IBC2026 will spotlight some of the most significant transformations shaping the media and entertainment industry, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence, sustainability, connectivity and next-generation production tools.
IBC2026 comes at a defining moment for the global media and entertainment industry. In a market where companies are placing greater emphasis on meaningful engagement and tangible business value, IBC provides a truly international meeting point where ideas move forward, partnerships take shape and innovation is put into practice, creating moments that matter for the industry, said Michael Crimp, Chief Executive Officer of IBC.
With exhibitors, speakers and visitors from more than 170 countries, IBC2026 will showcase advances in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), cloud-native workflows, content provenance and authenticity, cybersecurity, immersive experiences, private 5G networks, sustainability and next-generation production tools.
Throughout the RAI Amsterdam venue, attendees will have access to a comprehensive programme of demonstrations, presentations, panel discussions and networking events designed to help industry professionals from all regions adapt to change and uncover new business opportunities.
For those seeking a deeper and more strategic experience, the IBC2026 Conference will bring together thought leaders, innovators and disruptors from across the media and entertainment sector to explore the forces reshaping the industry worldwide, from AI-driven creativity and evolving audience behaviour to new business models and the growing importance of trust. The conference will also feature the prestigious IBC Technical Papers Programme, presenting peer-reviewed original research focused on the key challenges facing the media industry.
Now established as one of the defining features of IBC2026, Future Tech, located in Hall 14, has become one of the show's most dynamic areas. Following its successful launch in 2025, Future Tech will be 30% larger at IBC2026, supported by strong growth in bookings, and will serve as a showcase for emerging technologies, startups, scale-ups, next-generation talent and collaborative innovation initiatives in a highly interactive environment. New additions include a Start-Up Zone featuring between 30 and 40 emerging companies, as well as an expanded skills and development programme that includes the IBC Talent Programme, Hackfest and initiatives aimed at content creators.
Other new elements introduced at IBC2026 are designed to create unique opportunities for collaboration and business development among attendees, including:
- IBC Exchange, a new platform for structured peer-to-peer conversations that will enable deeper and more focused knowledge sharing, hosted in the Braindate Lounge within Future Tech.
- IBC Connect, a curated meetings programme designed to connect exhibitors with senior decision-makers and generate tangible commercial outcomes.
Future Tech will once again host the IBC Accelerator Media Innovation Programme, where broadcasters, streaming platforms, technology providers and research partners collaborate on fast-track innovation projects aimed at solving practical and urgent industry challenges. The programme continues to grow in scale and impact, with Google returning as headline sponsor and EIT Culture & Creativity joining as Innovation Partner for 2026.
In addition to sponsoring the Accelerator Programme, Google is returning to the exhibition floor as one of the leading participants in Content Everywhere, located in Hall 5. This area, dedicated to the technologies that enable global content distribution across multiple platforms and devices, is experiencing strong growth in 2026, with bookings significantly higher than during the same period last year.
The momentum behind IBC2026 is also being driven by other major media technology players that have expanded their presence at the show, including Avid, EVS, MediaKind, NEP, Prime Focus, Riedel, TVU Networks and Vizrt. Meanwhile, Barco, Leica, Muybridge and Rakuten are among the more than 50 companies making their IBC debut this year.
Overall, IBC expects to feature at least 44,000 square metres of exhibition space this year, of which 42,000 square metres have already been booked.
