Soltauer Strasse 18–22 has now become a traditional venue for one of the media year’s most respected networking events. Having grown organically and successfully, SAE Alumni, SAE Institute and SAE Berlin will present visitors with almost 50 exhibitors, more than 40 seminars, three discussion panels and a varied supporting program.
Visitors are asked to register online at http://www.sae-alumni-convention.org from 18 August. They can choose between free admission to the exhibition and a reasonably priced complete package with a two-day professional-development program including a party ticket. Registered visitors using the seminar program can freely choose which sessions they wish to attend. This year’s seminar highlights include talks by Doc Baumann, Germany’s leading Photoshop expert; Hans-Martin Buff, engineer for Prince, Live and Bananafishbones among others; Ibrahim Mazari, CEO of ESL; and Eric Desideriu, CEO of Crytek.
The three discussion panels will offer convention visitors insights into and outlooks on the audio-engineering, multimedia and digital-film industries. These discussions, which are free for every visitor, are organized by media partners Digital Production, hobnox and Sound & Recording and invite lively debate with professionals.
A special entertainment highlight is the Convention Party on the evening of 16 October at Berlin’s cult Fritz Club at Postbahnhof. Following a brief welcome, the SAE Alumni Awards will be presented in five categories. Visitors can then look forward to an evening full of musical treats. 301 Records will present Powertoy, playing alternative soul rock, and TM Stevens & Friends with funk rock. During the changeover between the two bands, a number of guitar heroes will test their skills in a guitar-solo competition. DJs and VJs will provide the musical and visual finale to the evening’s festivities.
The two-day convention offers visitors almost 50 exhibitors from the audio, multimedia, film and games sectors. For intensive exchange, companies will invite attendees to try out their brand-new equipment hands-on at open exhibition stands. Some exhibitors have prepared special programs for the SAE Alumni Convention that will be presented in the exhibition suites. Apple will make a particularly strong statement by taking an entire exhibition area as the Apple Area. Alongside offerings from several partner companies, Apple will present its own professional applications Final Cut Studio, Aperture and Logic Pro in hands-on sessions and training courses.
As part of this year’s supporting program, visitors can learn about satellite reporting using an RBB outside-broadcast vehicle as an example. The convention also features a gaming zone, catering and a recruitment center. Under the title “Get the Best Workspace 08,” companies can introduce themselves directly to potential employees of tomorrow in a seminar room and hold initial job interviews on site.
