The broadcast and professional AV industry in the Middle East is developing at a dramatic rate with 60 new televisions stations launched during 2007. At the same time, the Guf’s construction boom is driving rapid development in the professional AV sector as developers and corporations embrace a range of AV technologies fro retail video and POS display to digital signage, video conferencing, distance learning and more. Amidst this industry boom, there is a dire shortage of technical and creative skills and the quality of broadcasting and AV integration in the region falls well short of international standards.

There’s also been a boom in the number of small, independent production and audio-visual companies servicing the market. Many of these organizations are small (less than 10 employees) and lacking in management, technical, financial and creative skills. At the same time, convergent technologies are impacting on the development of the market as IT and AV technologies merge – requiring new skills and workflows within established markets.

In order to address these issues, MECIA has entered into a partnership with InfoComm International to promote the adoption of professional standards, training and industry certification. The platform for these training initiatives is the InfoComm International Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) credential awarded to audiovisual professionals who have demonstrated knowledge and comprehension of the science and technology used in audio, video and display systems. To achieve a CTS credential, individuals must also agree to a code of ethics pledging truth, accuracy and a commitment to excellence in all aspects of their profession.

We’ve also partnered with the International Association of Broadcast Manufacturers (IABM) to offer similar manufacturer-driven training within the broadcast sector.