February

• FTTH Council Europe

This is the first time the conference about fibre-based, ultra-high-speed access networks and their potential benefit to consumers and businesses has been held in the UK. Another first is the media and entertainment track, which will take place on the first day of the event.

Speakers will include Eidos president Ian Livingstone, who will deliver a talk entitled ‘Video Games in the FTTH Era’. Sony Pictures Entertainment senior vice president of production Peter Nelson will be part of a panel discussing how major studios can create a new consumer experience by adding interactivity or gaming elements. Organisers say they expect more than 3,000 attendees and up to 90 exhibitors.

When is it? Wednesday 20 to Thursday 21 February

Where is it? London, UK

Website: www.ftthcouncil.eu/ftth-conference/programme/conference-2013

Twitter: @FTTHCouncilEU

• BVE

What is it? Last year’s conference and exhibition saw more than 300 exhibitors including the likes of Arri, Avid and Sony demonstrate their latest products, together with a dedicated 3D seminar room.This year, the show moves from Earls Court to the Excel Centre. The 2013 programme includes 10 theatres, focusing on different industry sectors, from production best practice, cinematic craft, IT for broadcast, audio, post production and digital delivery, delivered by practitioners from TV, film, advertising and digital media.

When is it? Tuesday 26 to Wednesday 28 February

Where is it? London, UK

Website: www.bvexpo.co.uk

Twitter: @BVExpo

March

• Cable Congress

What is it? With more than 40 speakers from Europe, the US and Asia, Cable Congress provides insight on the latest developments in the fields of strategy, investments, technology, marketing, content and regulation for the worlds of cable, technology, content and new media industries.

When is it? Tuesday 5 to Thursday 7 March

Where is it? London, UK

Website: www.cablecongress.com

Twitter: @CableCongress

• CeBit

What is it? Over five days, CeBIT claims to provide a panoramic view of the digital markets, across ICT and telecommunications, digital media and consumer electronics. Last year’s show drew an audience of 3,000 people from over 100 different countries.

When is it? Tuesday 5 to Saturday 9 March

Where is it? Hannover, Germany

Website: www.Cebit.de

Twitter: @CeBit

• Cabsat

What is it? The Middle East’s largest digital media and satellite expo. The last event was attended by more than 10,000 visitors from 103 countries with 770 exhibitors from 55 countries displaying their wares.

When is it? Tuesday 12 to Thursday 14 March

Where is it? Dubai, UAE

Website: www.cabsat.com

Twitter: @CabsatMENA

April

• NAB Show

What is it? Attended by some 90,000 industry professionals, keynotes at previous shows have been delivered by director and 3D pioneer James Cameron and Bruce Rosenblum, president of Warner Bros Television Group. New for 2013 will be the Next Gen @Home area, which will examine at the media and entertainment experience. This year’s show will also include talks on broadcast management and strategy and new media for multiple platforms.

Where is it? Las Vegas, US

When is it? Saturday 6 to Thursday 11 April

Website: www.nabshow.com

Twitter: @NABshow

• Prolight and Sound

What is it? An international trade fair for the light and sound sectors for entertainment, media, event, and technology companies. Last year’s event was attended by almost 900 exhibitors and 33,000 trade and professional customers from 108 countries.

When is it? Wednesday 10 to Saturday 13 April

Where is it? Frankfurt, Germany

Website: pls.messefrankfurt.com

Twitter: @messefrankfurt

• Bafta Television Craft Awards

What is it? The annual awards ceremony honours the creative talent that works behind the camera, from directors and makeup artists to sound editors and visual effects artists.

Where is it? London, UK

When is it?Sunday 28 April

Website: www.bafta.org/television/craft-awards

Twitter: @bafta

May

• Plasa Focus

What is it? Last year’s entertainment and installation technology show saw 2,547 attendees and exhibitors including 130 brands such as db Technologies, JHS Pro Audio, Peavey Audio, Sadie, Sennheiser.

When is it? Tuesday 30 April to Wednesday 1 May

Where is it? Leeds, UK

Website: www.plasafocus.com

Twitter: @PlasaOnline

• DTG Summit

What is it? Minister for Culture, Communications and the Creative Industries, Ed Vaizey, will deliver the opening keynote at this year’s summit. The annual event brings together senior figures from across the digital television sector to discuss the latest trends in the industry as well as interact with live technical demos.

When is it? Thursday 2 May

Where is it? London, UK

Website: www.dtg.org.uk

Twitter: @DigitalTVGroup

• AES Convention

What is it? AES moves to Rome in for its 134th International Convention, the latest in its 65 years of leadership in the professional audio community. Organisers say that delegates can listen, learn, and connect with their peers, customers, and mentors on a variety of topics, including conference tracks on test and measurement and loudness.

Where is it? Rome, Italy

When is it? Saturday 4 to Tuesday 7 May

Website: www.aes.org

Twitter: @AESorg