IBC 2025 Highlights Future of Broadcasting in Amsterdam

By Tanveer Ahmed:

IBC 2025 brought together the global media, entertainment, and technology community in Amsterdam during a time of major change for the sector. Over four days, the event welcomed 43,858 attendees and featured more than 1,300 exhibitors and over 600 speakers. From breakthrough technologies to industry-shaping debates, IBC once again served as a central meeting point for innovators, disruptors, and established leaders.

Michael Crimp, Chief Executive Officer of IBC, highlighted the positive energy and momentum across the show: “IBC 2025 delivered tangible business results and the feedback from participants has been exceptional. What stood out most was the sense of optimism and shared direction — people came here ready to shape the industry’s future. We’re excited to build on this progress next year.”

With participants representing 170 countries, IBC reaffirmed its status as the world’s most international event for the media and entertainment (M&E) sector. Broadcasters, content creators, technology providers, start-ups and fast-growing disruptors all converged on the RAI Amsterdam from September 12–15.

Carlos Octavio Queiroz, Director of Data/AI, Partnerships and Architecture at Globo, described the event’s importance: “IBC remains the essential global gathering for media professionals. Our team attends in force because it’s where innovation happens, ideas are exchanged, and partnerships grow. Receiving an IBC 2025 Special Award during our centenary made this year especially meaningful.”

A major highlight of the 2025 edition was the launch of Future Tech in Hall 14, a dynamic new zone dedicated to emerging technologies and collaborative industry experiments. Visitors saw live demonstrations of generative and agent-based AI, immersive and interactive content, cloud-native workflows, private 5G networks, and sustainable technology initiatives.

Ideas Driving the Next Wave

The IBC 2025 Conference tackled the industry’s biggest challenges and opportunities — from AI and new business models to sustainability, creative storytelling, and emerging production techniques. Sessions featuring leaders from ITV, Netflix, Warner Bros. Discovery and others drew packed audiences. Creative icons such as multi-Oscar-winning editor Thelma Schoonmaker and director Bernard MacMahon (Becoming Led Zeppelin) offered deep artistic insights, while the renowned IBC Technical Papers once again provided rigorous, research-driven analysis.

Rollo Goldstaub, Global Head of Sports Partnerships at TikTok, said: “IBC was the perfect place to discover new ideas — including topics I hadn’t expected to explore but found incredibly inspiring. For TikTok, shaping the future of sports means connecting with the creators and innovators who gather here. It’s powerful having the whole ecosystem in one place.”

Empowering Talent and Diversity

IBC 2025 also underscored that innovation depends on people as much as technology. Programmes throughout the show highlighted new voices, diverse perspectives and the future workforce, supporting skills development, inclusion and emerging talent.

Jon Roberts, CTO of ITN, noted: “There was a real sense of the IBC community broadening this year, with younger professionals bringing fresh energy to the established leadership. IBC 2025 felt more dynamic, inclusive and forward-thinking — exactly the mindset our industry needs.”

Carrie Wootten, CEO of the Global Media and Entertainment Talent Manifesto, reflected on the year’s success: “IBC strengthened its Talent Programme with mentoring, fast-pitch networking, and essential discussions on building a sustainable pipeline. The focus on supporting new talent was clear, giving the next generation confidence and visibility.”