Welcome Back to GV Expo

By Mark J. Pescatore and Alicia Zappier

The 11th annual Government Video Technology Expo promises to be better than ever, with a packed exhibit hall, educational and networking opportunities, and more.

“We’re really excited about this year’s show,” said Carmel King, executive vice president of NewBay Media’s Video Broadcast Division. “We’ve got an excellent group of exhibitors, plus lots of networking and training opportunities. This is the type of value that keeps attendees and exhibitors supporting GV Expo year after year.”

More than 150 exhibitors will fill the GV Expo exhibit hall, including industry powerhouses like Canon, Panasonic, and Sony with the latest camcorders, accessories, post production tools, and more. Plus, the Government Video Passport Raffle offers a chance to win valuable prizes while exploring the show floor.

Keeping up with video technology is more important than ever for GV Expo attendees. One reason, according to Dave Walton, assistant vice president of marketing and communications for JVC Professional Products Co., is that government agencies, like consumers, are making the switch to HD.

“For government, however, the challenge will be changing over not only TVs and viewing monitors, but also the equipment needed to produce and store digital HD content,” he said. “GV Expo is a perfect venue where government customers can learn from our team of experts and examine JVC's lineup of professional HD products."

Also on the show floor, GV Expo provides a variety of free sessions and attractions, including two keynote addresses. On Wednesday, Dec. 3, FCC Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein will highlight the benefits of the DTV transition. And on Thursday, Dec. 4, project manager Elizabeth Musteen will offer a look behind the scenes of the AV technology in the new Sant Ocean Hall at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. Both keynotes begin at 10:30 a.m. and seating is limited.

Attendees are also invited to the Information Showcase, a series of free educational seminars presented by exhibitors at the Presentation and Keynote Theater. Plus, the GV Film Festival screens award-winning projects from the 48 Hour Film Project, DC Shorts Festival, and members of WIFV and TIVA-DC.

If you want more training, GV Expo has two paid conference options this year. DigitalMediaDC, powered by the professionals of Future Media Concepts, offers true hands-on learning with some of today’s hottest post-production software. Plus, DigitalMediaDC goes beyond the edit suite with training for podcasting, new media, and HD production.

The Government Video Conference Program offers a little something for everyone, with tracks that tackle management, digital technology, streaming media, AV systems, and more. And back by popular demand, industry veteran and Videography magazine contributor Dick Reizner opens his bag of tricks to share valuable (and often very simple) production tips.

There are several organizations on hand at the show, including TIVA-DC and Women in Film & Video (WIFV), so you can get involved and become more active in the professional video community.

For exhibitors, GV Expo offers an opportunity to connect with the government market. “GV Expo is a vital show for MultiDyne that is focused on the government market and dedicated to meeting the specific needs of all types of government customers,” said Bob McAlpine, vice president of global sales and business development for MultiDyne. “It allows us the opportunity to reach this targeted market right in the thick of government operations.”

Associations At GV Expo:

CMMA Member and Guest Networking
Wednesday, Dec. 3
2-3 p.m., Room 205

DC Avid User Group Meeting
Wednesday, Dec. 3
5-8 p.m., Room 204C

DC Final Cut Pro User Group Meeting
Wednesday, Dec. 3
5:30-8 p.m., Room 204B

DC Podcaster Alliance Meeting
Wednesday, Dec. 3
5:30-8 p.m., Room 204A