How long have you been going to IBC?
This year will be my third time in the last 10 years—so I am not a seasoned pro like most!
I did get a shock when I last attended two years ago at the immensity of IBC, but it was an advantage to be able to see the changes and expansion of the show, as well as the rise in technology and the changes in people attending.
What’s your typical IBC routine: what are you there to see/learn, who are you there to meet?
Last time, I planned many seminars and panel discussions to learn about current technology, systems and workflows, along with up-and-coming developments in cloud and infrastructure. I will be planning ahead again and see what’s on offer this time.
I really enjoy wandering around the stands to see what’s out there for workflows and systems, the latest AI developments and also to try and take in the atmosphere, as it is a unique feel.
That said, I found that rocking up at a stand left me a little overwhelmed with the hard sells, rather than gaining knowledge, so I’ll be putting more effort into planning ahead to work out which stands actually appeal to me, so I can get the most out of the experience.
I’ll also be meeting with our vendors to look at the latest developments to their products and gauge how useful they might be, as well as seeing how others are approaching things. Understanding the wider landscape and the options available is really important.
Why is IBC important to you in a professional capacity, and how does the show compare to others on the calendar?
IBC is one of the biggest shows in Europe and a lot of suppliers and vendors attend from across the world. I would say that I am in a privileged position where my manager supports and encourages me to learn and build my knowledge, merging professional and personal capacity for development and growth.
To be able to view the technology and broadcast landscape under one roof is a fantastic opportunity, as professionally, I will be there fulfilling my role to meet our vendors and visiting competitors to expand my knowledge, which will in turn come back to benefit our teams.
It’s personal for me too, as it aligns with my side hobbies at On Air 2026 and Women in Streaming Media.
It’s also important to me professionally for women to be seen to attend, and important that women who look like me are seen at shows and are able to have the opportunity to share expertise with industry professionals, as well as to gain knowledge through building networks.
What’s your top tip for anyone attending IBC for the first time?
There are a few:
- Plan ahead—not just for seminars and visiting stands, but also for your own learning. The halls are huge and you can go round in circles—this is speaking from experience!
- Industry buzzwords—take those buzzwords, even the ones you do not understand, and see what IBC can offer, as no doubt there will be a conversation about it!
- Step out of your comfort zone—sign up for drinks at stands where you want to expand your knowledge to find out more. Say yes to vendors and suppliers so you can build connections as humans, as well as at work level.
