IBC 2025: A broadcaster’s guide

Every September, the global media, entertainment and technology community converges on Amsterdam for what has become the industry’s most important annual gathering: the International Broadcasting Convention, better known simply as IBC. For five days, the RAI Amsterdam transforms into a buzzing hub where broadcasters, streamers, filmmakers, content creators and technologists come together to share ideas and shape the future of media.

IBC isn’t just another trade show. It’s where the industry converges to take stock of where it is now and where it’s going next. Whether it’s groundbreaking tools for live production, advancements in immersive storytelling or exploring the latest in streaming infrastructure, the show acts as a barometer for the health, creativity and ambition of the media sector. And in a year that’s been defined by rapid change, IBC 2025 feels especially pivotal.

Launched in 1967, IBC has grown from a small conference for broadcast engineers into a sprawling global exhibition that attracts over 1000 exhibitors and more than 40,000 attendees. That growth mirrors the industry’s own transformation: from traditional TV and radio to an ecosystem where video on demand, esports, cloud-based editing and virtual production are every bit as relevant as satellite uplinks and outside broadcast trucks once were. 

Walking the halls of the RAI, it’s hard not to feel the scale. One moment you’re looking at next-gen cameras and lenses, and the next you’re in a booth demonstrating cloud playout software or watching AI tools automate metadata tagging at breathtaking speed. This mixture of hardware and software, creativity and infrastructure makes IBC unlike any other event in the sector.

Why IBC 2025 matters

This year, several key trends have surfaced, making this IBC one of the most anticipated editions in some time. The rise of AI in content creation is no longer simply a topic of speculation; it’s already transforming workflows for editing, graphics, translation and archiving. Sports broadcasting, always a showstopper at IBC, is also under intense focus, as rightsholders look to maximise engagement across both linear and digital platforms. Cloud adoption continues to accelerate at a fast rate, with major vendors racing to deliver low-latency, cost-effective solutions for live production.

Sustainability (a crucially recurring theme in recent years) is now a core business imperative, as studios and broadcasters alike face increasing pressure to reduce carbon footprints.

Beyond the floor

Of course, IBC isn’t just about the technology on display. Its conference programme is just as influential, featuring keynote speakers, panels and workshops that tackle the most pressing questions facing the media landscape. Expect to hear from CEOs of leading streaming services, CTOs of global broadcasters, as well as visionary creatives pushing the boundaries of storytelling. Topics will range from monetisation models in a fragmented streaming environment to the ethics of generative AI, from the future of sports distribution to the opportunities of spatial computing and mixed reality.

Networking also remains a huge draw. For many, the real magic happens in the corridors, cafes and after-hours events where deals are struck and professional connections made. The blend of seasoned executives and fresh talent means that conversations are rich with both experience and fresh perspectives.

All aboard the Green Line

The Flint Green Line is a unique media-tech networking event that takes place in a dedicated Eurostar carriage while heading to IBC Show in September. The FEED team is jumping on board for the second year in a row!

The Flint Green Line brings together a range of sustainability experts, broadcasters, technologists, analysts and journalists to embark on a train trip that will feature networking, education and even a pub quiz. Plus food, of course!

Whether you are a sustainability veteran or are just curious about how to get started on your sustainability journey, the Flint team invites you to come aboard and make contacts, gain fresh insights and get energised to take on IBC with a new, more sustainable mindset.

The Green Line leaves London St Pancras at 11.04am on Thursday 11 September and arrives into Amsterdam Centraal at 4.15pm local time

FEED’s top talks

Day 1: Friday 12 September

From Pitch to Partnership: How Microsoft and the Premier League Are Personalising the Fan Experience

11.45am-12.15pm, IBC Showcase Theatre

Join Simon Crownshaw, Microsoft worldwide director of media and entertainment, and Alex Willis, Premier League director of digital media and audience development, as they uncover how Microsoft and the Premier League are going beyond the game with the Premier League Companion app, powered by Microsoft Copilot, to deliver a tailored, engaging experience for football fans around the world.

