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Business Standard
an hour ago
- Business
- Business Standard
InfoComm India 2025 Visitor Registration Opens Strong Amidst Surging Demand for AI and Immersive AV
NewsVoir Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], July 23: Following a record-breaking edition in 2024 that saw visitor attendance grow by 17%, InfoComm India returns to Mumbai's Jio World Convention Centre from 9-11 September 2025, with a larger showcase, cutting-edge learning sessions, and new partnerships catering to India's fast-evolving AV and experience technology markets. Strong Market Growth and New Exhibitors Drive Momentum The stage for InfoComm India is set against the backdrop of a booming market. According to the 2024 Industry Outlook and Trends Analysis (IOTA) by AVIXA, India is not only the third-largest pro-AV market in APAC but also the fastest-growing globally, with annual revenue projected to reach $11.8 billion in 2029. This explosive growth is fueling demand across India's corporate, education, and government sectors, and InfoComm India 2025 is expanding to meet the surge. This year, visitors will find an enriched show floor featuring returning global brands like Crestron, Harman, and AET, as well as first-time exhibitors such as Smart Stage Technologies, InstaLED, and FutureComm Systems, representing next-gen solutions in digital signage, control systems, immersive lighting, and collaborative workplace tech. A major new feature this year is the Smart Tech Stage. This engaging live demo area will allow visitors to learn real-world tech applications powering smart workplaces, learning environments, and next-gen entertainment spaces. New Learning & Engagement Highlights in 2025 Complementing the show floor is the show's signature InfoComm India Summit, with fresh content streams and practical insights. Among the new highlights: * AI in AV Workshop - Addressing India's growing appetite for AI-powered solutions, this workshop delivers actionable strategies for attendees to harness AI's potential in creative workflows. * Sector-Focused Show Floor Tours on Smart Workplaces & Smart Classrooms led by experts to help buyers find key solutions specific to their business and organization needs. * Dynamic Networking Opportunities, including the Regional AV Roundtable & Mixer and the Welcome Networking Event (co-organized with AVIXA), connecting AV professionals, system integrators, and tech decision-makers from across various industries. Strategic Partnerships & Growing Industry Engagement InfoComm India is forging deeper connections with key stakeholders through a series of strategic partnerships that aim to amplify knowledge exchange, innovation showcases, and sector-wide participation. From smart infrastructure to next-gen learning and enterprise IT, these partnerships are designed to connect solution providers with India's most forward-looking decision-makers across industries. EEMA (Event Entertainment Management Association), AIILSG (All India Institute Local Self Government), ICT Academy, CSI (Computer Society of India), EESA (Event Equipment Services Association), FITAG (The Federation of Information Technology Associations of Gujarat) and many other regional bodies. These collaborations reinforce InfoComm India's position as a business-critical platform for India's growing AV and experience tech industry--bridging global innovation with localized market needs. The Must-Attend Event for Pro AV & Immersive Experience Technology This year's edition continues to place a strong focus on engaging key buyers and decision-makers through the Invited Guest Program, with a particular emphasis on high-growth sectors actively driving AV adoption--namely, Smart Cities, Digital Education, and Enterprise IT. India's digital education sector is projected to grow at a staggering CAGR of 25.2%, reaching USD 34.8 billion by 2033, backed by large-scale smart classroom initiatives. Similarly, India's IT sector has crossed USD 250 billion in revenue, with hybrid collaboration fueling demand for next-gen AV solutions. The government's Smart Cities Mission, supported by over INR 6,000 crore in funding, continues to boost investment in AV-intensive applications like integrated command centers and digital signage. These trends highlight the strategic importance of engaging buyers from these segments, who are at the forefront of India's digital transformation. Through these strategic alliances, the show is set to deliver even greater value to participants--creating powerful opportunities for learning, networking, and business exchange across verticals like urban development, live events, education, and enterprise IT. With registration now open, InfoComm India 2025 is already seeing strong interest from across the AV and technology spectrum, attracting a diverse mix of enterprise end-users, system integrators, and solution providers seeking partnerships. A wave of early registrations from KPMG, Deloitte, Adani, Tata Motors, Cisco, Reliance Industries, Godrej, IBM, SEBI, Axis Bank, Yashraj Films, among many others reflects the industry's confidence in the show's relevance and reach. Experience Next-Gen Pro AV Technologies First-hand From AV system integrators, rental, live event companies, broadcasters, architects, IT consultants, and business leaders, InfoComm India is where India's AV and tech ecosystem converges to source solutions, build partnerships, and learn from industry