The International Broadcasting Convention, or IBC, is one of the largest exhibitions in the broadcasting, film technology, and entertainment industry. IBC 2024 will be held between September 13-16, 2024 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. This year’s event is eagerly anticipated by broadcasters and industry professionals from around the world. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at what visitors can expect to see, experience and learn at IBC 2024 Amsterdam.
An Overview of IBC
IBC began in 1967 and is now in its 56th year. IBC covers innovations and developments in TV, radio, online, satellite, cable and IP delivery. Over 55,000 attendees from more than 170 countries participate in IBC each year to connect, learn and do business. It features exhibition halls showcasing the latest products and services. Conference sessions provide insights on industry trends from thought leaders. Special events offer networking opportunities for the global broadcast community.
Visitors get to experience the latest technologies through scheduled product demonstrations and hands-on trials at individual company booths. Popular attractions include keynotes, panel discussions, workshops, and social gatherings that make IBC a can’t miss event annually.
Key Areas and Themes to Watch
Based on trends seen at previous IBC events, here are some of the main areas and themes that are likely to take centre stage at IBC 2024:
- IP and Cloud Technology: IP-based workflows for content acquisition, production, distribution and delivery will continue to be core areas. Cloud solutions to manage, store and stream media will gain traction.
- AI and Immersive Media: Advances in artificial intelligence, machine learning, augmented/virtual/mixed reality, 360 video, holograms and interactive content will be demoed.
- 5G and Mobile: 5G broadcast, multicasting, ultra-low latency and mobile viewing experiences across devices will be highlighted.
- Automation and Remote Production: End-to-end automated processes and remote/virtual production enabled by IP, cloud and AI will be showcased.
- Ultra HD and HDR: Developments in 4K, 8K, and High Dynamic Range imaging capture, processing and screens will be on display.
- eSports and Gaming: Growing opportunities in gaming broadcasts, tournaments and virtual/hybrid fan engagement models.
- Sustainability: Solutions supporting green initiatives in operations, media supply chains and reduced carbon footprint.
- Diversity and Inclusion: Programming highlights the need for diversity in the media industry and represents communities of all backgrounds.
New and returning exhibitors are likely to launch products aligned to these key industry changes and priorities at IBC 2024. Event organizers are also expected to host targeted conference sessions unpacking each theme in-depth.
What to Experience
Along with the exhibition floor and meeting sessions, here are some of the best things that people should do at IBC 2024:
- Keynote Addresses – hear from influential leaders on key challenges and opportunities
- Demo Theatres – live product demonstrations to observe functionality in action
- Masterclasses – deep dive sessions with industry experts on specialized topics
- IBC Innovation Awards – witness recognition of ground-breaking technologies and ideas
- Networking Parties – exclusive events for connecting with professionals over drinks/food
- Country Pavilions – learn about media ecosystems from countries around the world
- 3D Lab – experience the latest advances in stereoscopic, VR and AR/MR technologies
- Technical Tours – get behind-the-scenes access to R&D facilities and leading broadcasters
Takeaways and Business Value
With so many goods, conferences, and events to choose from, IBC 2024 promises to be a great time for broadcasters to learn, get ideas, and make business connections. Some important things tourists can learn and enjoy are:
- Studying the latest trends impacting TV, online video, studios and more to strategize technology roadmaps.
- Gaining a competitive edge by discovering innovations earlier that create revenue/audience growth.
- Evaluating new tools to save production costs or improve workflows to maximize ROI.
- Sourcing and comparing different vendor solutions to procure the right fit for organizational needs.
- Accessing thought leadership to help navigate challenges around regulation changes, audience behaviours and monetization models.
- Finding new partnerships, collaborations and co-productions to enhance content offerings.
- Benchmarking against global leaders in content strategies, distribution models and immersive storytelling best practices.
Making the most of the IBC experience lays the groundwork for staying ahead of industry shifts and advancing businesses with actionable strategies post-event. The return on investment is realized with smarter technology deployments and data-driven decisions.
Conclusion
Excitement levels are bound to be high for IBC 2024 as the premier global gathering for the broadcast industry returns fully in-person to Amsterdam. As the longest running and largest exhibition for the sector, IBC continues delivering unmatched opportunities year after year to source innovations, gain strategic insights, forge partnerships and transact business.
Visiting this year’s extensive exhibition and comprehensive conference program in the vibrant city of Amsterdam promises to unveil exciting possibilities shaping the future of TV, online video, production and beyond. Mark your calendars for September 13-16, 2024 and start planning now to get the most from this influential annual event connecting the worldwide broadcast community. IBC 2024 is an experience not to be missed.