How long have you been going to IBC?
Just since last year—2024 was our first time.
What’s your typical IBC routine: what are you there to see/learn, who are you there to meet?
Last IBC, we had a partner setting up meetings for us, so we went in fully booked—back-to-back meetings every 30 minutes. I think we did around 60 or 70 meetings across the show, and while it gave us a broad view of the ecosystem, the results weren’t immediate. Some of those conversations are still percolating, but we didn’t walk away with direct project wins.
This year, we’re trying a different approach. Instead of quantity, we’re aiming for quality. Fewer meetings, but more targeted—ideally with people who already know what they might need and how we can help. We’re working with a partner who has stronger personal connections this time around, and we hope that leads to deeper conversations.
We also believe that being consistent is important. Coming to IBC with each edition will strengthen and hone our networking skills.
Why is IBC important to you in a professional capacity?
Despite all the digital tools we have in 2025, nothing replaces face-to-face contact. People want to know who they’re working with—beyond the logo or LinkedIn profile.
When someone meets you, they see how you think (and how quickly you connect the dots) or how you communicate and that builds confidence. Body language, the genuine enthusiasm towards a topic, or simply a super positive vibe and attitude, catches attention. And often, that’s when they start to imagine where you might fit into their projects or what problem/pain-point you could solve for them.
You also save a huge amount of time. Meeting 50 companies across 50 cities would take months. At IBC, everyone’s in one place. It’s the most efficient way to meet people, build trust, and start real conversations that can lead to work.
How does the show compare to others on the calendar?
We don’t have a huge history with trade shows—just IBC, NAB, and ANGACOM so far. But for us, IBC is the standout. It’s larger, more dynamic, and more relevant to the kind of European clients we tend to work with. NAB is great, but it’s a longer trip and more of an investment. Since our team is based in Romania, IBC in Amsterdam is easier to manage logistically.
We’re not ruling out clients from across the Americas, of course—but for now, IBC aligns better with our market and time zone.
What are you most looking forward to at IBC2025?
Picking up conversations from last year and from ANGACOM earlier this year. Building consistency is important. It takes time for relationships to grow into real opportunities, and IBC is where you can nurture that.
We’re looking forward to hearing what people are working on, what’s changed in their roadmap, and where they need help. Whether it’s cloud DVR, DRM, forensic watermarking, GPAC/GStreamer/ffmpeg integrations, or scaling an OTT platform—we’re there to listen, offer input, and see where we can contribute.
What’s your top tip for anyone attending IBC for the first time?
Leave time between meetings. Otherwise, you’re rushing from one to the next and missing the chance for meaningful dialogue. Sometimes, the best conversations are the ones you didn’t plan. So allow space for walk-ins and serendipity.
Don’t be afraid to approach a booth even if you don’t have a meeting. Some of the most valuable exchanges happen because you just walked up and started talking. If they’re busy, they’ll tell you. But many times, people are open—and that’s where the magic starts. You have nothing to lose.