leaders. Exhibitors are set to unveil a suite of transformative Pro AV and Technology solutions designed to solve current and future key challenges for India's rapidly growing businesses. To name a few of these upcoming Pro AV products from the exhibitors: * AI Suite for Digital Signage by KORBYT [TE07] - AI-driven content personalization and scheduling, boosting engagement across corporate campuses. * AIRTAME Wireless Conferencing & Digital Signage by NTECK SYSTEMS [BB01] - AI-enhanced wireless conferencing and signage for seamless and interactive AV sharing * IActive W Pro Series - All in One Interactive Flat Panel by IACTIVE TECHNOLOGY [K33] - AI-integrated interactive panel, offering real time feedback and automating admin tasks. * AI:EX by DVSI [C33]- an AI-powered, on-premise AV management system offering predictive support, NLP-based control, usage insights, and 24/7 intelligent troubleshooting. * IX Series DSP Amplifiers by BOSCH [D20] - DSP-powered amplifiers with automation via TaskEngine, enabling smart zone control, usage-based adjustments, and seamless integration into multi-room AV environments. Registration & Last Opportunities to Exhibit The momentum from last year's record-breaking edition - which saw a 17% increase in unique visitor attendance and a marked rise in participation from emerging cities - is driving significant expansion for 2025. The upcoming edition has already expanded its footprint by 12% in exhibition space and attracted over 25% more exhibiting brands. This growth reflects the surging interest in Pro AV and experience technology across India's enterprise, government, broadcast, and education sectors -- and signals a vibrant marketplace of ideas, solutions, and collaboration waiting on the show floor. With limited booth space and sponsorship packages remaining, companies looking to capitalize on India's booming AV sector are encouraged to secure their participation now. Visitor registration is now open. For more information on exhibiting or securing the last available sponsorship opportunities, visit InfoCommAsia Pte Ltd. extends its influence through three marquee shows: InfoComm Asia; InfoComm China, Beijing; and InfoComm India. Each show features an exhibition that showcases the world's most cutting-edge and in-demand professional audiovisual and integrated experience technology solutions and a summit that presents learning opportunities. The shows bring together professional audiovisual industry players and top-level decision-makers from across different markets to tap into the vast potential presented by pro AV solutions. For more information, visit: | |
IOL News
4 hours ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Freedom of expression has limits, Supreme Court rules in social media defamation case
The Supreme Court of Appeal ruled that neither the Constitution nor freedom of expression is an excuse for defamation. Image: FILE Neither the Constitution nor freedom of expression protects a person who posts defamatory material concerning another on social media, the Supreme Court of Appeal ruled in turning down an appeal by a farmer after his Facebook post sparked death threats against an attorney. A dispute arose between Pretoria attorney Pieter Strydom and farmer Francois Harman after the latter accused Strydom in a Facebook post of targeting white farmers. Strydom, upset by the contents of the post, obtained an urgent interdict against Harman to stop harassing him. The high court found that Harman and his friends and followers on his Facebook account posted and published offensive and life-threatening defamatory statements concerning Strydom. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Some of the postings were found by the high court to amount to a smear campaign. The high court ordered Harman to remove the published material from his Facebook account, which referred to Strydom. Harman was further ordered to submit, under oath, a list of the particulars of the persons who made the responding postings. While Harman had meanwhile removed his posts, he turned to the SCA to appeal against the fact that he had to disclose the particulars of his followers who published threats against Strydom. Strydom is an attorney and insolvency practitioner who also represents the Land and Agricultural Development Bank of South Africa and its financial agent, Unigro Financial Services. The Land Bank and Unigro advance loans to farmers, subject to agreed terms and conditions, which include mortgaging their farms as collateral. The loan agreements provide for annual instalment payments of the amount loaned, due to seasonal harvest of the crops. Whenever a farmer falls in default of payment, the Land Bank instructs its attorneys, in this case, Strydom's law firm, to institute legal proceedings to recover the debt. Included among the farmers was Harman and his company, who fell into arrears with payments. Harman took to his Facebook account, stating that Strydom and some officials at the Land Bank were the cause of his problems. Strydom obtained an interdict against Harman, prohibiting him from committing verbal abuse through electronic communication as well as refraining from harassing him. The order was obtained in Harman's absence. The following day, a messenger tried to serve him with the protection order, but Harman denied them entry into his house and instead photographed them. After they left, he again took to his Facebook account and posted the