are now investing a day and planning their visit to catch more seminars, plan more meetings, and have time to look around properly. ExCeL is also much more accessible for international visitors with London City Airport close by – we’ve seen a rise of 12% for international visitors since the move. The new venue is also very easy for exhibitors to set up, the catering facilities and other show services are excellent, and there is plenty of space for the show to develop and grow.

How has BVE responded to changes in the broadcast industry, with digital and online content now competing with the traditional broadcast space?

The last couple of years have seen some major changes in what ‘broadcast’ means, from cinematic broadcasts of theatrical events to the growth of streaming video for corporates, and brands becoming broadcasters in their own right, not to mention multi-platform programming. BVE is putting an umbrella across the growing ‘broadcast’ sector, working in conjunction with our advisory panel to monitor broadcast trends and note who the key players are, as well as targeting experts that can make sense of the rapid rate of change. Our free seminar programme, offering over 120 hours of sessions, is more diverse than ever this year with representatives from organisations like the Victoria & Albert Museum, the Association of British Theatre Technicians, Leo Burnett and Arsenal FC TV speaking alongside traditional broadcast and production companies.

Does BVE see itself as a show for producers or for tech-heads?

Both! Producers need to be aware of technological trends and formats, for instance understanding the data storage and post-production implications of shooting in 4K; just as engineers need to have an understanding of what producers are trying to achieve. BVE offers an amazing opportunity for these seemingly disparate worlds to come together and understand that they are working towards the same goal of producing exciting, informative, creative content.

What are some of the highlights at this year’s BVE?

4K continues to be a hot topic across the industry, and BVE is delighted to present a keynote presentation from Bruno Mahe, Head of Technology at Illumination Mac Guff on ‘The future of computer-animation and the road to 4K’. Other highlights in the 4K Theatre include Minoru Yonezawa, CEO, Sky Perfect Broadcasting Co. presenting ‘How Japanese broadcasters are leading the way in 4K broadcast’ and a case study from Sky Deutschland on ‘Taking Live Music to 4K’.

The ‘connected world’ is also high on the agenda, and in the Connected Theatre visitors can learn about issues including multi-platform content, monetisation and rights. Jonas Anschütz, Business Affairs Manager, Red Arrow Media discusses his company’s experiences of working with the likes of Netflix, Amazon and Hulu on co-productions, while Kati Price, Head of Digital Media, Victoria and Albert Museum, reveals the museum’s multiplatform strategy and its use of apps to encourage interaction and engagement. The role of the second screen in maximising audience engagement is discussed by a panel including Neil Hall, Executive Product Manager for Sport, BBC Future Media and David Gibbs, Director of Digital Media, Sky Sports.

BVE 2015 is also doing its part to ensure that the UK stays at the forefront of global production, with a dedicated afternoon for the ‘Broadcasters of the Future’ taking place on Thursday 26 February. The tailored sessions across all the theatres will educate and advise students, recent graduates and young people starting out in the industry, highlighting the skills they need and how to get them. Confirmed seminars include the BBC Academy presenting File Service Delivery sessions; Bournemouth University showcasing their graduation show reel with its top students discussing the inspiration for and production of their individual pieces; and Ravensbourne facilitating a networking session with leading industry figures who can give real-world advice.

What do attendees want to see in a tradeshow? Are there too many industry tradeshows and conferences?

It’s increasingly important to have a UK event where people from all areas can converge to discuss their experiences, share their knowledge and learn from each other. The internet is great for research, but nothing beats actually meeting vendors who can explain their products in human terms or hearing industry experts sharing their experiences and being able to ask them questions. It’s also a chance to see pieces of equipment in action – we have over 260 exhibitors this year, 70 of them new to the show, and many product launches and exciting innovations.

With people pressed for time as never before, and budgets ruling out overseas travel for many, it’s essential that we as organisers ensure that BVE is relevant, informative and inspiring enough to warrant people taking the time to attend. We’re confident that our visitors will not be disappointed.

BVE is free to attend for production professionals and runs from 24-26 February. Learn more at the BVE website.