AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS, SEPTEMBER 8, 2009 – With the global economic crisis delivering the broadcast technology market its stiffest challenge in years, the IBC 2009 conference sessions will feature the much anticipated panel discussion, “The Future of the Industry: How to Survive and Prosper.” The panel, moderated by Adrian Scott, founder and principal of UK’s The Bakewell House Consultancy, will feature Joop Janssen, CEO, Vitec Group, Broadcast Systems Division, UK as a member of the expert panel assembled to explain the state of the industry and present options for future opportunities. The panel will be held on Thursday, September 10 from 12:15 to 1:15 PM at the RAI Centre, Room O in the conference area. 
“I am deeply honored to have been chosen as a member of this prestigious panel of industry experts,” says Janssen. “How broadcasters and equipment suppliers are weathering the current financial storm with an eye out for how to take advantage of the eventual recovery is of strong interest. We expect that this panel will be well attended and will set the stage for the future of the industry.”
Janssen has over 20 years’ experience in the broadcast video and professional audio and telecommunications equipment industries. Having started as a digital engineer in the Research and Advanced Technology Laboratories of Philips Electronics in Eindhoven, in the Netherlands, Janssen joined The Vitec Group in 2003, as CEO of the Broadcast Systems Division in the UK. In this international role, Janssen is responsible for global strategy of the division, coordinating activity across all the brands in a highly competitive market. He leads a global team that is aiming to grow the Vitec Group Broadcast brands through a combination of product innovation, customer focused service excellence and synergetic acquisitions.
The panel session will dissect the crisis with the help of some of the industry’s most senior and influential figures. The presentation, that will also include industry luminaries Larry Kaplan, Vice Chairman, Omneon; Kevin Moorhouse, COO, Gravity Media; Sam Pemberton, CEO, Softel and Jeff Rosica, Senior Vice President, Grass Valley, will assess the damage done by the economic crisis and debate prospects for the future. Centered on what companies have to do to survive and prosper in the current climate, questions will be posed about how industry leaders are planning for their companies to take flight when conditions improve. The session is part of a new business strand in the IBC Conference, organized in response to a clear demand from conference stakeholders based on market research carried out by IBC earlier this year.
ABOUT THE VITEC GROUP PLC
The Vitec Group plc is a global leader in the supply of equipment and services to the broadcast, electronic media, photographic and live events industries, and is rapidly extending its reach into related areas such as government, security and defense. Vitec's many industry-leading product brands have established a formidable reputation for innovation, technical excellence, and superior service and support. The diverse range of brands is united by a common Vitec Group commitment to delivering a world-class customer experience, and a visionary approach to the future. This befits an enterprise which has grown both organically and by acquisition to incorporate over 2000 employees worldwide and achieve a 2008 turnover of almost half a billion dollars. Vitec Group products are distributed in almost 100 countries, through both direct sales and by means of a strong, fully-resourced distribution network. The Vitec Group comprises:
The Broadcast Systems Division, which develops, manufactures and distributes high quality manual and robotic camera supports, location lighting, camera and equipment bags, portable power solutions, prompting products, wireless camera links and communication systems used principally by broadcast and live entertainment professionals. Brands include - Anton/Bauer, Autoscript, Clear-Com, Litepanels, MSC, Nucomm, OConnor, Petrol, RF Central, Sachtler, TCS (The Camera Store), Vinten and Vinten Radamec. www.vitecgroupbroadcast.com
The Imaging & Staging Division, which designs, manufactures and distributes photographic and video-camera support; lighting, trusses and suspension systems for the professional photography, video, cinematography and live event markets. Brands include - Manfrotto, Gitzo, Kata, Avenger, Litec, IFF, Bogen Imaging, Tomcat and Brilliant Stages. www.vitecgroup.it
The Broadcast Services Division, a leading provider of professional video and audio rental equipment, and engineering support for major event productions. Brands include – ASG and Bexel.
More information can be found at www.vitecgroup.com