pictures together with a post regarding how the lives of white farmers are made difficult in the country. On the same day, his Facebook post was followed by a slew of other vitriolic postings from different persons - some made death threats towards Strydom. This resulted in the court ordering him to take down his post and to disclose the identities of those who had levelled threats and made defamatory statements towards Strydom. Harman refused to submit the list of his Facebook friends involved and cited various excuses, including that 'the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) prevented him from divulging this information. He also stated freedom of expression as an excuse. To post a message on Facebook that someone 'needs a bullet between the eyes' is an impermissible exercise of freedom of expression. The right to freedom of expression, like all rights, has limits. The one obvious limit is when its exercise encroaches into the domain of another person's right, the SCA said. It found that Strydom is entitled to the list of persons responsible for these unlawful acts in order to vindicate his rights, if he deems fit to do so. Cape Times
Fashion Value Chain
4 hours ago
- Business
- Fashion Value Chain
InfoComm India 2025 Visitor Registration Opens Strong Amidst Surging Demand for AI and Immersive AV
Following a record-breaking edition in 2024 that saw visitor attendance grow by 17%, InfoComm India returns to Mumbai's Jio World Convention Centre from 9-11 September 2025, with a larger showcase, cutting-edge learning sessions, and new partnerships catering to India's fast-evolving AV and experience technology markets. India's premier Pro AV and Integrated Experience Technology event returns Strong Market Growth and New Exhibitors Drive Momentum The stage for InfoComm India is set against the backdrop of a booming market. According to the 2024 Industry Outlook and Trends Analysis (IOTA) by AVIXA, India is not only the third-largest pro-AV market in APAC but also the fastest-growing globally, with annual revenue projected to reach $11.8 billion in 2029. This explosive growth is fueling demand across India's corporate, education, and government sectors, and InfoComm India 2025 is expanding to meet the surge. This year, visitors will find an enriched show floor featuring returning global brands like Crestron, Harman, and AET, as well as first-time exhibitors such as Smart Stage Technologies, InstaLED, and FutureComm Systems, representing next-gen solutions in digital signage, control systems, immersive lighting, and collaborative workplace tech. A major new feature this year is the Smart Tech Stage. This engaging live demo area will allow visitors to learn real-world tech applications powering smart workplaces, learning environments, and next-gen entertainment spaces. New Learning & Engagement Highlights in 2025 Complementing the show floor is the show's signature InfoComm India Summit, with fresh content streams and practical insights. Among the new highlights: AI in AV Workshop – Addressing India's growing appetite for AI-powered solutions, this workshop delivers actionable strategies for attendees to harness AI's potential in creative workflows. Sector-Focused Show Floor Tours on Smart Workplaces & Smart Classrooms led by experts to help buyers find key solutions specific to their business and organization needs. Dynamic Networking Opportunities, including the Regional AV Roundtable & Mixer and the Welcome Networking Event (co-organized with AVIXA), connecting AV professionals, system integrators, and tech decision-makers from across various industries. Strategic Partnerships & Growing Industry Engagement InfoComm India is forging deeper connections with key stakeholders through a series of strategic partnerships that aim to amplify knowledge exchange, innovation showcases, and sector-wide participation. From smart infrastructure to next-gen learning and enterprise IT, these partnerships are designed to connect solution providers with India's most forward-looking decision-makers across industries. EEMA (Event Entertainment Management Association), AIILSG (All India Institute Local Self Government), ICT Academy, CSI (Computer Society of India), EESA (Event Equipment Services Association), FITAG (The Federation of Information Technology Associations of Gujarat) and many other regional bodies. These collaborations reinforce InfoComm India's position as a business-critical platform for India's growing AV and experience tech industry-bridging global innovation with localized market needs. The Must-Attend Event for Pro AV & Immersive Experience Technology This year's edition continues to place a strong focus on engaging key buyers and decision-makers through the Invited Guest Program, with a particular emphasis on high-growth sectors actively driving AV adoption-namely, Smart Cities, Digital Education, and Enterprise IT. India's digital education sector is projected to grow at a staggering CAGR of 25.2%, reaching USD 34.8 billion by 2033, backed by large-scale smart classroom initiatives. Similarly, Indias IT sector has crossed USD 250 billion in revenue, with hybrid collaboration fueling demand for next-gen AV solutions. The governments Smart Cities Mission, supported by over INR 6,000 crore in funding, continues to boost investment in AV-intensive applications like integrated command centers and digital signage. These trends highlight the strategic importance of engaging buyers from