MUMBAI: Natpe, the US-based media marketplace organisers, is now turning its sights toward the critically important markets in South Asia. It is working with a Mumbai-based team of Murtuza Kagalwala overseeing business development along with public relations consultant Pallavi Deshmukh to raise its profile with Indian buyers and sellers of content and to attract more Indian and Asian attendees to both Natpe Miami and Natpe Budapest.

The continued European focus will be overseen by long-time business development and client relations executive Gary Mitchell who will be joined by Elina Nesterova overseeing Central and Eastern Europe/ Russia. Also China representative Grace Ip will be assisted by Mingfen Lee who will represent Natpe in Asia (excluding China) / Africa / Middle East.

The two events aim to create a global year-round marketplace; together they connect more than 6,500 television professionals from all over the world.

Said Natpe president, CEO Rick Feldman, ?Natpe has long attracted strong attendance from Europe, Latin America and Asia and, as part of our increased global focus, we have been eager to get the word out in India about its importance as an international marketplace. This represents a great opportunity both for those who currently attend Natpe and for the Indian market.?

Natpe is working with an international team devoted to creating a smooth transition for the rebranded Natpe Budapest in 2012 and to grow worldwide attendance for Natpe Miami, which is scheduled for 23 - 25 January, 2012.

Natpe Budapest is a three-day market primarily covering Central and Eastern Europe, a region that is home to 1,000 TV stations with national coverage; 3,000 regional, local and thematic channels produced/dubbed in local languages; 200 major pay-TV platforms (satellite/cable/telco); 150 major home video physical distributors; 50 major formats producers; and a fast-growing number of alternative content-distribution platforms.

Approximately 1,500 participants, representing 710 international companies, attend Natpe Budapest and more than 65 per cent of the TV content buyers there never or seldom attend other major international markets.

Natpe acquired Discop East in June 2011 from event management firm Basic Lead, which specialises in working with international entertainment content and brand licensing companies to identify business opportunities in regional marketplaces.

Feldman said, ?Natpe Budapest is a terrific step forward for NATPE?s worldwide growth and, as it transitions from DISCOP East, we are committed to making sure it remains a key international market for content. We are working closely with the Basic Lead team as we take over responsibility for organizing and managing the event, which will ensure a seamless handoff and a great year-round experience for attendees.?