NATPE, nextMEDIA Announce Partnership

nextMEDIA, a Canadian digital media conference, today announced a partnership with NATPE||Content First that will include launching two interactive entertainment programs at the NATPE 2011 Market and Conference in Miami on Jan. 24-26. The two programs — the Next Great App Competition and the Digital Launch Pad — will present NATPE delegates with showcases of the latest in digital media innovation.

“The television industry is in a period of rapid and exciting change,” said Rick Feldman, NATPE president-CEO, during the announcement. “As the partnership between traditional broadcasting and interactive media continues to develop, people working within the industry are increasingly on the lookout for the next big tech solution or digital platform that will reach audiences in fresh and meaningful ways. That’s what these programs will be bringing to NATPE — the future of interactive entertainment, all in one place.”

Both the Next Great App Competition and the Digital Launch Pad will follow a competition showcase model, in which entrants will submit their innovative digital product or platform for the chance to be featured in a finalist showcase at NATPE.

“Not only will the finalists get exposure in front of broadcasters, agencies and production companies hungry for new digital partnerships,” said Jory Groberman, executive director of nextMEDIA, “each and every entry will be reviewed by our panel of industry partners, all leaders in the interactive industry.”

The submission deadline for both programs is Dec. 3. Details on contest eligibility, prizes and the submission process can be found at www.nextmediaevents.com/natpe.