Los Angeles, California – Rod Perth, President and CEO, NATPE||Content First, announced that buyer registration numbers for NATPE’s 50^th Anniversary market and conference in January are pacing ahead of last year’s figures by 31%.

The conference, which takes place January 28-30 at the Fontainebleau Resort in Miami Beach, is focused on the theme of “Beyond Disruption”, with leaders from the television, technology and advertising industries all converging in one place to celebrate NATPE’s history while together examining the future of the industry. Additionally, NATPE has planned numerous special networking events and parties in celebration of its 50^th Anniversary.

“The single most important ingredient for a vibrant market – and for deals to get done – is the number of qualified buyers that attend,” said Mr. Perth. “I am very pleased to announce that registration for both international and domestic buyers is pacing about 31 percent ahead of where we were this time last year, which was itself a great year.”

Perth also noted the number of companies confirmed to exhibit is approaching 300 confirmed exhibitors to date, including every one of the major studios. Twenty-seven of those exhibitors will be attending NATPE for the first time. The market floor is completely sold out, as are all of the suites in the Tresor Tower.

Finally, Perth announced a series of special events that will take place each night to provide attendees with additional networking opportunities, as well as to celebrate NATPE’s 50^th Anniversary. Scheduled events include the following:

Sunday:  Welcome Party – 6-8pm at the Eden Roc Hotel, sponsored by the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau and its partners.

Monday: Opening Night Party – 6-8pm at the Fontainebleau pool, sponsored by DLA, Venevision and People Television, Inc.

Tuesday: NATPE’s Official 50^th Anniversary Birthday Party – 10pm at LIV nightclub at the Fontainebleau, and featuring Fitz and the Tantrums – recently named by Rolling Stone as a 2011 “Band to Watch,” and dubbed “one of the hottest new bands” by KCRW Radio.