IBC2026 will bring together professionals from the media, entertainment and technology sectors at RAI Amsterdam. The event will welcome participants from more than 170 countries and provide a forum to explore industry trends, exchange knowledge and showcase the latest technological developments.
IBC continues to expand its initiatives, experiences and partnerships to help the industry adapt to change and create new opportunities at a time when audience expectations, skills requirements and regulatory challenges are reshaping the global media and entertainment (M&E) sector.
Among the key additions is the launch of Future Tech Ignite, featuring a dedicated Start-up Zone and Ignite Stage, alongside increased exhibitor participation and a conference programme focused on the major trends transforming the industry.
As the media and entertainment industry continues to evolve, the IBC community increasingly wants not only to discover new technologies, but also to exchange knowledge, address challenges, share expertise and connect with others around the topics that matter. From Future Tech Ignite and the Accelerator Programme to IBC Exchange and the Conference, IBC2026 is designed to help the industry turn ideas into action and unlock new opportunities, said Michael Crimp, CEO of IBC.
Future Tech evolves following its successful 2025 debut
Building on last year's successful launch, Future Tech will expand its strategic partnership with EIT Culture & Creativity, part of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), an initiative supported by the European Union, to include Future Tech Ignite. EIT Culture & Creativity will serve as the Innovation Partner for this new initiative, strengthening IBC's links with Europe's start-up, research, investment, entrepreneurship and creative innovation communities.
Future Tech Ignite will connect more than 50 start-ups, entrepreneurs and emerging technologies with the wider international media and entertainment ecosystem through its new Start-up Zone and Ignite Stage, which will host a four-day programme focused on future technologies, talent and skills development, as well as a new creative showcase.
One of the programme's key pillars will be the IBC Talent Programme, now entering its third year of bringing together professionals, educational institutions, employers, industry organisations and emerging talent to examine the opportunities and challenges facing the sector's workforce.
Leading companies including AWS, Microsoft, Google, HP, AMD and Shure continue to support Future Tech, reinforcing its position as a key platform for industry transformation. At its core remains the IBC Accelerator Media Innovation Programme, with EIT Culture & Creativity as Innovation Partner and Google returning as headline sponsor.
Reflecting the growing importance of knowledge sharing and collaboration, Future Tech will also host the Braindate Lounge, a new addition to the IBC Exchange experience. Available to attendees with an IBC Exchange premium pass, Braindate will offer curated one-to-one and small-group meetings designed to encourage meaningful conversations, knowledge exchange and new professional connections.
Industry participation and exhibitor interest continue to grow
Strong demand from the global media and entertainment technology sector continues to drive IBC2026's expansion, with the exhibition expected to exceed 45,000 square metres and feature more than 1,200 exhibitors across 14 halls.
Key areas such as Future Tech in Hall 14 and Content Everywhere in Hall 5 are already well ahead of last year's space bookings.
Leading industry companies continue to strengthen their commitment to the event. Google will return as a major exhibitor in Content Everywhere, while DJI will have a significant presence in Future Tech, focusing on the rapidly expanding creator economy. South Korean company LaON Technology will also return to IBC after several years away.
An increasing number of industry leaders are expanding their presence at IBC2026, including AJA, Avid, Bestview, Egripment, EVS, Fonn Group, Kupo, MediaKind, Nanlite, NEP, Prime Focus, Riedel, SNS, Sony, TVU Networks, Twelve Labs and Vizrt, reflecting the market's confidence in IBC as a platform for product launches, customer engagement, thought leadership and business development.
Other major technology companies returning to the exhibition include Accenture, Adobe, AWS, Blackmagic Design, Canon, Grass Valley, Microsoft, Oracle, Panasonic, Ross Video and Videndum.
IBC2026 will also welcome a significant number of new exhibitors. Among them is Norwegian company Muybridge, which will be the event's largest first-time exhibitor, showcasing innovations in camera technology and sports production. Other first-time exhibitors include Avion, Barco, Chengdu Vistelen, CREE8, Dropbox, Edgenext, Evoto, Leica, Rakuten, Scaleway, Shade, Suite and TVUP.
IBC Conference to examine the trends shaping the future of media
The three-day conference programme will focus on the forces driving change across the media and entertainment industry, bringing together business leaders, innovators and decision-makers to discuss topics such as the transformation of sports, the practical application of artificial intelligence, content authenticity and provenance, and changing audience behaviour.
Built around IBC's three core themes—Shifting Business Models, Transformative Tech and People & Purpose—the programme will include sessions such as:
- Disrupt, Innovate, Create – How to Embrace AI
- The New Playbook for Sports: AI, Data, Fans and Rights
- Security, Authenticity and Provenance
Confirmed speakers include Claire Enders (CEO and Founder of Enders Analysis), Eline van der Velden (Founder and CEO of Particle6), Guy-Laurent Epstein (Executive Director of Marketing at UEFA), Yiannis Exarchos (CEO of Olympic Broadcasting Services) and Marion Rathmann (Group VP Content and Programming Networks at Warner Bros. Discovery).
The expansion of Future Tech, continued growth in exhibitor participation and a conference programme focused on the industry's key opportunities and challenges further strengthen IBC2026's role as a meeting point for the international media and entertainment community to explore the future of the industry.
