The IBC2016 Conference begins one day ahead of the main IBC exhibition, and will see the introduction of new streams on the future of platforms and audiences and advertising.

Entitled Transformation in the Digital Era: Leadership, strategy and creativity in media and entertainment, the conference will see more than 300 executives discuss issues at the heart of the entertainment, media and technology sector. ‘Our industry is going through dramatic changes, challenging and exciting at the same time,’ saysIBC Consultant Director of Content, Susan Elkington. ‘The conference will focus on how the entertainment and media sector is using the accelerating power of technology to transform its businesses. It will be very useful for the Content industry which has a greater level of complexity than it used to.’

Organised into seven thematic streams across five days, the conference has been streamlined to make discovery, navigation and access to the wealth of industry expertise easy and intuitive. For 2016 IBC introduced new streams: Platform Futures examines platforms, content aggregation and distribution strategies, whereas Audiences and Advertising explores how broadcasters and TV platforms can reach, engage and monetise their viewers. Revamped content strands include Content and Production, covering innovative content strategies and production techniques, and Business Transformation, which brings together the latest operational developments and technology.

Returning in 2016 are Advances in Technology with technical experts presenting details of the industry’s latest innovations and inventions; IBC Big Screen Experience which examines the hottest topics, themes, and insights surrounding the art, science, and business of cinema; and Rising Stars, the educational programme for industry starters.

‘We have seen significant change in the sector and the Conference allows us to debate and explore topics collectively and with editorial rigor; this promises to be a great year,’ adds IBC CEO, Mike Crimp.