IBC2019 is just around the corner, and there’s so much to see and do that you’ll need to plan your trip carefully to fit everything in. With the conference and exhibition dates now aligned from 13-17 September, everyone will find inspiration at the industry’s most influential media, entertainment and technology event.

The main conference theme this year is Consumers First: A New Era in Media, reflecting the changing landscape of content consumption and behaviour and what this means for the industry. The conference is split into five new tracks, with a different daily focus on each stage of the end-to-end media content chain, with invaluable insight from over 300 expert speakers from around the world.

• Create & