IBC unveils new features and announces conference speakers

IBC has unveiled some new features for this year’s event, including the launch of ‘Future Tech’, a new area in hall 14, along with the Google AI Penalty Challenge, the 100 Years of Television exhibit and the return of the IBC Talent Programme.

Future Tech will focus on advances in AI, virtual production, sustainable workflows, immersive experiences, and new industry talent.

“Shaping the future of media and entertainment worldwide is more than our theme – it’s our mission,” said Michael Crimp, IBC’s CEO.

“IBC2025 is where the brightest minds from the international M&E community explore the ideas and technologies reshaping our industry.

“Future Tech brings that innovation into focus – from AI-powered personalisation and cloud-native workflows to content provenance and private 5G networks, visitors can see the future being defined and built in real time.”

Speaking with journalists on a briefing call, Crimp also said that registrations for this year’s IBC are tracking inline with the past few years.

Last year’s IBC drew 45,085 visitors from 170 countries, with 1,350 exhibitors.

IBC said that those exploring Hall 14 will see how AI is moving from the conceptual to the practical, spanning live production automation, generative content tools, and new uses just being introduced.

LED backdrops, augmented reality and real-time VFX will also be showcased, with exhibitors including Microsoft, Mo-Sys, 3Play, CaptionHub, Deepdub, Files.com, Monks (formerly Media Monks), Tata Communications, Veritone, and Ultra HD Forum.

IBC added that Future Tech will also feature:

• Accelerator Innovation Zone: Where nine cutting-edge Proof of Concept (PoC) projects fast-track solutions to some of the industry’s toughest practical challenges through media owner and tech vendor collaboration.
• Future Tech Stage: Packed with keynotes, panels and live demos – including the Accelerator PoCs – and sponsored by Microsoft, this stage will feature industry pioneers previewing the technologies set to transform content creation and delivery.
• IBC Hackfest x Google Cloud: A high-intensity, two-day hackathon with digital innovators, tech entrepreneurs, software developers, creatives and engineers tackling real M&E challenges using Gemini AI and more.
• Google AI Penalty Challenge: This immersive interactive football-fan experience employs more than 15 integrated technologies to showcase AI-driven decision-making in sports performance.
• 100 Years of Television: Celebrating a century of innovation since the first TV picture was demonstrated by John Logie Baird at Strathclyde University in 1925, this exhibit not only looks back but offers a glimpse into what the next 100 years might bring.
• Networking Hub: From stand-up breakfasts and informal lunches to curated meetups and evening DJ sets, this buzzing hub offers a relaxed space for media and tech professionals to connect.

Future Tech will also host to the growing IBC Talent Programme, supported by partners such as Rise, Rise Academy, Host Broadcasting Services (HBS), Gals N Gear, and Media Entertainment Talent Manifesto. Running on Friday 12 September, the programme presents a wide range of sessions and speakers covering everything from mentoring and career pathways to practical skills, diversity and inclusion.

Steve Connolly, Director at IBC, added: “IBC2025 is set to be our most transformative edition yet – a show where innovation is embedded across the entire experience. From world-first product launches to pioneering conference insights, we’re bringing together the technologies, people, and ideas that are redefining what’s possible in M&E.”

This year’s IBC Conference will take place from 12-14 September. Newly announced speakers include Elke Walthelm, COO at Sky Deutschland, Rollo Goldstaub, Global Head of Sports Partnerships at TikTok, and Thomas Gruber, Co-CEO, ProsiebenSat 1 PULS 4 – joining others from organisations that include ITV, YouTube, Sling TV, and Warner Bros. Discovery..

IBC 2025 will take place at the RAI Amsterdam on 12-15 September. To register, click here