Technology & IT | Sunday 7 June, 2015 3:27 am |

Recognised as the leading global event for the electronic media and entertainment industry, IBC will again be taking place in Amsterdam in September this year. Bigger and better than ever, with new innovations and initiatives, IBC unites the technologies and business models that power the creation, management and multiplatform delivery of all forms of electronic media content.
Over 55,000 attendees from more than 170 countries come to IBC to experience all that it has to offer in this rapidly changing multiplatform and multiscreen world. Visitors are inspired by the world-leading forum of the IBC Conference and motivated by the experience of meeting over 1,700 key international suppliers that comprise the IBC Exhibition. IBC provides an unrivalled environment for attendees to connect across countries, technologies and industry sector and for 2015, the newly constructed Amtrium will be a stunning addition to the 14 Halls of exhibits.
Always looking to the future, IBC will also be introducing the IBC Launch Pad. Located near Hall 14, it is reserved for first-time IBC exhibitors who will be shining a spotlight on the mega-trend toward IP based infrastructure and software tools which are transforming the industry.
Taking the visitor experience to a new level, IBC2015 will be deploying Touch & Connect technology: a valuable networking tool which will be free to all visitors, enabling them to instantly acquire and exchange contact information and exclusive content. A simple seamless user experience, Touch & Connect will enable visitors and exhibitors alike to be part of an immersive online community all year round.
Free-to-attend feature areas and events are a unique character of IBC and this year they are better than ever. Complementing the Conference and Exhibition they reflect the constant evolution of the industry and are designed to encompass the latest changes and trends facing the industry they include: Industry Insights conference sessions; the Future Zone; and the IBC Awards Ceremony.
Also this year we have extended the IBC Big Screen to incorporate a full programme made up of exhibitor demonstrations, free to attend conference sessions and exclusive film screenings to explore the very latest developments in digital cinema. The IBC Big Screen Experience will take place in the RAI’s auditorium, which will be equipped with the very latest cutting-edge cinema technology including Christie 6P 2D and 3D laser projection and Dolby Atmos immersive audio.
The IBC Conference is a world-leading forum for debate and knowledge exchange, uniting a mix of visionary keynotes, panel discussions and master classes with the most influential thought leaders, opinion formers and cutting edge organisations shaping the industry’s future. With the rapid convergence of Broadcast, IT and Telecoms, this year’s Conference will concentrate on ‘The Future of Media in an Age of Disruption’, examining how the industry can seize the new opportunities being created by the explosive growth in the consumption of TV and video content on IP-connected smartphones, tablets and laptops.
Each day of the Conference will address the myriad issues facing the industry Opening on Thursday with Taking the Industry’s Pulse: An annual health check of the media business, through Reinventing Broadcasting: The rules are changing so what are the innovative technologies helping to break the mould; The Power of the Digital-first Players: Google, Netflix and Facebook are here, so what?; Preparing for the Future Today: How to balance innovation with keeping the broadcasting ship steady as she goes; and finally on Monday It’s a Wrap: Key outcomes and next steps.
Attracting top-level executives, technical experts and visionaries from over 170 countries, with business interests spanning the full spectrum of content creation, management and delivery, as well as emerging markets and key industry disruptors, the Conference ensures exclusive access to valuable insights and contacts.
IBC is pleased to announce the following Keynote speakers who will be joined by an array of industry notables to be confirmed at a later date.:
The Future Is Now – Broadcasting In An Age of Challenge
Fran Unsworth, Director, BBC World Services (UK)
The first woman to run the BBC World Service in the organisation’s 82-year, Fran will explain how technology will allow the World Service to expand despite squeezed budgets and well-funded rivals such as Russia Today and China Central Television.
David Butorac, CEO, OSN (UAE)
David runs 146 pay television channels in the Middle East and North Africa and believes top quality content will always win in the end.
Programming with Global Ambition. The Remarkable Expansion of Discovery Communications
JB Perrette, President, Discovery Networks International (USA)
As media companies face an increasingly fragmented viewing environment, JB will provide valuable insights into how one of the biggest players is tackling the future and redefining its business models.
Established at IBC2011, the annual IBC Leaders’ Summit held in Amsterdam has grown to be the most prestigious international gathering of senior thought-leaders across the global electronic media and entertainment industry spectrum. A mixture of presentations and panel sessions where top speakers from broadcast, telecoms, IT and mobile, debate with peers behind closed doors, the programme offers strong strategic networking opportunities for both delegates and sponsors. Chosen and hosted by IBC, C-level delegates gather to discuss and debate the key issues drawn from the IBC Conference.
In addition to the IBC Leaders’ Summit, IBC also organises IBC Rising Stars, a popular programme for students and new professionals working within the electronic media and entertainment industry, which will take place on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September 2015 at IBC2015. The programme, which provides exposure to the widest and most varied range of experiences possible at IBC2015 will help attendees get their foot in the door, help with personal development, offer opportunities to meet others in a similar position, and provide inspiration from current Rising Stars who are already making their way in the industry.
IBC2015 will again host IBC Content Everywhere Europe, which will take place throughout the fourteen halls of the show, with the IBC Content Everywhere Hub in Hall 14 and the new IBC Content Everywhere Technology in Action Theatre in Hall 3. IBC Content Everywhere is designed to help attendees tap into the potential of vibrant high growth media markets, combining a high quality exhibition with features specifically designed to help professionals from the broadcast, telecommunications, online and IT sectors seize the new opportunities being created by the explosive growth in the consumption of TV and video content on IP-connected smartphones, tablets and laptops.
IBC recognises that every attendee and delegate has different needs, budgets and timeframes in which to maximise their attendance and has developed a comprehensive range of different pass options to cater for individual needs. The very pinnacle of attendance at IBC is embodied in the IBC Gold Pass, which provides the ultimate IBC experience. The Gold Pass guarantees access to the very best networking opportunities before and during the show, including access to the exclusive Gold Pass Lounge; a dedicated, private VIP area with its own, secluded meeting rooms, WiFi and concierge service. This VIP experience also delivers full access to the IBC Exhibition, reserved seating at all 60+ conference sessions and exclusive VIP entrance to the IBC Awards Ceremony and drinks reception. Also available are the Silver and Bronze Pass. The Silver pass provides access to the IBC Exhibition and all 60+ conference session, whilst Bronze allows delegates to attend five conference sessions on their choice.
Full details of all that IBC has to offer can be found on the IBC website www.ibc.org. Register for IBC2015 at www.ibc.org/register.