The Global Media and Entertainment Talent Manifesto has announced the return of World Skills Café to IBC2025.
Building on the success of its inaugural year, the event will once again aim to address the critical skills, diversity and education challenges facing the media and entertainment sector. Featuring interactive workshops, keynotes and expert-led panels, the event will include representatives from broadcasters, streamers, OB providers, studios, technology vendors, recruitment specialists and educational institutions.
Additionally, a new initiative, Ignite, will aim to provide tailored mentoring partnerships designed to foster career development, build professional networks and accelerate leadership pathways for people of colour working in, or entering, the industry.
Participants at all levels, including younger professionals and students, are encouraged to apply, as are professionals in production, broadcast, engineering and creative roles who are interested in becoming a mentor.
Jasmin John, founder of Black Women in Post Production (BWIPP), said: “Mentoring is a catalyst for unlocking potential. Ignite offers a vital platform for developing talent, confidence and career progression. We’re thrilled to provide talented individuals with practical support that will help open up new opportunities across the industry.”
Carrie Wootten, co-founder of the Global Media and Entertainment Talent Manifesto, added, “There is a real need for the media and entertainment technology sector to unite in addressing talent and diversity challenges. The 2025 World Skills Café will build on key foundations delivered last year and accelerate collaboration and practical advances across recruitment and skills development. Ignite reflects our commitment to empowering underrepresented talent at every career stage. We must act collectively and decisively to build a sustainable, inclusive future workforce.”
Jo Mayer, IBC’s director of marketing, said, “Talent development, diversity, and inclusion are vital themes running throughout IBC2025. The World Skills Café is an important part of a broader focus across the show on addressing the industry’s people and purpose challenges. From headline stages to dedicated sessions and workshops across the event, IBC2025 will provide a platform to spotlight and advance the future of our industry’s workforce.”
Applications for the Ignite mentoring programme are now open for mentors here and mentees here and close on 30 May 2025.
