Collaboration, innovation and purpose at heart of IBC2025

With 43,858 visitors, IBC’s show floor, stages and conference buzzed with activity, ideas and connections, as 1,300+ exhibitors and over 600 speakers showcased new technologies, debated industry transformation, and built the relationships that will drive the sector forward. 

“IBC2025 has delivered real business outcomes with overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees,” said Michael Crimp, Chief Executive Officer of IBC. “What struck me most was the sense of optimism and purpose — exhibitors, visitors, speakers, and partners all came here to shape the future of our industry. We look forward to continuing the journey together next year.” 

Global community meeting and sharing 

With visitors from 170 countries, IBC2025 reaffirmed its role as the world’s most international media and entertainment event. From global broadcasters and content owners to established tech vendors to agile start-ups and fast-scaling disruptors, the full media and entertainment (M&E) ecosystem converged on the RAI in Amsterdam for the four-day event. 

Carlos Octavio Queiroz, Director of Data/AI, Partnerships and Architecture at Globo, summed it up: “IBC2025 continues to be the world’s essential meeting place for media professionals from across the globe. We brought a large delegation this year because we know how important IBC is for driving innovation, exchanging ideas, and connecting with our most important partners and suppliers. Being recognised with an IBC2025 Special Award during our centenary made it all the more meaningful.” 

Future Tech captures imagination 

A standout feature of IBC2025 was the debut of Future Tech in Hall 14, a dynamic new hub for emerging technologies and collaborative projects. Visitors explored live demonstrations of generative and agentic AI, immersive and interactive media, cloud-native workflows, private 5G networks, and sustainable innovation.  

“This year’s IBC was buzzing with energy, innovation and real momentum, especially in Future Tech” said Skander Ben Attia, CTO, France Télévisions. “Our 5G-enabled light aircraft drew huge attention, sparking fantastic conversations about what’s next in connected media. We were proud to be part of the IBC Accelerator project exploring the deployment of private 5G networks in the air. Introducing our C2PA initiative at IBC was also a major milestone, and an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to content authenticity and public trust in journalism.” 

“We’re witnessing a pivotal moment of innovation and transformation across media and entertainment – and IBC2025 has truly positioned itself at the epicentre of it all,” said Brijesh Yadev, Global Business Leader, Sales & Product Management at Tata Communications, a Future Tech exhibitor. “There’s been tremendous interest in the hands-on experiences and breakthrough technologies that we and others showcased.” 

Business gets done at IBC 

IBC2025 once again proved itself as a milestone in the sales cycle and a vital space for commercial engagement. For exhibitors, the show provided unrivalled opportunities to meet buyers, decision-makers and partners, benchmark against competitors, and build strong sales pipelines. Across the RAI, exhibitors reported that conversations were more strategic than ever – focused on future-looking solutions, partnerships and next-phase investments. 

“IBC is always a key event for Avid – it’s where we unveil our latest innovations, strengthen relationships with customers and partners, and gain valuable industry insights,” said Angela Stelle, Chief Marketing Officer at Avid.  

Ideas that inspire change 

The IBC2025 Conference gave delegates an agenda-setting view of the industry’s most critical issues, from the rise of AI and new business models to sustainability and storytelling. Sessions with speakers from ITV, Netflix, Warner Bros. Discovery and other leading industry players and thought leaders drew standing-room-only audiences. Icons like Thelma Schoonmaker, the multi-Oscar-winning film editor who worked with Martin Scorsese, and director Bernard MacMahon from the Becoming Led Zeppelin documentary team brought creative inspiration – while the IBC Technical Papers once again provided rigorous insights into practical innovation. 

Rollo Goldstaub, Global Head of Sports Partnerships at TikTok and a speaker at the Conference, said: “It was an amazing way to learn about new things, especially topics I hadn't even thought I would go and listen to – and I found them fascinating. From a TikTok perspective, we're really looking to shape the future of sports, and IBC lets us meet the creators that can help us do that. It's a joy to all be in one place.” 

Putting people and talent at the centre 

IBC2025 highlighted that innovation is not only about technology but also about people. The show provided a platform for new voices, diverse perspectives and fresh ideas, with initiatives focused on skills development, inclusion and the future workforce.  

Jon Roberts, Chief Technology Officer at ITN, said: “You could really feel this year how the IBC community is expanding, with younger voices adding fresh energy to more established leading voices, all with a shared appetite for collaboration and innovation. IBC2025 felt more dynamic, inclusive and forward-looking, exactly what our industry needs to thrive and move confidently into the future.” 

“IBC2025’s Talent Programme built on the success of last year’s launch, addressing the industry’s urgent need to attract, develop and support new talent,” noted Carrie Wootten, CEO of Global Media and Entertainment Talent Manifesto and a speaker in the programme. “From mentoring to fast-pitch networking to conversations on building a sustainable talent pipeline, IBC worked closely with us and many others to foster fresh perspectives and vital connections – helping the next generation of media professionals feel seen, supported and inspired.” 

Global players and disruptors out in force 

The show floor reflected the full strength of the global M&E community, with major players including Amazon Web Services, Ateliere, Avid, Blackmagic Design, Canon, EVS, Grass Valley, Microsoft, Panasonic, Ross Video, Samsung, Sony, Tata Communications Media, and Zattoo among the exhibitors. Newcomers such as Baron Weather, Cachefly, Files.com, Momento, NewBlue, OTT Solutions, Plain X, Raysync, and Remotly added fresh energy, ensuring every hall showcased groundbreaking advances in production, distribution, cloud, streaming, and next-gen consumer experiences.