How long have you been going to IBC?
I’ve been attending IBC since 2018 and have always enjoyed spending the full weekend at the event. Over the years, it’s been fascinating to watch both the conference and industry evolve.
I first attended when I transitioned from photography into video production. There wasn’t the wealth of online resources that exist today, and I also wanted to see the technology up close, so IBC was the best place to discover new equipment, see it in action and speak directly with the people developing it all in one place.
Having attended before 2020 and then when IBC came back in 2022, there was a noticeable shift in the atmosphere. Alongside the product launches and technical discussions, there was a stronger focus on collaboration. Manufacturers, broadcasters, integrators and creative leaders weren’t just talking about what they’d built or achieved—they were openly sharing every inch of knowledge, lessons learned and new ways of working in a different light. It reminded me that technology only moves our industry forward because of the people willing to share how to get the very best from it. When I first attended, I was there to learn. Now I still go to learn—but I also go to challenge what I think I already know.
What’s your typical IBC routine? What are you there to see, and who are you hoping to meet?
My IBC experience starts well before I arrive in Amsterdam. I always have the exhibitor map and conference app open, planning my route and highlighting the manufacturers, suppliers and panel talks I don’t want to miss. It’s a bit like planning a visit to a theme park to find the newest rides—except the rides are the latest cameras and technology.
Upon arriving, I like to meet with my team and former colleagues to start the event off on a high note before walking around the exhibition halls, checking in with clients, suppliers and partners and wishing them a great event. I had to build up to this routine though. In my earlier years, arriving from the UK alone to a big conference was a big deal but also a real step forward to shaping my vision of my AV career.
Coming from a live production and AV background, I especially enjoy seeing how broadcast, events, IT and media technology continue to converge, creating exciting new opportunities for collaboration and innovation.
IBC gives me the freedom to discover ideas I didn’t even know I was looking for. It’s one thing seeing a product on a stand, but it’s another watching someone who really knows the technology demonstrate features and workflows you’d never considered; it removes the limitations you thought existed and gives you the confidence to pursue ideas that previously felt out of reach. Sometimes, when you have ambitious ideas, it’s simply a case of waiting for the technology to catch up so you can bring them to life —and IBC is often where you discover that you finally have that platform or pathway.
Why is IBC important to you professionally, and how does it compare with other events on the calendar?
For me, IBC remains the flagship annual global gathering for the media, entertainment and technology community. The show is proven by its longevity and ability to bring together, under one roof, the people who imagine, create, build and deliver the future of our industry.
While many events throughout the year focus on a particular specialism, IBC gives you the opportunity to see the bigger picture. You can explore the latest innovations, understand how technologies are connecting across different sectors and hear directly from the people shaping what’s next.
As someone whose work spans Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the US, I particularly value the opportunity to meet people from across the world who are sharing experiences and gaining perspectives from different markets.
What’s your top tip for someone attending IBC for the first time?
Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself and start conversations. IBC is one of the most welcoming events in our industry, and everyone is there because they share the same passion. Step outside your comfort zone, whether that’s asking suppliers about technology you’ve never used before, attending conference sessions on unfamiliar topics, or simply striking up a conversation with someone while walking the exhibition floor.
Take time afterwards to reflect on what you’ve learned, the people you’ve met and the ideas you’ve gained. If you can, attend for more than one day—the event is simply too big to experience properly in a single visit, and you’ll get far more value from giving yourself time to explore.
