New York, November 7, 2012 – The annual International Emmy World Television Festival, which always takes place the weekend before the International Emmy Awards Gala, is set for Saturday, November 17 and Sunday, November 18, at the New York Sofitel Hotel. The event which features Panels & Presentations of the International Emmy Award Nominees, is a unique showcase of the best television in the world including shows and talent from 15 countries across 9 categories. Representatives of the nominated programs from: Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Japan, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Spain and The United Kingdom will join Academy Members, Jurors, Sponsors and their guests for panels, presentations and networking events. Over 600 international television & media executives are expected to attend.
 
“We’re looking forward to celebrating the 2012 International Emmy Award Nominees at our Festival, a one of a kind networking industry event where one can watch some of the best television in the world and meet with the producers of these shows.”, said Bruce L. Paisner, President & CEO of The International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.  
 
2012 Festival Partners include: Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward Office of Film & Entertainment; who will host the traditional Sunday Board & Members Breakfast and present its latest tax incentive programs; Home Box Office (HBO) which will host once again the Festival Closing Cocktail as well as Azteca; CCTV Documentary; Deluxe Media; Dori Media Group; Ernst & Young; Frankfurt, Kurnit,Klein & Selz; Microsoft; NRW Media Authorities (Film und Media Fund and LfM Media Authority of North Rhine Westphalia), Phoenix Satellite Television; Sofitel Luxury Hotels; Tavalon Tea and TV Globo.
 
Ricardo B. Salinas, Chairman of Azteca and 2012 Gala Chair, will host the traditional kick-off cocktail party on Friday, November 16th. Liu Changle, Chairman of Phoenix Satellite Television will Chair the Festival.
 
About the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences 

The International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences is a membership based organization comprised of leading media and entertainment figures from over 50 countries and 500 companies from all sectors of television including internet, mobile and technology. The Academy’s yearly schedule of events includes the prestigious International Emmy® Awards Ceremony held in New York, The International Digital Emmy® Awards at MIPTV and a series of industry events such as Academy Day, the International Emmy® World Television Festival and Panels on substantive industry topics. The Academy was chartered with a mission to recognize excellence in television produced outside of the United States and it presents The International Emmy® Awards in the following fifteen categories: Arts Programming; Best Performance by an Actress; Best Performance by an Actor; Current Affairs; Children & Young People; Comedy; Digital Program: Children & Young People; Digital Program: Fiction; Digital Program: Non-Fiction; Documentary; Drama Series; News; Non-Scripted Entertainment; Telenovela; TV Movie/Mini-Series.  For more information go to  www.iemmys.tv.