ADNEC Group & WAM announce Media Future Lab ahead of GMC

The Media Future Lab at the Global Media Congress (GMC), taking place in Abu Dhabi from October 15-17, will bring policymakers and entrepreneurs to share, debate, and develop ideas that will shape the media industry's future.

These invitation-only roundtables will centre around a thorough debate on critical themes and will welcome up to 50 participants from different regions, countries, and specialities.

The exclusive sessions will be moderated by an experienced industry professional and offer a global perspective on the industry.

A select group of media and government officials will be permitted to sit in the audience during the discussions, which will take place under Chatham House rules.

Following the event, the Global Media Congress will produce a white paper anonymously summarising the participants' discussions and key takeaways from the Media Future Lab.

Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court, and organised by ADNEC Group in partnership with Emirates News Agency (WAM), the Global Media Congress will focus on the latest developments in the media sector and shape its future. In addition, the Congress provides opportunities for media institutions to discuss partnerships and collaborative avenues that will bolster the development of the industry, ensuring its long-term sustainability, and the continued provision of solid, reliable, and credible content.

With the addition of the Media Future Lab, sponsored and organised by WAM, the GMC will be at the forefront of industry trends at a critical juncture for the media sector.

The technological transformation of the entire industry is accelerating, fundamentally changing the way stories are being told and accessed by consumers around the world.

Accordingly, the topics slated for discussion in the Media Future Lab include leveraging new technologies; changing consumer demands; upskilling and training; regulators and disinformation; blockchain and NFTs; OTT Media and Streaming; investments, mergers and acquisitions; influencers; and the potential of the creative economy.

Mohammed Jalal Al Rayssi, Director-General of the Emirates News Agency (WAM), said, "The Media Future Labs is included as part of the GMC with a view to generating long-lasting ideas to shape the future of the media industry. The sessions will see a no-holds-barred and honest discussion on the various challenges confronting the media sector, with a focus on how to take the industry forward and ensure its bright future. We have taken care to make sure that the participants in the Labs represent as diverse a range of media expertise as possible."

"We are excited to welcome our special guests to the Media Future Lab at the Global Media Congress to explore, debate, and expand on the ideas that will shape the future of the industry," he further commented.

Saeed Al Mansoori, CEO of Capital Events, a subsidiary of ADNEC Group said: "ADNEC Group is looking forward to an inaugural Global Media Congress that will befit the reputation of the UAE and Abu Dhabi. The event is the perfect platform for attendees to explore new learning opportunities and to discuss the future of the media industry."

"The Media Future Lab will offer invaluable insight for media and provide a platform for exchanging candid opinions and expertise among various regional and international media," he further commented.

With the participation of over 150 brands specialised in the media and production industry, the Congress is also a world-class stage where buyers and sellers can meet, learn, network, do business, and explore new products, solutions, and technologies. It is an unmissable opportunity to take a collective leap forward in the region's and global media sectors.

As part of the agenda, the Global Media Congress will host a.  first-of-its-kind conference in the Middle East under the theme "Shaping the Future of the Media Industry".

The three-day conference aims to unite the entire media sector to exchange groundbreaking ideas and cutting-edge solutions shaping the future of the industry.

It will provide a unique platform to highlight the position of mass media in the Middle East whilst engaging a global audience, driving innovative visions and collaborations that will advance the sector.