BBC Studios, beIN Media Group, Fremantle, Paramount Global and Virgin Media O2 to feature speakers at IBC Conference.
International Broadcasting Convention (IBC) has now opened for registration for the 2024 edition, set to take place at the RAI Amsterdam from September 13 to 16. The event will serve as a pivotal gathering for the global media and entertainment (M&E) industry, offering a platform to showcase innovations, address pressing industry trends, and foster collaboration through a four-day exhibition and a three-day IBC Conference.
Speaking about the show, Michael Crimp, Chief Executive Officer, IBC, said: “IBC2024 will deliver the world’s premier expo and content programme covering transformational tech and changing business models, with a keen focus on people and purpose. 2024 sees the M&E industry at the centre of major events worldwide. As well as showcasing top-level Olympic Sports content, in this year of global elections, IBC will focus on key news hot topics such as disinformation. IBC2024 promises to be an unmissable event for M&E professionals everywhere. Registration is now open. We look forward to meeting you in Amsterdam for another world-class IBC.”
The IBC Conference, renowned as the premier knowledge and networking experience, will feature keynote addresses, presentations, and panel discussions led by thought leaders from around the world. These sessions will delve deep into the issues, challenges, and opportunities shaping the landscape of media, entertainment, and technology. Additionally, delegates will have the opportunity to forge valuable connections and engage in direct industry dialogues at the private Delegate Lounge, where exclusive networking breakfasts, roundtables, and other events will be hosted.
The initial roster of speakers for this year’s IBC Conference includes representatives from leading industry entities such as Kasia Jablonska, Director of Digital and On-Demand at BBC Studios; Israel Esteban, Chief Technology Officer at beIN Media Group; Laura Florence, Senior Vice President Global FAST Channels at Fremantle; Phil Wiser, Executive Vice President and Global Chief Technology Officer at Paramount Global; and David Bouchier, Chief TV and Entertainment Officer at Virgin Media O2.
IBC2024 will witness the return of prominent global media technology brands, including AWS, Blackmagic, Canon, LG, LTN, Panasonic, Ross Video, Samsung, Sony, and Zixi. The exhibition space reserved by participating companies has already surpassed last year’s total of 44,500 sqm. Furthermore, IBC2024 has expanded its venue with the addition of Hall 14, which will house a second Content Everywhere area and introduce the new AI Tech Zone.
Several companies are returning as exhibitors for the first time since 2019, with Benro, Insta360, Robe, Vecima, and Yamaha among those making a comeback. Additionally, over 100 new exhibitors have secured space, including Antenna Hungaria, Frequency Networks, MBS, Medianet Berlin, Servers.com, and swXtch.io. Exhibitor bookings from the Asia Pacific region, which saw significant growth last year, are anticipated to increase by double digits in 2024.
Steve Connolly, Director at IBC, noted: “We have a strong pipeline for further bookings in place, as the show continues to grow in areas where we are seeing the M&E industry expanding and evolving – such as maturing markets in regions like APAC, or rapidly emerging technology sectors such as AI. For instance, the whole reason we’re building Hall 14 is to accommodate the exponential growth of Content Everywhere, which is the go-to area for Over-the-Top (OTT) and multi-platform delivery.”
Throughout the four-day event, IBC2024 will offer a comprehensive show-floor content programme featuring presentations, panels, masterclasses, and demonstrations covering core topics such as AI, 5G, Cloud, Esports, Immersive Experiences, OTT & Streaming, AdTech, and Connected Technologies. These sessions will be held across various stages, including the Showcase Theatre, the Innovation Stage, two Content Everywhere Stages, and the AI Tech Zone Stage. The Innovation Stage will also showcase demonstrations from the Accelerator Media Innovation Programme, highlighting collaborative projects addressing real-world challenges faced by the industry today.