Breakthroughs in AI, virtual production, immersive media and sustainability will shape IBC2025, with Future Tech as the focal point.
IBC has announced the debut of Future Tech—a major new innovation hub dedicated to showcasing emerging technologies, collaborative projects and next-generation talent. Occupying the entirety of Hall 14 at the RAI Amsterdam, the new zone will be a central feature of IBC2025, taking place from 12 to 15 September.
Michael Crimp, IBC’s CEO, said: “Shaping the future of media and entertainment (M&E) worldwide is more than our theme – it’s our mission. IBC2025 is where the brightest minds from the international M&E community explore the ideas and technologies reshaping our industry. Future Tech brings that innovation into focus – from AI-powered personalisation and cloud-native workflows to content provenance and private 5G networks, visitors can see the future being defined and built in real time.”
Bringing together participants from over 170 countries, IBC2025 will focus on transformative technologies with real-world applications, drawing attention to cutting-edge developments in AI, virtual production, immersive media, sustainable solutions, and interactive experiences. These themes will be front and centre in the Future Tech zone, where AI will be explored through tools for live production automation, generative content, and novel applications just entering the market.
Visitors will also delve into the world of virtual production, including LED backdrops, augmented reality, and real-time visual effects. Among the key exhibitors in Hall 14 are Microsoft, Mo-Sys, 3Play, CaptionHub, Deepdub, Files.com, Monks, Tata Communications, Veritone and the Ultra HD Forum.
Future Tech will feature several dedicated components, including the Accelerator Innovation Zone, which presents nine Proof of Concept projects addressing real industry challenges through partnerships between media organisations and technology vendors. On the Future Tech Stage, supported by Microsoft, keynote speakers and live demos will highlight technologies set to transform content creation and distribution.
Other highlights include IBC Hackfest x Google Cloud, a fast-paced hackathon where developers, engineers, and creatives use Gemini AI to solve media and entertainment challenges; and the Google AI Penalty Challenge, an immersive experience combining over 15 integrated technologies to demonstrate AI’s role in sports performance. Additionally, the 100 Years of Television exhibit will honour the century since John Logie Baird’s first television demonstration, while looking ahead to the future of broadcasting.
Networking will also play a major role, with curated meetups, informal lunches, and social events in a dedicated hub aimed at connecting professionals from across the media and tech landscape.
Future Tech will also house the IBC Talent Programme, backed by partners including Rise, Rise Academy, HBS, Gals N Gear, and the Media Entertainment Talent Manifesto. Scheduled for 12 September, the programme offers a full day of talks, mentoring, and sessions focused on career development, diversity, and inclusion.
Innovation, however, will not be confined to Hall 14. IBC2025 will showcase new advances across the exhibition floor, including production, streaming, transmission, lighting, cameras and cloud services. Two Content Everywhere stages and the Showcase Theatre will host exhibitor-led presentations and panels throughout the event.
Over 1,100 exhibitors have already booked space, exceeding 44,000 sqm. Returning industry leaders include Adobe, Amazon Web Services, Avid, Blackmagic, Canon, EVS, Grass Valley, Panasonic, Riedel, Ross Video, Samsung, Sony and Zattoo. Newcomers include Baron Weather, Cachefly, Files.com, Momento, NewBlue, OTT Solutions, Plain X, Raysync and Remotly.
Steve Connolly, Director at IBC, noted: “IBC2025 is set to be our most transformative edition yet – a show where innovation is embedded across the entire experience. From world-first product launches to pioneering conference insights, we’re bringing together the technologies, people, and ideas that are redefining what’s possible in M&E.”
This year’s IBC Conference, the exclusive knowledge and networking experience, is running from 12-14 September. It brings together a broad mix of industry leaders and innovators to address topics such as: the business of TV and the search for sustainable growth across new platforms; live sports and real-time experiences; personalised advertising and the future of commercial models; and discovery and prominence – how to ensure content is surfaced in a crowded landscape.
This year’s conference will once again deliver visionary speakers who will cover business-critical challenges around technology and advertising models. AI also features heavily across the programme, examining not just its creative potential but how it can drive efficiency, enhance personalisation, and support real-world editorial workflows.
Newly announced speakers include Elke Walthelm, COO at Sky Deutschland, Rollo Goldstaub, Global Head of Sports Partnerships at TikTok, and Thomas Gruber, Co-CEO, ProsiebenSat 1 PULS 4 – joining others from organisations that include ITV, YouTube, Sling TV and Warner Bros. Discovery, taking a deep dive into the issues, challenges and opportunities transforming media, entertainment and technology.
Another key element of the Conference is IBC’s Technical Papers Programme, returning to the Conference with peer-reviewed research on emerging topics. Elsewhere, the Conference Delegate Lounge offers a place for quiet business conversations as well as networking breakfasts, VIP talks, and roundtables.
