How long have you been going to IBC?
I’m an IBC newbie! I first attended IBC last year as a speaker for its talent programme, so this year will be my second year going. Even in that short time, it’s already become an event that I’m looking forward to and an important fixture in my professional calendar.
What’s your typical IBC routine: what are you there to see/learn, who are you there to meet?
For me, IBC is a chance to step back and really take the temperature of the industry. I’m usually there to hear what people are thinking about, as well as the big shifts shaping media and entertainment—especially AI, the creator economy, sustainability, cybersecurity, entrepreneurship, education and future skills. Just as importantly, I’m there to reconnect with colleagues, meet new people, and have those wide-ranging conversations that often spark the best ideas; IBC is one of the few places where all those conversations happen in one place.
Why is IBC important to you in a professional capacity, and how does the show compare to others on the calendar?
IBC matters to me because it brings together the strategic, editorial and technological conversations that are shaping the future of our industry. In my role as chair of the Royal Television Society Technology Centre, that cross-sector perspective is especially valuable. It has a scale and breadth that make it feel different from other events on the calendar; it feels both very big and very human at the same time. It is not just a conference or an exhibition, but a genuine meeting point for ideas, there is also a sense that everyone is there to share, learn and work towards moving the industry forward together.
What’s your top tip for anyone attending IBC for the first time?
Plan with purpose but leave space for serendipity. Know the people and sessions you really want to prioritise, but leave room to explore, bump into people and follow your curiosity. Some of the most memorable and useful moments at IBC happen when you least expect them.
