As IBC2015 gets closer, we begin our series of short Q&As with manufacturers about their plans and offerings, to help you get the most out of the annual trade show. Josef Troxler is CEO for Swiss-firm Ampegon.
Josef Troxler, CEO AmpegonRadio World: How has business been for the company since last year’s IBC Show?
Josef Troxler: It has been a very busy year for Ampegon, which is certainly positive. We are working on significant shortwave and medium-wave contracts for the delivery of antenna and transmitter systems. Our customers in this niche market are mainly located in Asia (Korea, Taiwan, Japan and India), the Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Egypt, Botswana, Nigeria, etc.).
RW: What do you anticipate will be the most significant technology trend at the IBC2015 Show?
Troxler: For radio, I believe there will be a strong focus on digital radio receiver development (DRM, DRM+ and DAB+). In addition, broadcast control over the Internet is gaining more and more importance.
Troxler: What new products will your company be showing?
We will be unveiling a new product family of analog/digital, full solid-state class-E shortwave transmitters.
RW: Why should attendees visit your booth?
Troxler: So we can offer insight into the technology and know-how that is the foundation of our products and company. We are also keen to meet people to discuss business strategies, receive valuable market feedback and to present our new shortwave transmitter line.
RW: The Internet has changed the way people do business. Some would say that it has rendered shows such as the IBC obsolete. Is this true?
Troxler: No, I don’t believe so. It is still of utmost importance to maintain face-to-face personal relationships with customers and business partners. An exhibition like IBC offers us an excellent opportunity to uphold such contacts and have various meetings in one place. It also gives us the possibility to enjoy nice evenings with our partners and friends.
RW: You’re a show veteran, what’s your favorite thing about the show?
Troxler: It is always about meeting people, all the participants in the broadcasting world. It gives us the chance to meet customers, suppliers, contractors, consultants, investors, competitors as well as journalists and communications professionals, all under one roof.
RW: Least favorite thing?
Troxler: The length of such an exhibition — it’s a long time to be away from the office.
RW: How has social media affected you?
Today, there are certainly many ways to distribute information and maintain and expand business relations. Social media is one of many. For our main market, we are still dealing with very traditional broadcast channels.