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Just had to post this one... (Thanks Danny)
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Free ticket to LeWeb3 Conference through iDrink
We are giving out a free ticket (worth 1136 euros) on iDrink, to assist LeWeb3 conference in Paris next Dec 11/12.
LeWeb3 is the largest (and probably one of the best) European conference on the Internet. Check out the program or the workshop sessions.
All the details are explained in the blog post featured on top of the site.
Tomorrow is the last day to participate - just join iDrink and follow the rules. If you don't win and still want to go, you can get a discount through iDrink as well.
Here's some thoughts from last year's event.
Israel's Media Industry Looks into the Future
Breathing in the fresh mountain air, looking up at the clear blue skies, gazing out at the vast view of Mount Hermon... That's how I started my day at the annual Rosh Pina TV & Film Festival (which should actually be titled "Media Festival"-details below)
The country's media gang (referred to as "Ha-Branja" in Hebrew) convened over the last weekend to socialize and discuss the Israeli media industry. This year's headline: 40 Years for Israeli TV.
But instead of discussing the past accomplishments, this year, everyone was interested in discussing the future of the Israeli media (as well as their own). Following the weekend discussions, my biggest takeaway is:
There is the huge gap between the current state of media in Israel (specifically TV - very outdated), to that of the country's potential: Talents, know how, and world class technological capabilities:
Israel's current state of the media:
TV is only 40 years old in Israel, but it's much older (i.e. much more advanced) in other countries.
1. No HD. No IPTV. DVR services have only just started to appear.
2. Public Broadcasting: Israel public broadcasting is a very slow, low budget (but high cost) entity, that does not produce quality content, and is still operating in a late 1980's mode. Basically, a lot of people, doing very little work.
Contrast this with the UK (BBC), which has been able to lead the media to the next generation with world class productions, segmented content, mobile device broadcasts, digital radio, etc.
There is talk about restructuring in Israel - but with the way public entities operate here (and the comments I heard this weekend), it would be foolish to have high hopes for change.
3. Advertisers: The Israeli ad agencies seem to be living in a dream, and have yet to fully expand into the new media and new advertising channels. Although reluctant to embrace the progressing changes, they are aware and do have a real fear of the impending changes in the advertising world. TV and print still have a very strong dominance in ad spending. Moreover, advertisers still practice some legally questionable practices (such as "double commissions" - i.e. there is no separation between the ad agency and the media buyers, enabling them to charge media "placement" commissions from the channels. This has long been out-ruled in most countries).
I'm not sure if regulation will change soon enough, but I am sure that new media (such as Google in Israel) will be a pleasant wake up call. At least for the consumers. Maybe not so much for the ad agencies.
In contrast - Israel has world class potential:
1. The Israeli media personas possess world class content and consumer understanding
- Israel has developed TV show formats that have acclaimed global success: "The Vault" was sold around the world, Uri Geller's "The Heir" was acquired by NBC (to be called "Phenomenon"), Betipul was sold to HBO, "The Ex" was sold to Fox, and many more...
- Israeli film has seen a revival over the last years - most recently winning prizes at all top international film festivals: Bikur Hatismoret at Tokyo last week, Meduzot at Cannes, Beaufort - all in the last year.
2. Israel is home to some of the most advanced players in New Media
Several Israeli startups are providing solutions that cross the Media consumption chain. Below is a slide I put together with just a small sample.
Unfortunately, these companies need to go to other countries to Beta test their products (given the lack of advanced implementation within Israel's existing channels).
3. The local media community is starting to realize the potential of the media revolution. Some have already made a move (one such example is Uri Shinar, a leading media figure in Israel, who led a panel this weekend and created Aniboom).
Combining the understanding these people have (in consumer needs, behaviors, and content) together with cutting edge technologies - can create a real competitive advantage in the global markets.
And this, in essence, is the reason I was there (and the reason my fund sponsored the event):
To meet more of the media community, which I believe will soon be the foundation for Israel's next generation of media ventures.
iDrink 7...
Was a great success - I estimate over 300 people attended. We had great company presentations and networking. People are finding investors, employees, and brainstorming ideas...
Niv and Ouriel wrote nice impressions, so I won't add much. (Other than the fact that next time we'll definitely arrange for a bigger place!)
iDrink Tonight
iDrink #7 Is on tonight.
Our iDrink network has been growing like crazy over the last weeks, and we have nearly 1000 members from the Israeli internet scene.
Looks lik it will be a big turnout tonight!
iDrink #7... coming up
For those who attended the previous iDrink events... I'm sure I'll see you there.
For those that haven't yet - its definitely worth the effort. (apart from the event being a great social gathering - I spoke to several people who met people at the event, and eventually this turned into a business / employment opportunity)
This time we have two sponsors (see below) so Drinks are free :)
We'll also have a special guest attending...
It takes place 23rd October. For more details join the idrink network
iDrink Network is up!
The iDrink network is up.
"iDrink is a gathering for people involved in the Internet industry in Israel: VCs, entrepreneurs, employees, bloggers, journalists are welcome. Regularly iDrink organizes a meetup and this network will enable you to do much more"
The takeup in the community has been tremendous, and we plan to have several events very soon (including, of course, the monthly iDrinks gathering)
If you're part of the Israeli web scene, you're welcome to sign up here
Jeff Pulver's TLV Summer Party... #2
Just back from Jeff's second summer party on the Tel Aviv Beach. (Quite a while since the last one)
Great weather, great people, great drinks.
I really can't complain. (other than the quality of my phone camera below)
Tags: Jeff Pulver, Summer, Party, Tel Aviv
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