People

During an informal talk at Natpe Budapest Une 23-26, 2025) Dom Serafini chief editor of  Videoage, who shared candid reflections on the shifting dynamics of TV markets, trade events, and the often-overlooked potential of religious content.
Dom Serafini pointed out an example that underscores current challenges: the absence of Record TV from Brazil at the event. "I asked the Brazilian TV company why they weren't here, and they told me it was because when they attended, there were no sales. But the truth is, they produce religious programming — a genre currently experiencing a revival, especially content inspired by the Old Testament," Serafini explained.
He emphasized that June is a pivotal month for TV buyers of religious or inspirational content. "It’s the time when networks start scouting for content to be ready for the December holiday's window. Buyers need to see the product now, select it, buy it, and though payments and contracts in order to be ready by November. The acquisition decision is made during NATPE Budapest." Serafini lamented that many distributors miss out on this precise timing, particularly those focusing on religious programming. "There is little support for these producers. Yet, there is growing demand."

Conferences Without Market Flow: A Structural Flaw
One of Serafini’s most critical observations concerned how conferences are often detached from the needs of the marketplace. "You can’t organize a seminar or a conference that’s disconnected from the buying flow — it’s useless. It’s like creating two competing tracks." He cited past examples where conferences failed to bring tangible benefits to sellers because they didn’t align with the deal-making dynamics of the market. "When organizers send out press releases about conferences, they rarely connect them to the actual trade show floors. That’s a mistake. Markets are supported by face-to-face exchanges — tables, stands, and negotiations."

The Market Is Where the Money Is Made
Serafini was blunt about the financial structure of industry events. "Conferences are money-losing operations (unless one finds sponsors). The real money is made on the market floor where deals happen." He stressed that selecting the right kind of conference subjects matter, and conferences have to add value to the market, since the heart of these events is the market itself."