INDUSTRY EVENTS IBC 2026 Inspire the Debate
at IBC. We’re also launching Future Tech Ignite – designed to connect more than 50 pioneering start-ups and entrepreneurs with the wider media and entertainment ecosystem through a dedicated Start-Up Zone. How is the presence of AI evolving in the show now – how will it be presented in the conference, in technical papers and more widely at the show itself? The way AI is represented at IBC has changed dramatically. Just two years ago it was largely concentrated within a dedicated AI Tech Zone. Today, AI runs across virtually every part of the show because that’s how the industry is using it. The focus has shifted from asking what AI could do in future, to demonstrating how it is already improving production, distribution, and audience experiences in media. The Conference reflects that evolution with standout sessions including Disrupt, Innovate, Create: How to Embrace AI and CTO Perspectives: How AI is Reshaping the Business of Media? – as well as practical case studies exploring predictive, generative and agentic AI. Multiple IBC Accelerator Media Innovation Programme projects are pioneering agentic AI deployment across live production, real-time personalisation and newsroom operations. The Accelerator Zone in Hall 14 and project showcases on the Future Tech stage will be essential platforms that reflect how the industry is deploying intelligent systems and deriving tangible benefits from AI already. The Technical Papers Programme also covers AI in production, indexing and content provenance.
What themes is IBC concentrating on this year? The content programme at IBC2026 is built around three core pillars that reflect the challenges and opportunities reshaping the industry today: Shifting Business Models, Transformative Tech, and People & Purpose. From a technology perspective, themes like AI, cloud, sports innovation, connectivity and trust in content all feature strongly, with a firm emphasis on real-world application rather than abstract future concepts. We’re also placing greater importance on collaboration, networking and enabling business outcomes at IBC2026. That’s why we’ve introduced initiatives such as the IBC Exchange Pass, which includes access to Braindate, a peer-to-peer knowledge-sharing platform that offers more structured opportunities to connect, address shared challenges and build valuable new relationships. People come to IBC not just to see what’s new, but to make decisions, form partnerships and move projects forward. you usually have a staggering set of statistics - tell US about projected visitors, exhibitors, number of halls. IBC2026 will once again bring together the global media, entertainment and technology community in Amsterdam, with more than 1,200 exhibitors across 14 halls and attendees from over 170 countries. Across the RAI Amsterdam, visitors can explore technologies spanning media production, content creation, cloud, live sports streaming, extended reality (XR) next-gen connectivity, agentic AI, cybersecurity and much more. One of the biggest developments this year is the continued expansion of Future Tech, with bookings currently running 30% ahead of last year, reflecting growing demand for emerging technologies and cross-industry, collaborative innovation
Broadband Journal talked to Mark Smith, Accelerator Founder & IBC Council Chair ahead of another groundbreaking show, taking place
in Amsterdam on September 13-16
IBC2026
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SEPTEMBER 2026 Volume 48 No.3
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