MipCancun and NATPE Miami are, without any doubt, the two key events for the LatAm media and broadcasting industry. Top decision makers, content buyers and sellers, producers come together to exchange views and detect new hit formats, TV content that Latin America and US Hispanic audiences will absolutely love. Does that mean that the two events are identical and one of them will at some point fall in oblivion?
Though at first glance the two tradeshows may look one and the same, this is not the case. Unquestionably, they have both a Latin touch; MipCancun even more so because it is hosted in a Latin American country, not the US – regardless of the strong ties Miami has always had with “America Latina”. However, similarities stop there. Their structures are very different; MipCancun is more “modern”, while NATPE has maintained a more traditional character.
MipCancun aims at bringing together supply and demand with face-to-face meetings that are scheduled in advance. The one-on-one meetings are taking place in an open floor and their duration is limited. NATPE Miami on the other hand could be seen as more “exclusive”. The meetings are taking place in open suites, located separately from the “marketplace” (the exhibition floor where the booths and a few meeting tables are). Moreover, the participants have only half of their meetings booked in advance and they can “improvise” for the rest, thus enjoying a greater degree of autonomy.
What about attendance?
It is obvious that the two events are structured completely differently. But is this difference in format affecting their attendance rates? Do content sellers and buyers prefer highly organized and business meetings planned in-advance or they appreciate having the flexibility to give more time to a particularly interesting meeting?
According to the official statistics of both markets, they have both experienced an increase in attendance with more buyers and exhibitors registering compared to the previous year.
As far as MipCancun is concerned, attendance is getting bigger. The flow of people in the Moon Palace Resort was constant, the meeting floor was bigger and there weren’t many empty meeting tables. Even the conference rooms were crowded. As for NATPE Miami, the key indicators to determine attendance are the central lobby, the aisles leading to the “marketplace”, the “marketplace” itself and the elevators conducting to the suites. They all created a “calmer”, more laid-back image compared to MipCancun. However, this could be due to the fact that NATPE’s schedule was more “relaxed”, offering the opportunity for some time away from the event venue.
Although participants seem to love the “practical”, “to the point” and “doing business” philosophy that is the basis of MipCancun, it is too early to say that this is the end for the more “traditional” NATPE Miami. Bringing together diverse professionals of the TV industry and acknowledging excellence through its awards are two important advantages for NATPE to maintain and increase its popularity. If it will be the case, only time will tell…
