In 13 exhibition halls, more than 1,250 exhibitors showcased leading-edge technology across a wide range of media sectors.
The IBC 2023 show has attracted 43,065 attendees from 170 countries at the RAI Amsterdam from September 15-18. The event celebrated business innovation and pushed the boundaries of media technology. With over 1,250 exhibitors and a 16% increase in total attendees, the global media industry’s leaders and technology pioneers converged within bustling exhibition halls, networking events, and packed theatres to shape the future of media and entertainment.
Speaking about the success of the show, Michael Crimp, Chief Executive Officer of IBC, said: “We’ve seen a fantastic turnout from the entire industry at IBC2023. There was a real sense of purpose at the show as business leaders and tech innovators came together to help our industry navigate change and build a better future for media and entertainment. I’d like to thank everyone for the ongoing support and participation – we’re looking forward to seeing you all again next year.”
IBC 2023 featured three fundamental pillars throughout its content programme: Transformative Tech, Shifting Business Models, and People & Purpose. It presented the most comprehensive and engaging content agenda to date, addressing critical industry challenges and endorsing the mission of Media & Entertainment (M&E) to foster more sustainable and inclusive business practices. An expanded lineup of more than 325 speakers across an expanded number of theatre halls took to the stage, advocating for new technologies, future business models, and creative innovations that expand the horizons of media and entertainment.
The show spotlighted pivotal topics such as cloud, AI, 5G, VR/AR/XR, metaverse, gaming and edge computing throughout the show floor theatres and exhibition halls, including proof-of-concept demonstrations delivered by the IBC Accelerator Media Innovation Programme projects, championing cross-industry collaboration and pioneering new use cases. IBC 2023 introduced fresh show features and expanded several exhibition halls, including the opening of Hall 3. It also launched an immersive Esports Showcase in collaboration with Unlocked, presenting the latest innovations in esports production and delivery. Industry experts explored key trends and opportunities at the intersection of gaming and media. The former Future Zone underwent a transformation into the IBC Tech Zone, powered by the EBU, to showcase cutting-edge technologies shaping the future of media experiences.
IBC Director Steve Connolly added: “There’s been tremendous energy at IBC2023. We’ve seen incredible participation from a wide range of long-standing exhibitors and new players that are tackling technology transformation while unlocking new business opportunities. We’re ready to continue evolving for next year’s show to keep up with increased demand, and we’ll be expanding our footprint with additional outdoor pavilions and the opening of Hall 14 for IBC 2024.”
The exhibitor lineup at IBC 2023 included industry giants such as ARRI, AVID, AWS, Blackmagic Design, Bridge Technologies, Canon Europe, Cisco, Comcast, Deluxe, EBU (European Broadcasting Union), Evertz Microsystems, EVS Broadcast Equipment, Fraunhofer Digital Media, Google, Grass Valley, Gravity Media, Harmonic, HP, IMAX, Lawo, LTN, MediaKind, Microsoft Corporation, NEP Group, Orange, Prime Focus, Riedel Communications, Ross Video, Samsung, Sennheiser, Sony, Tata Communications, Telestream, Vizrt Group, and Zixi.
Consumer electronics leader LG joined a host of first-time exhibitors from around the world, making their IBC debut in 2023. This diverse group included companies such as Brompton Technology, Compress2x, Layercake, Quine, SAS Software, Small Pixels, Sohonet, Wondershare, ZEASN, and Zinema Motion.
Reflecting on IBC2023, Samira Bakhtiar, Director, Global Media & Entertainment, Amazon Web Services, stated: “IBC is so important because it provides a venue for the community to come together. When you’re able to come together with customers and partners, you can ideate and provide diverse perspectives that would normally not be able to come out. That’s good for business, and it’s good for the people that we serve.”
Ian Wagdin, Senior Technology Transfer Manager, BBC R&D, commented: “IBC is a place where you can really get together and share ideas, both with manufacturers but also with other broadcasters. That keeps us relevant and ensures we are all discussing the right problems.”
All content sessions from IBC 2023 will be available online following the show.
IBC will return in 2024, from September Friday 13 – Monday 16.
