Mobile Web East Africa returns to Nairobi on the 22nd and 23rd of February with the aim of taking the mobile monetisation & content creation dialogue to the next level. Taking place at the Southern Sun in Westlands, the conference promises to trigger conversations and thought that could shape not only the country, but the rest of the region in the mobile space. Here are 5 reasons why Mobile Web East Africa is a “must-attend” this year:
1. PanAfrican Perspective
Speaking to top local blogger Bankelele recently about the event once this week, he mentioned what made the inaugural conference worthwhile for him was to see another African market and their progress in mobile juxtaposed with the Kenyan market. Be it advertising spend, successful campaigns and rich insights into what was happening in and around Kenya and South Africa.
The rich information and geographical spread made for a fine time in what Bankelele frequently refers to as “reading the tea leaves” for the Kenyan market. This year, a greater regional focus with a lens on Kenya but an eye on Tanzania, Rwanda and Uganda means the principles, pointers and practices shown at the conference will keep Africa and East Africa at center stage.
2. Audience and Ambience
I attend a range of conferences every year and one thing that gets my attention is the organiser’s approach towards audience interaction. Having spoken at previous all amber events, it’s no secret I appreciate their“roundtable” format. Sparking stimulating conversations with fellow participants and with the panel at the event is one of the reasons we had the Safaricom debate in the first place and always leads to rousing discussions.
3. Scintillating Speakers
The speaker list this year is impressive. A variety of local, regional and international names jetting in to speak. Multi-platinum record label Roc Nation will have their Head of Digital Briant Biggs speaking. Not to mention one of the world’s top 50 women in mobile entertainment, Emma Kaye of bozza.mobi. Regional speakers include Johan Nel of Umuntu Media and Emeka Okoye of Vinkantti Software while locally we can expect Karanja Macharia, CEO of Mobile Planet, Jessica Colaco of iHub Research andTaha Jiwaji of Bongo Live! among others.
Full disclosure: I will also speaking at the event.
4. Startups & App-Developer Subsidy
For app developers or those who are part of start-ups, there is a 50% subsidy for you to attend. Conditions for eligibility are any of the options below:
- You represent a company that is under 2 years old and has less than 10 employees
- You are a Mobile Application or Games Developer
They are also happy to consider applications from individuals representing NGOs and Academia. To apply you can email info(@)allamber.co.uk. For a list of testimonials from people who have attended using the subsidy and more details you can go here.
There will also be an App Developer Competition at #MWEA2012 where your app gets voted on and the winner at the event stands to get $1,500 worth of advertising spend on the InMobi network, free entrance to the conference (a refund where applicable) and the pitch before the audience, not to mention their subsequent applause. More on that here.
5. The Future of Mobile
Afrinnovator’s been doing plenty of prospecting on what the future of mobile looks like on the continent in 2012. And Kenya or as most are beginning to christen it “Silicon Savannah” sets out to prove worthy of the title.With the convergence of some of the smartest minds in the industry and stakeholders from all across the value chain in mobile present in the room we can expect to do better than just read the tea leaves, but brew up a piping hot cup as well.
All things considered, this event ranks as a “Must-attend” and Afrinnovator intends on keepingyou posted on developments and proceedings in the buildup to Mobile Web East Africa 2012. Register here.
Please note this post was originaly posted on http://afrinnovator.com/
