The Natl. Assn. of Television Program Executives Buys DISCOP

Staff -- Tradeshow Week, 4/3/2006

The Natl. Assn. of Television Program Executives — owner and producer of NATPE — has acquired DISCOP, a tradeshow in Budapest, Hungary, that is dedicated exclusively to the emerging Central and Eastern European television business.

NATPE and DISCOP will form a co-branded partnership in which the nonprofit association will provide organizational, managerial, financial and marketing support.

The acquisition is the first of its kind in the American association's 43 years, marking a major step in the creation of a NATPE footprint outside the United States, said Rick Feldman, president and CEO of the Los Angeles-based group.

"With the significant growth of television, cable, satellite, DVD, mobile and broadband platforms in Eastern Europe, this new alliance makes perfect business sense and adds value to both NATPE members and DISCOP," Feldman said. "We have been very impressed with the way this market has been developed and have significant optimism in its future growth potential."

DISCOP General Manager Patrick Jucaud said NATPE's organizational capabilities and relationships would have "a tremendous impact on the future of DISCOP."

DISCOP 05 drew 989 participants, including 455 sales executives and 534 buyers from 30 Central and Eastern European countries including Greece, Israel, Cyprus, Turkey and Lebanon. Participating U.S. companies included Buena Vista Intl. Television, E! Networks, Sony Pictures Intl. Television, Twentieth Century Fox Television Distribution and Warner Bros. Intl. Television.

Now in its 15th year, DISCOP 06 is scheduled at Budapest's Sofitel Atrium June 22–24.

The most recent edition of the annual NATPE took place Jan. 24–26 at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino. It attracted 7,715 total attendees (including exhibitors) to 365 companies in 206,594 square feet on its showfloor and in hotel suites.