Kevan is the Executive Director of both the Middle East Communications Industries Association (MECIA) and the Southern African Communications Industries Association (SACIA). He started his career in broadcast television as the presenter of the Which? Business television show aired on SABC channels during the late 1980’s. Whilst working on the TV series he became fascinated with the technology used to record, edit and produce each show. He subsequently launched AV Specialist magazine and has spent the last twenty years engaged with the region’s broadcast and ProAV industry. He has travelled extensively throughout Africa and the Middle East, sometimes writing about broadcast or AV technology but more often than not he’s speaking at seminars, moderating panel discussions, organizing events or representing the industry.

Kevan is currently developing a specialist course aimed at sales professionals working in the broadcast and ProAV marketplace across Africa and the Middle East.

For the last 10 years Jerrald has worked as a Principal Consultant with PMK International, initially in Dallas, TX but more recently in Dubai, UAE. Jerrald has an extensive background in the planning and design, project management, installation, and operation of audio systems. He has designed systems for a variety of facilities including various types of performing arts venues, houses of worship, convention and meeting spaces, casinos, hotels and exhibit halls across the US and the UAE.

Jerrold has been a regular instructor for NSCA University since 2001, for the InfoComm Academy since 2006 and was appointed to the InfoComm Academy Adjunct Faculty in 2007. He has taught classes at Integrated Systems Expos in Singapore and Amsterdam, and the PALME Show in Dubai. Jerrold contributes to leading industry publications including Sound and Communications, Live Sound International and ProAV Magazine. He is currently serving on InfoComm International's Professional Education and Training Committee and actively participates in the development and beta testing of test and measurement software for various companies.

Gary is a Senior Solutions Architect for Dimension Data (Pty) Ltd in South Africa. He has been in the AV industry since 2000 and has worked in AV installation, AV sales, and AV design and education. He studied as a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer in 1998 and worked in the IT department of a large South African bank as a network administrator. It was during this period that his love of all things AV started. After completing a studio sound engineering course he started working in the AV field, managing audiovisual installations for the bank.

His full time AV career started when he moved into AV Sales at Dimension Data in 2003 and then into the AV Design department in 2005 as a Senior Solutions Architect. Gary is currently a volunteer lecturer for InfoComm Academy. He lives with his wife Lisa and daughter Daniella in Johannesburg, South Africa. When he’s not working, he likes to spend time with his family gardening, building furniture and playing computer games.

George is graduate Engineer with over 23 years of experience in the AV industry. He is a specialist in Theatre Systems specifically electro acoustics, lighting control and dimming.

He is a member of the Audio Engineering Society and a founding board member of the Middle East Communications Industries Association – MECIA. He started his career in 1990 with Network Automation Technologies, India designing local area networks. In 1993 he joined Glantre Engineering, UK where he was responsible for designing and installing theatre lighting & sound systems. In 2000 he moved to Dubai and is currently General Manager of the Business Technology Solutions division at Dutco Tenant LLC.

Alongside his regular work he contributes to the development of the audiovisual industry through MECIA, serving on its advisory board and working as a volunteer instructor. George is a regular speaker and panelist at the annual PALME conference and was recently awarded their PALME Award for his significant contribution to the development of the audiovisual industry in the Middle East.

Hassan is the Managing Director of MediaNet FZ-LLC, a company specializing in the provision of Consultancy Services for the Broadcast, Satellite, Production and Post-Production markets in the MENA region.

After graduating from the American University in Beirut in 1975 with a degree in Electrical Engineering, Hassan worked as a Systems Engineer within the IT industry in Paris, France. He then worked for more than 5 years with 3M Middle East before joining Sony in February 1984 where he has occupied various positions. Hassan completed his 21-year career with Sony Broadcast & Professional in April 2005 as General Manager in charge of Sony’s sales and systems integration operation in the Middle East. Through his 21 years experience within the broadcast industry, Hassan has established and maintained close working relationships with the majority of the region’s broadcasters, as well as with major equipment manufacturers operating in these territories. Hassan speaks fluent Arabic, French and English. He is married and has two sons.