YouTube’s Collaboration With Broadcasters: Better Together

12-12.30pm, Conference Room 1

Pedro Pina, vice president of EMEA for YouTube, will be on stage with Grace Boswood, technology and distribution director, Channel 4. The session will delve into how YouTube is partnering with broadcasters to adapt to the rapidly evolving media consumption landscape, with a particular focus on the significant shift towards content consumption in the living room, strategies for reaching new audiences and the tools offered to be successful in today’s media ecosystem.

A Framework for Generative AI

12.30-1.30pm, Future Tech Stage

This session aims to develop a ‘Generative AI Framework’ that will enable broadcasters to quickly and efficiently create various types of media content, including scripts, highlights, short-form promotional content, TV adverts, as well as marketing materials.

Sports Viewing: The Shifting Landscape and What’s Ahead

4.15-4.45pm, Conference Room 1

The sports broadcasting landscape is changing, with TikTok emerging as a sports viewing hub and the main reason for many going on social media. There is no doubt that TV behaviours are continuing to evolve and, arguably, it’s social media that could pose both the greatest threat and the greatest opportunity for sports broadcasters and rightsholders alike. However, for the foreseeable future, the role of social media remains to complement rather than compete. This session explores how broadcasters can work better with social media giants to seize opportunities in the digital sphere.

Day 2: Saturday 13 September

Keynote: The Evolution of AI: Supercharging Broadcasting

10.40-11am, Conference Room 1

It’s clear that AI is set to play an increasingly important role in the media and entertainment industry, and now is the perfect time for organisations across the content journey to begin to test the waters of innovation. Damian Cronan, chief digital and information officer, ABC, will look at how ABC is leveraging AI to drive efficiencies, create value and revolutionise the way content is produced, distributed and monetised.

Fighting Disinformation and Disengagement: Staying Relevant in the Digital Age

2.15-3pm, Conference Room 1

A steep increase in the use of disinformation and fake news by malicious actors – and even governments – has been witnessed in recent years. Adding to this is the increasing number of younger consumers getting their information from non-verified platforms or those with a vested economic interest in algorithms that are set to produce popularity rather than promote factuality. So what role do broadcasters, news providers and social media play in ensuring the accurate and reliable delivery of news to the platforms where people consume it? This panel will examine trends around truth and trust in the consumption of information.

Day 3: Sunday 14 September

The Digital Media Supply Chain Is Broken. Can AI Fix it?

11.45am-12.15pm, Future Tech Stage

An explosion of content, platforms and formats is making the digital media supply chain more fragmented and complex than ever. Versioning chaos, rights management hurdles and mounting pressure to deliver flawlessly across an ever-growing number of endpoints – all while maintaining speed, reliability and confidentiality. What’s a media enterprise to do?

Case Study: Integrating Virtual Production to Transform Sports Coverage

12.15-12.35pm, Conference Room 1

Emerging technologies are reshaping sports broadcasting with solutions that drive efficiencies and enable more dynamic and engaging productions. In this session, John Murphy, design director at BBC Sport, will explore how it’s utilising virtual production to transform its coverage by enhancing storytelling, increasing fan engagement and optimising production workflows.

Day 4: Monday 15 September

Ultra-Low Latency Live Streaming at Scale

12.45-1.45pm, Future Tech Stage

Ultra-Low Latency Live Streaming at Scale builds on the foundation of the previous Scalable Ultra-Low Latency Streaming for Premium Sports accelerator, focusing on the development of a truly scalable architecture for delivering live TV over the internet.

FEED’s best of booths

Brainstorm

7.C39

A highlight for Brainstorm at IBC 2025 will be Suite 6.2, introduced at NAB 2025, the latest version of Infinity Set, Aston and eStudio. This release will be demonstrated through a data-driven weather show combining augmented reality and virtual production. Powered by Infinity Set and Unreal Engine 5, the demo will feature advanced capabilities, including talent tele-transportation, multi-scene management and hyperrealistic AR graphics with advanced rendering technologies such as Gaussian splatting, showcasing how Infinity Set manages to blend real and virtual production in real time.

