The media and entertainment industry is transitioning through an era of rapid technological disruption, where artificial intelligence, virtual production, and real-time content creation are rewriting the traditional playbook.
For the next generation of media professionals, navigating this shifting landscape requires more than just academic knowledge—it demands hands-on experience and industry-wide collaboration.
With a long history of welcoming students and educators to Amsterdam, IBC2026 is expanding its commitment to the next generation with Future Tech Ignite, presented in collaboration with EIT Culture & Creativity.
For many students, IBC Show offers a first glimpse into high-level broadcast infrastructure.
Federico Squizzato, a digital media production graduate from Oxford Brookes University, says his biggest motivation for attending the show was curiosity: “As students, we rarely have access to the latest industry equipment and emerging technologies,” he says. “IBC offers a unique opportunity to get hands-on experience with equipment that can be worth as much as a house, while also providing valuable insight into where the industry is heading.”
That sentiment is shared by Robin Max Braun, a German graduate student in media technology at Hochschule RheinMain, who arrived at IBC hoping to expand his network. “IBC creates an incredibly open environment where people already working in the industry are genuinely willing to have real conversations with students, not just small talk. It’s also fascinating to see the newest developments in person and ask the developers themselves about them. That kind of direct access is hard to find anywhere else.”
As well as an opportunity to get hands-on experience and expand their network, IBC Show also enables its student visitors to engage with new industry concepts via the IBC Talent Programme. Jack Turner, another digital media production graduate, explains how he had the opportunity to learn about new technologies. “I got the chance to talk to new talents about their aspirations and goals for what they hope to achieve, especially with the talking point being mostly AI,” he explains. “That was the highlight for me, and learning about how different companies use AI as a tool.”
“One quote in particular stood out to me: ‘We shouldn’t be scared of AI; we should approach it with curiosity,’ said Avi Saxena, CTO at Warner Brothers Discovery at last year’s show. This gave me a new perspective on AI and enhanced my knowledge.”
Inspirational encounters
For many students, one of the lasting impacts of attending IBC Show stems from personal interactions with industry legends. Tilly Brown, another Oxford Brookes digital media production graduate, explains her brush with a filmmaking icon: “One of the highlights of my experience was having the opportunity to be involved as a runner in an interview with Thelma Schoonmaker, who was IBC’s special guest last year,” she explains.
“Hearing stories from her career, including her work alongside Martin Scorsese, and the advice she offered to aspiring editors was incredibly inspiring. Listening to her experiences and the passion she has for filmmaking reinforced my own enthusiasm for the media and entertainment industry and confirmed that this is the career path I want to pursue.”
That point is echoed by Sofia Robinson, who says attending IBC2025 helped broaden her knowledge of the industry and opened her mind to the career paths available. “It made me feel more comfortable to attend other conferences and built my confidence,” she adds. “I enjoyed exploring the different stands and rooms. The experience in general was a great way to get into the industry, and my first IBC definitely left a highly positive impact on me.”
Asked what advice they would offer other students attending the show for the first time, the students offer varying tips. “Keep an open mind and avoid limiting yourself to a fixed plan, as some of the most rewarding experiences can come from attending unexpected talks or exploring exhibits you hadn’t originally considered,” says Brown.
“Many people worry about saying the wrong thing or embarrassing themselves, but the reality is that everyone is there for the same reason: to learn, connect and grow,” agrees Squizzato. “Most people are welcoming, and even if a conversation doesn’t go perfectly, it’s unlikely anyone will remember it for long.
“The opportunities available at IBC are incredible, but they only become opportunities if you’re willing to put yourself out there. Be curious, be proactive, and don’t be afraid to take that first step.”
