Plenary Sessions
There are 20 plenary sessions which take up the theme of The 2020 Vision: Decade of Decisions for Regional Television. They examine on Thursday, the Challenges: on Friday, the Answers and Ideas: on Saturday, the Skills and Leadership. Together they should provide a checklist of what the problems will be and how they may be overcome. Media experts will give
their advice but, as ever at a CIRCOM Conference, much practical benefit will be gained by finding out how other stations have coped and flourished. The Plenary sessions are in the Ballroom on Floor 7.
Programme Sessions
Programmes are at the heart of television and encouraging co-operation min programming and co-productions are core to the opportunity which CIRCOM presents for its members. One workshop session on Thursday invites discussion on formats and programme ideas to which all are invited. On Friday, there is a chance to Meet The Winners and view some of the best programmes around Europe. The programme sessions are in the Castile Room on Floor 7.
Ideas Bazaar
On Friday, there is an informal exchange of ideas and views for stations to catch up on “best practice” in other stations. It’s a chance to present your station’s ideas – and get given ideas from others in return. This session is in the Provence Room on Floor 7.
Conference News Reports
Host station PBS Malta in conjunction with the media students of the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology will provide news coverage of the conference. You may be asked for an interview to hear your comments on the major issues being discussed at the conference. Please take time to co-operate and help. The news reports will be played on the large screen in the lobby on Floor 7.
Conference Television Channel
In co-operation with the Excelsior Hotel, it is hoped that one of the channels fed to the bedrooms by closed circuit will be made available to CIRCOM to deliver the conference news items and programmes from the Prix CIRCOM.
TV Lunchtime Dating
One of the challenges of the conference is to find other people who want to talk about the same aspects of regional television as you do. We hope to help by providing a “TV Lunchtime Dating” service. We will number and identify tables which are reserved for people who want to explore, over a lunchtime chat, a particular theme such as, say, social networking, mobile TV,
management and operational change, finances, formats and so on. We are asking our guest speakers and panellists to sit with you so you can enjoy their company and further comments.
This is an experiment and we would welcome feedback. Lunch is served in the Admirals Landing restaurant on Floor 5.
Prix CIRCOM Regional
The Gala for the Prix CIRCOM will be in the open air beside the harbour, subject to the weather, on Thursday evening. It will be preceded by Cocktails and followed by the Gala Dinner. If the
weather is expected to be bad, the Gala will be in the Ballroom. The Gala will be covered by PBS Malta cameras and broadcast as a special programme. The winner of the Grand Prix will
be announced at the Gala and you can Meet The Winners in the all-day Friday session in the Castile Room on Floor 7.
Teletheque
This is a private viewing area designed to let you see a wide range of regional programming, including this year’s entries in the Prix. It is the fastest way to catch up on what’s worth watching. This will be in the Aragon Room on Floor 7.
Training Scheme in Malta
There is a CIRCOM training scheme which has been in progress for more than a week before the arrival of the conference delegates. The trainees come from many CIRCOM member stations – perhaps including yours. All the trainees are welcome to attend all conference sessions, subject to their work. They will make a presentation to delegates in a Plenary session in the Ballroom (Floor 7) on Saturday morning. They would welcome your interest and support.
Social Events
5th May Welcome Reception
The Chairman and Board of Directors of Public Broadcasting Services Ltd will be inviting all delegates to a Welcome Reception which will be held at the Malta Maritime Museum situated on the Vittoriosa waterfront. This museum is housed in the former Naval Bakery. The building was designed by the British architect and engineer William Scamp and was erected between 1842 and 1845, over the site of the old covered slipways of the Knights of St. John. It was restored in recent years and charts Malta’s Maritime history and lore within a Mediterranean context and also illustrates the global nature of seafaring and its impact on society.
A shot tour of the Museum will be offered prior to the reception.
8th May Excursion – Boat trip
We shall be cruising around the two natural harbours on either side of Valletta – Marsamxett Harbour and the Grand Harbour. A detailed commentary will unfold the history of Valletta and the Three Cities connected with the two Great Sieges of 1565 and 1942, as well as all the other places of interest including the historical forts, battlements and creeks which can only be admired from the sea.