Lawo

8.B90

With a fundamental focus on software-defined workflows, flexible deployment models and cloud-ready architectures, this year Lawo is presenting a forward-thinking portfolio of innovations that will enable broadcasters to create agile, scalable and highly efficient production environments.

Qvest

10.C24, 7.B18

Imagine your sports broadcast engaging fans directly with interactive overlays. Your newsroom delivering breaking news faster than ever. Your new channel launching flexibly in the cloud without infrastructure hurdles. With TVXray, Clip Box and Makalu, Qvest turns these scenarios into reality. At IBC 2025, the team will show you how its technologies
boost engagement, speed up workflows and reduce costs.

Marshall Electronics

11.C28

Marshall Electronics will highlight several of its new product offerings at IBC 2025, including the CV612 PTZ camera, RCP Plus camera controller and VMV-402-3GSH switcher. Marshall will also showcase its new CV355-27X-IP and CV355-27X-ND3 cameras during the show.

Vizrt

10.A41

With over 25 years of innovation in storytelling workflows, Vizrt is a leader in real-time graphics and live production. It shapes video creation with groundbreaking solutions in graphics, cloud, live streaming, virtual production and more. From individuals to the world’s largest media organisations, it empowers its users with creative tools to captivate audiences with expert support.

Clear-Com

10.D29

Clear-Com will present a full line-up of intercom innovations designed for broadcast professionals. Visitors to the booth can experience the newest addition to the Free Speak wireless family, the award-winning Free Speak Icon beltpack, alongside the versatile Arcadia Central Station and the latest enhancements to Clear-Com’s virtual intercom portfolio.

Cobalt Digital

8.D83

Cobalt Digital is heading to IBC 2025 with an expanded line-up of IPMX-compliant products and solutions that highlight its simple plug-and-play approach to SMPTE ST 2110. Visitors to its stand will experience first-hand how Cobalt is redefining versatility with a collection that includes audio monitors, encoders, multiviewers and converters available in a variety of form factors, ranging from Open Gear cards to stand-alone units, all designed to reduce complexity without compromising performance.

Arkona and Manifold Technologies

8.A69

Technology partners Arkona and Manifold Technologies are inviting IBC 2025 attendees to stand 8.A69 to see the IP core infrastructure solutions and multiviewers being embraced by some of the most visionary and high-profile names in broadcast, live production and entertainment. The two companies will showcase how their technology is transforming real-life workflows in OB trucks, production control rooms, studios and esports facilities.

Dot Group

14.D29

Dot Group, a specialist in data management solutions, will be displaying breakthrough innovations in carbon transparency and high-speed file transfer. As a widely acclaimed and established expert in data engineering, the company is uniquely positioned to address the broadcast industry’s dual challenges of environmental compliance and operational efficiency through its intelligent data solutions.

Synamedia

1.B49

Synamedia is trusted by service providers and content owners to deliver, enrich and protect video. The flexibility and agility of its cloud and SaaS products enable customers of all types and sizes to launch, monetise and scale services at speed. Its award-winning portfolio includes advanced advertising, business analytics, broadband and streaming video platforms, anti-piracy solutions and video network solutions for processing, distribution and delivery. 

Zixi

5.A85

Trusted by leading broadcasters and sports leagues for more than 15 years, Zixi empowers businesses in today’s fast-paced media landscape. Its solutions support multiple live IP video workflows, including content contribution, B2B distribution, D2C enablement, as well as satellite replacement. Zixi’s platform offers advanced automation, management and security features.

PTZ Optics

1.B07

PTZ Optics is a US company based in Downingtown, Pennsylvania that manufactures robotic pan, tilt and zoom video cameras. With a variety of cabling options, network connectivity and remote control capability, PTZ Optics cameras are ideal for video production and livestreaming applications.

Hoppr

1.BS15

Hoppr is a global TV advertising technology company reshaping how brands connect with viewers. It partners with telecom operators, broadcasters and smart TV platforms to power audience-first advertising experiences across live, on-demand and streaming content. Hoppr’s platform brings together precision targeting, real-time campaign delivery and unified measurement – giving advertisers the tools of digital on the biggest screen in the home.

This feature was first published in the Autumn 2025 issue of FEED.