Last year, the World Skills Café launched at IBC with a big question: How do we futureproof our workforce in a rapidly changing industry? We didn’t have all the answers, but we did spark some important conversations. This September, we’re back—and the conversation feels even more urgent.
Technology continues to evolve at lightning speed. Cloud, IP, and AI aren’t buzzwords anymore–they’re reshaping how we work. But while workflows shift and organisations adapt, one thing hasn’t changed: we still need people. Skilled, adaptable, creative people. And right now, we need to question if we’re doing enough to develop and support them.
On 11th September 2025, the World Skills Café returns to IBC for an afternoon of open, honest discussion about skills, education and training, and how we need to build a more resilient media and broadcast workforce.
Whether you’re an educator, a CEO, a freelancer, a student, or somewhere in between, this event is about you – and all of us working together to shape a stronger, more inclusive industry.
But why is this important now? We’re at a crossroads. AI and automation are changing job roles – with evidence to suggest that entry-level roles are being hit the hardest alongside some companies that are really struggling to fill key roles. The pressure is on to find those “unicorn” applicants–people who have the blend of IT, broadcast, and deep technical knowledge with agility, creativity, and strong communication skills. But how do we develop people with the right mix of skills and where does this talent pipeline come from?
That’s what this year’s Café is all about. We’ve designed a dynamic programme full of keynote talks, panel debates, and real-world insights. Angeliki Megariti (Caretta Research) will kick things off outlining the headline market data, shifting workforce trends and the evolution of AI over the last 12 months. We’ll also hear from Hannah Barnhardt (TMT Insights), who shares her experiences of finding that Unicorn!
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Nina Walsh from AWS will join us with a keynote exploring the critical skills gap and what it means for innovation. She’ll share details about the AWS Media & Entertainment Tech Alliance UK, launched earlier this year to drive regional collaboration between educators, broadcasters, and vendors. She’ll also dive into one of the most pressing questions of the moment: “Is the lack of skills holding companies back?” She’ll explore how companies are grappling with uncertainty around AI – what to adopt, when to act, and, most critically, how to source the right expertise. Without skilled people, adoption stalls. So, what should companies prioritise to make meaningful progress?
I predict that one of the liveliest sessions will look at how AI is impacting entry-level roles – with research highlighting that new entry roles are being wiped out by AI – we’ll examine if these roles are disappearing—or just evolving? What do we need to protect for the next generation, and where can we embrace change? We’ll be joined by the brilliant Matt Stagg and Dushi Thangarajah for what promises to be a spirited discussion on where the future of new entrant roles and options for young people.
We’ll also focus on mid-career development—something that often gets overlooked. People already in the industry need support to keep evolving, especially as job roles shift and new technology continues to develop. This was a big theme at last year’s Café and we’ll explore how organisations like SMPTE and RTS have addressed these issues head on over the last year.
And finally, you can’t build a future-ready workforce without making sure it’s accessible to everyone. That’s why I’m delighted to welcome back Jazz Singh, Mark Coleman, who will be joined by Jasmin John from Black Women in Post Production. Together, we’ll explore how we create a talent pipeline that’s not just skilled—but fair, diverse, and equitable.
The World Skills Café isn’t just a one-day event–it’s an annual marker to address one of the key factors that underpins success in our sector–the right people with the right skills. We want attendees to leave with new ideas, meaningful connections, and a real sense of collaboration and collective thought on these issues.
If you’re passionate about people, about the future of our industry, and about making sure we don’t leave anyone behind, this event is for you!
Change doesn’t stand still – and neither should our focus on the skills we need to keep pace with this change.
Register for the World Skills Café 2025 here.
