IBC2024 To See First-Time Innovation, Talent And Growth Initiatives For Global Media Industry

IBC2024 has unveiled a host of exciting new show features fuelling networking, learning, collaboration and business opportunities at this year’s event, which takes place in the RAI Amsterdam on 13th-16th September. IBC executives announced details around the new AI Tech Zone, a unique IBC Talent Programme, a first-time AV Speed Pitch Event, and other elements of the show that will spotlight its key themes: Transformative Technology, Shifting Business Models, and People and Purpose.

Michael Crimp, IBC’s Chief Executive Officer, says: “IBC continues to find new ways to address the trends, issues, challenges and opportunities driving innovation in media and entertainment. Additions to the show, such as the AI Tech Zone, the Talent Programme, and the AV User Group event, combined with the outstanding line-up of visionary speakers we have for this year’s Conference, ensure that IBC is again positioned to deliver the world’s foremost M&E event. This year, with major global sports events and election coverage putting media performance more in the spotlight than ever, we bring together an industry looking to tap new methods and technologies as it continues to redefine itself.”

The new AI Tech Zone, powered by EBU in Hall 14, offers a central hub for AI providers, creators utilising the technology, and solution vendors meeting specific industry needs to show how AI can positively impact the industry. An AI Tech Zone Stage – sponsored by Wasabi Technologies – will feature industry leaders and visionaries sharing their insights into how AI is transforming media and entertainment and how it can shape the sector’s future. A networking zone – sponsored by DOT Group – will allow the IBC community to engage directly with some of the most innovative players pioneering AI for M&E. Other AI exhibitors include AI4ME, AudioShake, Magnifi, MobiusLabs, The Weather Company, Video.Taxi, Vionlabs, Zaibr, and Videolinq.ai.

IBC2024 will also feature a unique IBC Talent Programme on Monday, 16th September, in the Showcase Theatre in Hall 8. The free-to-attend sessions will explore how the M&E community can work together to nurture new talent, make training accessible, and develop common standards on diversity and inclusion. Working with key stakeholders and partners to create a foundation for the industry’s future, the IBC program will examine the benefits of partnerships and mentoring, promoting the industry to the next generation of media professionals, developing skills, and driving engagement with M&E companies.

Another new element being introduced at IBC2024 is a special Audio Visual (AV) buyers’ event on the eve of the show. Working with the AV User Group, IBC has created an IBC Speed Pitch Event for 40 of its members on September 12th. The event offers media technology companies the opportunity to promote their products, services and brands directly to major AV purchasers, including Arup, AstraZeneca, Bank of America, Barclays, Deliveroo, Schroders, UBS and WPP.

Other show features that further reinforce IBC’s unique and extensive offering include:

• The Esports Showcase, in partnership with Unlocked, in Hall 8, which shows the latest innovations in gaming production and delivery
• The new World Skills Café, the industry’s first global flagship event for skills, diversity, and education, taking place Thursday, 12th September at the RAI Amsterdam
• Partner groups RISE and RISE Academy, Galsngear, Women in Immersive Tech, Women in Streaming Media, HBS, SMPTE, RTS and Final Pixel Academy supporting and participating in initiatives aimed at fostering talent and inclusivity
• The IBC Innovation Awards, which take place on Sunday, 15th September at the RAI
• The Technical Papers Programme, which is presented throughout the IBC Conference
• The IBC Accelerator Media Innovation Programme, which brings together pioneering media companies and leading-edge technology partners to demonstrate how they are collaborating to solve real-world challenges and drive industry advances
• And the IBC Conference, taking place 13th-15th September at the RAI; more details of keynotes and speakers will be announced in early July

The amount of space booked by exhibitors for IBC2024 has now passed 45,000 square metres, already exceeding last year’s final total – with over 1,100 exhibitors signing contracts so far. Among the 150+ new exhibitors at IBC2024 are 5G Broadcast Collective, CDN Alliance, Datacamp, Eosos, Frequency Networks, Medianet Berlin, Strada, SwXch IO, and Vubiquity, while Benro, Insta360, Robe, The Weather Company, Vecima, and Yamaha are returning to the show for the first time since 2019.

The leading global media technology brands exhibiting this year also include Arabsat, Arri, Avid, AWS, Blackmagic, BT Media, Canon, Comcast, Eutelsat, Evertz, EVS, Google, Grass Valley, Harmonic, Huawei, Imagine Communications, LG, Lawo, LTN, Mediakind, Microsoft, Nagra, Panasonic, Riedel, Ross Video, Samsung, SES, Sony, Tata Communications, Telestream, Zero Density, Zixi, and ZTE.

Steve Connolly, Director at IBC, notes: “We’re seeing overwhelmingly strong demand from exhibitors, with many returning brands increasing space and new companies coming in. There is already a very positive buzz around the exhibition this year — visitors to IBC2024 will see exciting demos and get the chance to meet an increasingly wide array of innovative brands from across the media technology landscape. With the introduction of the AV User Group event, IBC continues to broaden its scope and provide more opportunities for both exhibitors and visitors.”