As the global media, entertainment, and technology industries gear up for IBC2025, set for September 12-15 at the RAI Amsterdam, the event is shaping up to be more than a broadcast exhibition – it is increasingly an immersive intersection of broadcast, AV, enterprise technology, and next-generation media.
Commenting on the growth of the convergence trends, Michael Crimp, CEO IBC, says: “IBC2024 saw increasing engagement from enterprise AV buyers, systems integrators, and AV manufacturers, reflecting a wider trend toward broadcast-quality workflows in corporate communications, education, live events, and hybrid experiences. As more non-traditional media organisations adopt advanced video production and streaming capabilities, there is a greater need for high-end technologies – and trusted integration expertise – to deliver professional, branded, and reliable video experiences.”
Last year, the inaugural AV Buyers’ Event introduced enterprise-level buyers – Arup, Deliveroo, Barclays – to IBC’s broadcast tech ecosystem. Exhibitors such as Sony, Blackmagic, Panasonic, and Ross Video showcased tools that introduced broadcasting-style production in AV environments, from remote switching to immersive LED backdrops to smart camera systems that lend broadcast-level polish to corporate and experiential events.
And Crimp promises that the convergence of broadcast and AV will be even more pronounced at the 2025 show. One new feature that is highly relevant for AV professionals is Future Tech in Hall 14. It will provide hands-on access to AI-driven production tools, cloud-native workflows, and a dedicated virtual production zone – highlighting LED backdrops, XR environments, camera tracking systems, and real-time rendering pipelines.
“For AV professionals, it will provide a unique opportunity to see how broadcast-grade tools are being adapted for enterprise use, whether in corporate communications, retail environments, live events, or higher education,” Crimp believes. “Also relevant for pro AV visitors will be an exclusive pitching event for virtual production vendors, which will be accompanied by a dedicated networking event powered by partners at Starting Pixel and a number of high profile providers – led by Mo-Sys. The Accelerator Innovation Programme will also feature collaborative Proof-of-Concept projects showcasing practical applications for hybrid production, agentic AI in control rooms, and 5G-powered remote production.”
More broadly across the show’s displays, pro AV visitors will be able to explore remote and hybrid production tools, such as OB trucks, cloud switching and IP routing, which are now deployed regularly for both enterprise AV and live events. Also, increasingly bridging theatre, live events and broadcast, are the AI-enhanced camera systems which boast auto-tracking robotic heads and metadata generation. Meanwhile, the immersive LED and virtual production setups are commonly used in AV installations in corporate, education, or immersive branding contexts. The latest edge computing and private 5G technologies, which offer high-bandwidth and low-latency solutions, are also seen in stadiums, live venues, and corporate campuses.
BUILDING MOMENTUM
Crimp expects the 2025 show to build on the momentum created during the 2024 version, which delivered robust figures to signal a return to pre-pandemic energy. There were 45,085 delegates, which was a 5 percent rise on 2023’s 43,065 attendance figure. IBC figures revealed participation from 170 countries and more than 1,350 exhibitors, up from 1,250 in 2023. There were 46,000sqm of exhibition space, an increase from 44,500sqm in 2023 and more than 100 new exhibitors, many focused on immersive media, cloud services, and AI workflows.
“The show floor last year was buzzing with product launches, networking, and hands-on innovation, while the conference agenda tackled critical challenges shaping the future of media and entertainment – including AI’s shift from theory to real-world applications, industry efforts to combat news disinformation, and more sustainable live production workflows,” commented Crimp. “AI emerged as a tangible force across the showfloor, with visitors seeing first-hand how new tools across editing, content personalisation, and asset management can power new efficiencies in broadcast and enterprise AV environments. Equally, there was a strong focus on live production, hybrid events, and virtual production, highlighting the growing overlap between broadcast and AV technologies.”
With 44,000sqm already booked for IBC2025 by the start of August, the stage is set for further expansion. Given existing growth trends, early indicators suggest the 2025 show may exceed 45,000 attendees and possibly break 1,400 exhibitors, IBC estimates. “This year, IBC expects delegates from over 170 countries, underlining its unique role as a truly international meeting point for technology suppliers, integrators, enterprise buyers, and content creators. The exhibitor mix will span every stage of the content and AV value chain – from cameras, displays, and immersive environments to streaming platforms, cloud solutions, and virtual production workflows,” Crimp says.
One of the standout operational innovations arriving in 2025 is the badge-embedded QR code that grants free access to Amsterdam’s public transport. This ticketless system, created in partnership with IBC, RAI Amsterdam, GVB, and CredsNow, replaces paper passes and reflects a commitment to sustainability, as well as ease of mobility.
Crimp explains: “This frictionless feature will allow visitors to travel seamlessly across Amsterdam’s trams, buses, and metro without needing separate tickets or apps – a sustainability-focused initiative that enhances convenience while reducing waste. We’ve also continued to refine showfloor layouts, networking areas, and planning tools. The IBC Show Planner and Mobile App make it easier than ever to create personalised agendas and navigate 14 halls of exhibitors and curated content stages.”
INNOVATION EPICENTRE
Hall 14 is billed as the show’s innovation epicentre, bringing together emerging media technologies, strategic collaboration, immersive exhibitions, and a focus on next-generation talent.
Key features include:
• Major exhibitors, including Microsoft, Mo-Sys, Deepdub, CaptionHub, Ultra HD Forum, Files.com, Tata Communications, and Veritone, will showcase AI workflows, virtual production pipelines, blockchain provenance, cloud editing, real-time translation, and edge computing.
