Globus Fairs and Basic Lead, organizers of DISCOP Istanbul, announced today strong pre-registration numbers for the sixth edition of the annual market, alongside a host of measures designed to facilitate attendance following recent events in the region.

Taking place from 1 to 3 March 2016, DISCOP Istanbul is expected to welcome more than 500 local and international buyers, with current numbers tracking above last year, alongside more than 100 international and Turkish TV content distributors. Organizers have reported a significant number of exhibitors booking increased stand space in response to the advantageous ratio of buyers to sellers – and the fact that 60% of buyers in attendance do not attend other major TV content markets.

To reflect the increasing importance of Istanbul as a major regional hub for the global television business and the significant evolution of MENA’s media sector, Turkey’s main export organizations are doubling their efforts to welcome foreign buyers in strategic sectors of industry. This assistance will see DISCOP Istanbul offering a hosted buyers program designed to invite 100+ international TV content buyers to the market. Turkish TV series exports reached US$ 250 million in 2015, with locally produced content watched in more than 70 countries including the Middle East, the Balkans and Latin America.

DISCOP Istanbul has also expanded its on-site meetings organization in order to provide more opportunities to participants still registering, and will provide additional ‘low cost’ attendance packages such as Meeting Table Packs and Non-Exhibiting Sellers Badges. The sellers’ registration deadline has also been extended to one week prior to the event.

Patrick Jucaud-Zuchowicki, CEO of Basic Lead, said, “Recent events in the region have presented some challenges in organizing such an internationally facing market, however, we have put into effect a range of measures to ensure that this sixth edition offers attendees the strong and successful DISCOP Istanbul they have come to expect. With new participants continuing to sign up every day, we are on course to deliver another vibrant three days of international deals, new collaborations and business opportunities during what has become a must-attend market on the global stage.”

Highlights of the 2016 market will include a two-day program running parallel to the event focusing on new coproduction opportunities, specifically designed for independent content producers. The event will play host to the second Format Day, featuring panels dedicated to new cross-border format trends as well as a multi-category pitching competition searching for the next big, influential and marketable television format. Finally, the conference track entitled “It’s A Small World” will explore new coproduction opportunities and alternative cooperation strategies with countries with rising film and TV industry sectors such as South Africa, Poland, Kenya and Morocco.

DISCOP Istanbul focuses on Turkey, CEE, MENA and CIS countries, which together comprise one of the world’s most dynamic marketplaces, contributing to 20% of all global film, TV content and adaptation rights sales. The market welcomes exhibitors and delegates representing global and regional content distributors and producers, broadcasters, Pay TV platforms, mobile and VOD operators.