scte BURSARY REPORT
panelists, exhibitors and innovators. It was here that I met professionals from different corners of the industry, people passionate about the same questions that drive my own work: how to make technology faster, smarter and more human. The SCTE table at Owner’s Pavilion also became a natural gathering place for many of us. Between sessions, it offered a chance to reconnect with the Society’s leadership, exchange impressions about the event and share our experience as well. What struck me most was the energy and optimism in those discussions; whether we talked about AI, old airplanes, or just shared Van Stapele cookies, the atmosphere was one of collaboration and shared purpose. Walking through the exhibition halls on the final day felt like stepping into a glimpse of the future. Each stand told a story about the direction the industry is heading, with more automation, more sustainability, and above all, more intelligence. Many of these innovations sparked ideas I am eager to explore within our own work at ARDING. Being part of IBC again after six years allowed me to see just how much progress has been made, not only in the industry, but also in myself. In 2019, I attended as a young engineer eager to learn. This year, I arrived as an active SCTE member, more confident, connected and curious than ever. What hasn’t changed is the sense of awe I feel every time I walk through IBC’s enormous halls: the energy of innovation, the conversations that evolve into collaboration and the simple joy of being among people who genuinely love technology. As I reflect on this experience, I feel grateful to the SCTE for believing in me once again, to the IBC organisers for creating such a dynamic platform, and to everyone I met along the way that reminded me why our work matters. The IBC2025 journey was more than just an event, it was a renewal of purpose. I return home inspired to apply what I’ve learned, explore new opportunities for growth and to continue contributing to our evolving industry, with the same curiosity that first brought me here six years ago.
Their support reinforced my belief that mentorship and representation really matter, and that every encounter at IBC is a chance to build another bridge across borders. Over the four days I spent at IBC, my schedule was packed with sessions, talks, and opportunities to connect with people from across the globe. One highlight was “Leading without Borders: Women Reimagining Leadership Across Cultures, Generations & Change.” Hearing from remarkable panelists, including Melissa Cogavin, was both inspiring and grounding. The discussion about inclusive leadership and how women navigate change across industries resonated deeply with me. In addition to leadership discussions, I was particularly drawn to the technical paper presentations, which offered insights into how the newest research translates into real-world applications. These sessions reminded me how connected innovation, policy, and teamwork are in shaping the future of communications. This year, artificial intelligence dominated the conversations at IBC2025. From automating workflows to optimising live TV and speech processing, AI has become the core of creative and operational transformation. As someone working closely with networks and service delivery, I was fascinated by the ways AI is being embedded in broadcasting infrastructure, especially for real-time content moderation and adaptive streaming. One particularly fun and unexpected moment came while we were exploring Future Tech at Google’s AI Penalty Challenge, where each participant took three penalty shots, while an AI coach analysed performance, style, and precision. Although my own attempts weren’t exactly great, it was exciting to see how data and motion capture can turn even a simple game into an intelligent coaching experience with valuable advice for improvement. Two of my colleagues from SCTE, Bev and Amanda, achieved a phenomenal 99% on style, earning the top spots on the leaderboard. We all left the booth laughing, cheering and a little more convinced of AI’s creative potential. As bursary award winners, we had access to the Delegates Lounge, a quiet and elegant space where conversations flowed easily between delegates,
Volume 47 No.4 DECEMBER 2025
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