How long have you been going to IBC?
I have actually only been to IBC once, and it was way back in 2006! It was a much different show back then and I am so excited to get to experience everything my colleagues have shared with me about the event over the past few years!
What’s your typical IBC routine: what are you there to see/learn, who are you there to meet?
Again, this will be my first true IBC experience, so I’ll be creating my own routine from scratch! I’m especially excited because, in addition to our presence in the IBC Owners Pavilion, SMPTE will have a stand on the show floor for the first time. This gives our team the flexibility to hold scheduled meetings in the Pavilion while also engaging more informally with delegates throughout the event. It’s a great opportunity to share SMPTE’s mission and impact without the pressure of set appointments.
I’m also looking forward to connecting with students from our UK and Germany Student Chapters who will be attending. Hearing their fresh perspectives on IBC and learning about their work will be a real highlight. And then there are definitely a number of panels and keynotes that I’m very interested in attending. I expect to be good and tired at the end of each full day!
Overall, I’ll be dividing my time between the Owners Pavilion and the SMPTE stand, reconnecting with colleagues, making new contacts, and exploring new collaborations. I’ll also be attending the SMPTE programme on Saturday, followed by our annual member gathering, co-hosted by BT at their stand on Sunday. All are welcome!
Why is IBC important to you in a professional capacity, and how does the show compare to others on the calendar?
In a time when many companies are scaling back their participation in industry events, IBC continues to stand out as a “must-attend.” The unique value of bringing together global leaders in media technology and providing a platform to showcase innovation is simply too significant to overlook. For SMPTE, IBC offers a vital opportunity to engage with industry leaders from markets we might not typically reach. In fact, conversations that began at IBC over the past two years directly led to SMPTE delivering technical education at this year’s Saudi Media Forum (FOMEX) and launching a new initiative to grow SMPTE membership in Africa. These connections might not have developed without the networking environment that IBC facilitates.
When comparing IBC to other industry events, I’ll admit I’m a bit biased—with SMPTE’s own annual Media Technology Summit following just a few weeks later in October. That said, IBC consistently offers a world-class experience for delegates, and SMPTE is proud to be a part of it. In many cases, the conversations we start at IBC carry forward into the Media Technology Summit, allowing us to continue the dialogue on key industry trends. This year our Summit will feature dedicated days on Live Sports and Events Broadcasting as well as Global AI Standards—both of which are central topics at this year’s IBC.
What are you most looking forward to at IBC2025?
I’m really looking forward to just being engaged in the whole vibe of this show. I’m interested to see what connections will be made and the future collaborations and innovations that will result. And I’m very excited for the programme, especially around the topics of AI and live sports streaming and real-time experiences.
What’s your top tip for anyone attending IBC for the first time?
Well, I’m basically a newbie myself, so I welcome tips from the IBC veteran delegates! As always, my advice would be to invest in comfortable shoes and to prepare beforehand by making yourself an itinerary of your “must-attend” sessions and social events. And of course to stop by and see the SMPTE Team!
Visit SMPTE’s stand at 8.F55f