these segments, who are at the forefront of India's digital transformation. Through these strategic alliances, the show is set to deliver even greater value to participants-creating powerful opportunities for learning, networking, and business exchange across verticals like urban development, live events, education, and enterprise IT. With registration now open, InfoComm India 2025 is already seeing strong interest from across the AV and technology spectrum, attracting a diverse mix of enterprise end-users, system integrators, and solution providers seeking partnerships. A wave of early registrations from KPMG, Deloitte, Adani, Tata Motors, Cisco, Reliance Industries, Godrej, IBM, SEBI, Axis Bank, Yashraj Films, among many others reflects the industry's confidence in the show's relevance and reach. Experience Next-Gen Pro AV Technologies First-hand From AV system integrators, rental, live event companies, broadcasters, architects, IT consultants, and business leaders, InfoComm India is where India's AV and tech ecosystem converges to source solutions, build partnerships, and learn from industry leaders. Exhibitors are set to unveil a suite of transformative Pro AV and Technology solutions designed to solve current and future key challenges for India's rapidly growing businesses. To name a few of these upcoming Pro AV products from the exhibitors: AI Suite for Digital Signage by KORBYT [TE07] – AI-driven content personalization and scheduling, boosting engagement across corporate campuses. AIRTAME Wireless Conferencing & Digital Signage by NTECK SYSTEMS [BB01] – AI-enhanced wireless conferencing and signage for seamless and interactive AV sharing IActive W Pro Series – All in One Interactive Flat Panel by IACTIVE TECHNOLOGY [K33] – AI-integrated interactive panel, offering real time feedback and automating admin tasks. AI:EX by DVSI [C33] – an AI-powered, on-premise AV management system offering predictive support, NLP-based control, usage insights, and 24/7 intelligent troubleshooting. IX Series DSP Amplifiers by BOSCH [D20] – DSP-powered amplifiers with automation via TaskEngine, enabling smart zone control, usage-based adjustments, and seamless integration into multi-room AV environments. Registration & Last Opportunities to Exhibit The momentum from last year's record-breaking edition – which saw a 17% increase in unique visitor attendance and a marked rise in participation from emerging cities – is driving significant expansion for 2025. The upcoming edition has already expanded its footprint by 12% in exhibition space and attracted over 25% more exhibiting brands. This growth reflects the surging interest in Pro AV and experience technology across India's enterprise, government, broadcast, and education sectors – and signals a vibrant marketplace of ideas, solutions, and collaboration waiting on the show floor. With limited booth space and sponsorship packages remaining, companies looking to capitalize on India's booming AV sector are encouraged to secure their participation now. Visitor registration is now open. For more information on exhibiting or securing the last available sponsorship opportunities, visit About InfoComm Asia Pte Ltd. InfoCommAsia Pte Ltd. extends its influence through three marquee shows: InfoComm Asia; InfoComm China, Beijing; and InfoComm India. Each show features an exhibition that showcases the world's most cutting-edge and in-demand professional audiovisual and integrated experience technology solutions and a summit that presents learning opportunities. The shows bring together professional audiovisual industry players and top-level decision-makers from across different markets to tap into the vast potential presented by pro AV solutions. For more information, visit: | |
IOL News
8 hours ago
- Business
- IOL News
Farmer loses SCA battle after harmful Facebook posts about lawyer following R3 million debt
SCA dismissed an appeal by farmer who posted inflammatory messages against an attorney over a debt. The Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) has dismissed an appeal from an aggrieved farmer, Francois Harman, who had taken to Facebook to post disparaging and inflammatory remarks against Pretoria attorney Pieter Strydom. Strydom, who acts as an insolvency practitioner, was representing the Land and Agricultural Development Bank of South Africa (Land Bank) in its legal proceedings against Harman for outstanding debts. The Land Bank and Unigro Financial Services advance loans to farmers and whenever a farmer falls in default of payment, the organisations would instruct Strydom to initiate legal proceedings to recover the debt. The legal dispute began when Harman and his company, Redlex, secured a loan from the Land Bank but fell into arrears, ultimately leading to a lawsuit for over R4.3 million. After Redlex was liquidated in July 2019, the Land Bank, represented by Strydom, secured a judgment against Harman in May 2020 for more than R3 million plus interest. Frustrated by the judgment and the financial toll it had taken on him, Harman resorted to social media to express his anger. His Facebook posts targeted Strydom and other officials at the Land Bank, accusing them of unethical behaviour and acting impartially. In response to his alarming online conduct, Strydom sought a protection order against Harman, which prohibited him from further harassment or verbal abuse through electronic communication. The order was obtained in Harman's absence.
