How long have you been going to IBC
This will be year four! My first was meant to be in 2021 but Covid scuppered that, so 2022 was my first show. I still can’t believe how much it’s changed in just these few years. It’s certainly much bigger now, but fortunately, that hasn’t sacrificed the quality of conversation.
What’s your typical IBC routine: what are you there to see/learn, who are you there to meet?
So I have three main goals for IBC:
- Catching up with clients: This is the biggest one for me. Since we work with companies all over the world, IBC is one of the few times we can all be in the same place. It’s great to get some face time, check out what they’re showcasing, and have proper conversations without a webcam in the middle.
- Secondly, it’s seeing what’s new on the show floor. I love walking around and seeing what different vendors are showcasing. It gives you a good feel for what the key trends are and where the industry is heading.
- Meeting new people: IBC and tradeshows like it are a great place to connect with others in the industry, whether it’s catching up with familiar faces or meeting potential new clients or research partners.
Why is IBC important to you in a professional capacity, and how does the show compare to others on the calendar?
IBC is the most international broadcast-centric show on the circuit, in my opinion. A lot of clients from both Europe, the Middle East and APAC will visit in some capacity, which makes it ideal for meeting with overseas clients and seeing how the industry is faring, what’s trending in a global capacity and be there to witness historical new tech announcements, without having to travel far. I mean, I don’t even have to get on a plane! I feel NAB and Broadcast Asia are the closest equivalents to IBC, but both are far more regional in nature, which is great in its own way, but when you want a true international perspective, IBC is the place to be.
What are you most looking forward to at IBC2025?
I’ll always have a soft spot for the video acquisition space; my early days at Futuresource were all about pro camcorders, so any new gear in that area still grabs my attention. I’ve got my eye on Fujinon’s cinema camera, which has been kept behind protective glass up until now. I’m hoping we actually get to try it out this time, but who knows, R&D takes time.
I’m also really looking forward to some of the talks this year. There’s a lot of discussion around how traditional broadcast is evolving to compete with OTT platforms and changing viewing habits. It’s fascinating to see how quickly things are shifting now, especially considering how resistant to change traditional TV has been in the past.
What’s your top tip for anyone attending IBC for the first time?
Wear comfy shoes! Seriously, trainers are your best friend. The show is massive, seating is limited, and you’ll easily clock up 20,000 steps a day. No one’s going to care if you’re not in dress shoes.
Also, make a plan. The IBC website has a solid floor plan and scheduling tools that help you map out your days. I usually try to group my meetings by hall so I’m not constantly running across the venue, which saves a lot of time and energy.