• Accelerator Innovation Zone: With nine curated proof-of-concept projects developed by media owners and tech vendors, these real-world solutions address challenges such as metadata automation, cloud-native remote production, secure content delivery, and sustainable production workflows.
• Future Tech Stage (Microsoft-sponsored): Boasting an extensive programme of keynotes, technical deep dives, live demos, and panel discussions highlighting the potential and practice of AI in areas like personalisation, metadata tagging, automation, and live production.
• IBC Hackfest x Google Cloud: A 48-hour, high-intensity hackathon bringing together engineers, creatives, and developers. Using Gemini AI and Google Cloud tools, teams tackle practical challenges in media innovation – everything from content summarisation to real-time translation and immersive presentation.
• Google AI Penalty Challenge: A showcase powered by over 15 integrated technologies, merging AI decision-making, real-time analytics, augmented visuals, and immersive sports tech.
• 100 Years of Television: Celebrating the centenary of John Logie Baird’s first public TV picture in 1925, this exhibit looks retrospectively at 100 years of innovation and forward to trends like AR-native storytelling, synthetic media, and immersive content ecosystems.
• Networking Hub: IBC describes this as a dynamic space blending DJ sets, pop-up cafe setups, breakfast meetups, and ad hoc meet‑the‑maker sessions, “designed for decentralised connections and informal creative energy”.
Each of the 14 halls at IBC2025 is themed around a core set of content areas, helping both broadcast and AV visitors to navigate the technology which interests them the most: Halls 1-3 will focus on satellite and distribution infrastructure, featuring Intelsat and related vendors supporting global and live delivery environments.
Halls 4-5 will showcase streaming, OTT, cybersecurity, and app development. Major content-platform players, such as AWS, Azure Media Services, will be there, as will startups offering backend solutions. And Halls 6-7 will offer technologies for post‑production, media storage and graphics. Exhibitors like Blackmagic, Avid, and Adobe will showcase improvements in editing, cloud workflows, and GPU-accelerated pipelines.
At Halls 8 and 10, there will be production and transmission systems, including multi-technology solutions for live and remote workflows. Ross Video, EVS, and Riedel will present switching systems, IP-based routing, and live event rigs. And at Halls 9, 11, 12 and 13 camera systems, lighting, lenses and accessories will be on display. Sony, Canon, Panasonic, Grass Valley, and other imaging innovators, will reveal robotic cameras, auto-tracking systems, high-speed lighting platforms, and integrated broadcast/AV mounts.
There will also be an Outdoor Zone with a focus on OB trucks, modular broadcast vehicles, and on-location pod setups. NEP and other providers will reveal hybrid mobile solutions, REMI workflows, and sustainable production installations.
CONFERENCE PROGRAMME
Within the IBC2025 Show, the IBC Conference, which runs from September 12-14, will offer sessions, panels, and presentations focused on the latest trends and innovations in media and entertainment. It is tailored to professionals grappling with questions like: How do you monetise live OTT? How does AI shape editing workflows? How can immersive tech be leveraged in public venues or corporate spaces?
Crimp comments: “The IBC Conference will bring together influential leaders from across the media and entertainment ecosystem. Confirmed speakers include Jens Richter (Fremantle Media International), Simon Farnsworth (ITV), Monica Williams (NBCUniversal), Jorrit Eringa (Snap Inc), Rollo Goldstaub (TikTok), and Pedro Pina (YouTube EMEA).”
The IBC Hackfest x Google Cloud is a two-day hackathon bringing together digital innovators to solve real-world media challenges using Gemini AI. The hackfest is a key component of IBC’s wider talent push as part of the Talent Programme – which is back again this year and supported by a range of partner organisations helping to tackle skills gaps and supporting new talent. And the return of the Technical Papers Programme will provide peer-reviewed research sessions covering innovations like remote production architectures, AI-driven color grading, edge-based streaming optimisation, data provenance, and immersive medium formats.
And on Sunday September 14, IBC will present the 2025 Innovation Awards, celebrating projects that demonstrate “real-world impact, collaboration, and forward-looking innovation” across the following categories: content creation; content distribution; content everywhere; social impact; environment and sustainability. Entries had to be completed within the timeframe of August 1, 2024 to July 31, 2025, highlighting innovative solutions in areas like cloud-native media pipelines, metadata automation, climate-conscious production, and social benefit storytelling. The jury members include Jenny Priestley, content director of TVBEurope, Installation ’s B2B sister magazine. Fergal Ringrose, chair of the jury, noted: “These awards highlight the myriad ways industry pioneers are reshaping media through technological and social progress.”
TALENT PROGRAMME
The IBC Talent Programme, returning on Friday September 12, focuses on nurturing emerging media-technologists. IBC says that at its core, the Talent Programme reflects the show’s intended focus on equitable inclusion and future readiness. Supported by partners like Rise, Rise Academy, Gals N Gear, and Host Broadcasting Services, it offers: mentorship from industry professionals; skills workshops covering production, editing, AI, immersive storytelling; panels on diversity, inclusion, and career pathways; and the World Skills Cafe, which doubles as a networking and learning hub.
IBC says that sustainability is woven through the IBC2025 experience, from the badge-based transport system to the Innovation Award category focused on environmental and social impact. Several exhibitors in Hall 14 and across the show floor are presenting green production technologies, cloud workflows that reduce physical infrastructure demand, and remote production models that cut travel footprints.
For audiovisual professionals facing a future where content, immersive experience, and broadcast-level quality merge, the show will offer both inspiration and application. As Michael Crimp says: “IBC2025 is where the brightest minds explore the ideas and technologies reshaping our industry. Future Tech brings that innovation into focus – from AI to virtual production, from cloud-native workflow to content provenance – it’s a window into tomorrow.”
