IBC proves compelling for everyone from CEOs to Rising Stars

“From the calibre of attendees we attract to the whole experience we provide, IBC is all about quality,” said Michael Crimp, IBC’s CEO as the 2012 event drew to a close on Tuesday 11 September. “That we have drawn a record audience at a time when there are still economic challenges in many parts of the world – and when broadcasters are dealing with massive events like the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and US presidential elections – clearly shows that, above all, IBC is relevant to people at every level in our industry.”

Throughout the IBC Conference, more than 300 speakers addressed the audience. International Recording Artist, Producer, Technologist, Entrepreneur and Intel's Director of Creative Innovation, will.i.am drew a capacity audience for his highly personal view of the future in a session co-host by Johan Jervøe, Vice President, Sales and Marketing Group and Director, Partner Marketing, Intel Corporation. Other keynote speakers included David Eun, Executive Vice President Global Media & CEO Advisor, Samsung Electronics, Mark Hollinger, President & CEO, Discovery Networks International and Miles Young, CEO, Ogilvy & Mather. Barbara Slater, Director of Sport from the BBC reviewed the London 2012 Olympic Games, and Director James Cameron talked about his vision for 3D production. All of the keynote sessions from the IBC2012 Conference can be viewed online at www.ibc.org/sessionsondemand

The 2012 exhibition has expanded significantly, now attracting over 1,400 companies and adding a 14th hall, largely driven by the rapid changes in the industry. To address the market for smart TVs and multi-screen delivery, the IBC Connected World in Hall 14, in association with BPL Broadcast and IT Europa and Platinum Sponsor Cisco, combined opportunities for new businesses to find their place in the IBC community with a tailored programme of presentations and debates within the Demonstration Area and Connected Consumer Debates. The IBC Connected joined specially themed areas of the exhibition which provided presentation space and the chance to compare technologies, with access to all these features included within IBC’s exhibition and conference passes. The Future Zone provided a glimpse in to the innovations of the worlds’ R&D labs, with NHK returning again this year to show the latest developments in Super Hi-Vision. Meanwhile the IBC Production Village hosted the latest in acquisition technology and the Workflow Solutions Village hosted sessions covering the ever developing complexities of file based workflows.

The high quality of experience extends to every area of IBC. The IBC Big Screen, for example, is equipped with state of the art projection and audio equipment, and is host to conference sessions and manufacturer presentations. It also allows IBC to screen movies, including another world first this year: the first ever screening of a full-length movie – Martin Scorsese’s Hugo, courtesy of Paramount Pictures International, Christie and XPAND 3D. Using the Christie laser projector, this delivered 3D content with the same brightness as conventional 2D projections, making for an even more immersive experience.

The IBC Big Screen was also the venue for the IBC Awards Ceremony. The IBC2012 Award for the International Honour for Excellence was presented to the Science and Technology Laboratories (STRL) of Japanese broadcaster NHK. It was accepted not just by the head of the laboratories but by the President of NHK, Masayuki Matsumoto. The Awards Ceremony ended with two premieres: a fascinating look behind the scenes of broadcasting the London 2012 Olympic Games, and a stunning preview of Sir David Attenbotough’s Galapagos, the latest 3D wildlife film from Colossus Productions, the joint venture of Sky and Atlantic Productions. View all the winners and finalists of the IBC Awards at www.ibc.org/award

Once again the IBC Leaders’ Summit brought together CEOs of the biggest broadcast, media and telecommunication businesses in Europe and saw hugely important debates covering the theme of “Smart Connections”. The summit featured debate and discussion facilitated by industry leaders’ to formulate the agenda for the future, all underpinned by key research from Deloitte. For more information please visit www.ibc.org/leaders

Also, the Rising Stars Programme was expanded for IBC2012 for students and young professionals to develop skills in marketing themselves, and to learn about the latest techniques and technologies. With a mix of conference sessions and networking opportunities, the Rising Starts provided the perfect introduction for newcomers to the industry. For more information please visit www.ibc.org/risingstar

IBC will return to Amsterdam from 12 to 17 September 2013 and we look forward to seeing you again next year.