IOL News
a day ago
- Business
- IOL News
Supreme Court ruling clarifies limits of freedom of expression in social media defamation cases
The Supreme Court of Appeal ruled that neither the Constitution nor freedom of expression is an excuse for defamation. Image: File Neither the Constitution nor the freedom of expression protects a person who posts defamatory material concerning another on social media, the Supreme Court of Appeal ruled in turning down an appeal by a farmer after a Facebook post by him sparked death threats against an attorney. A dispute arose between Pretoria attorney Pieter Strydom and farmer Francois Harman after the latter accused Strydom in a Facebook post of targeting white farmers. Strydom, upset by the contents of the post, obtained an urgent interdict against Harman to stop harassing him. The high court found that Harman and his friends and followers on his Facebook account posted and published offensive and life-threatening defamatory statements concerning Strydom. Some of the postings were found by the high court to amount to a smear campaign. The high court ordered Harman to remove the published material from his Facebook account, which referred to Strydom. Harman was further ordered to submit, under oath, a list of the particulars of the persons who made the responding postings. While Harman had meanwhile removed his posts, he turned to the SCA to appeal against the fact that he had to disclose the particulars of his followers who published threats against Strydom. Strydom is an attorney and insolvency practitioner who also represents the Land and Agricultural Development Bank of South Africa and its financial agent, Unigro Financial Services. The Land Bank and Unigro advance loans to farmers, subject to agreed terms and conditions, which include mortgaging their farms as collateral. The loan agreements provide for annual instalment payments of the amount loaned, due to seasonal harvest of the crops. Whenever a farmer falls in default of payment, the Land Bank instructs its attorneys, in this case, Strydom's law firm, to institute legal proceedings to recover the debt. Included among the farmers was Harman and his company, who fell into arrears with payments. Harman took to his Facebook account, stating that Strydom and some officials in the Land Bank were the cause of his problems. Strydom obtained an interdict against Harman, prohibiting him from committing verbal abuse through electronic communication as well as refraining from harassing him. The order was obtained in Harman's absence. The following day, a messenger tried to serve him with the protection order, but Harman denied them entry into his house and instead photographed them. After they left, he again took to his Facebook account and posted the pictures together with a post regarding how the lives of white farmers are made difficult in this country. On the same day, his Facebook post was followed by a slew of other vitriolic postings from different persons - some who made death threats towards Strydom. This resulted in the court ordering him to take down his post and to disclose the identities of those who had levelled threats and made defamatory statements towards Strydom. Harman refused to submit the list of his Facebook friends involved and cited various excuses, including that 'the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) prevented him from divulging this information. He also stated freedom of expression as an excuse. To post a message on Facebook that someone 'needs a bullet between the eyes' is an impermissible exercise of freedom of expression. The right to freedom of expression, like all rights, has limits. The one obvious limit is when its exercise encroaches into the domain of another person's right, the SCA said. It found that Strydom is entitled to the list of persons responsible for these unlawful acts in order to vindicate his rights, if he deems fit to do so. [email protected]
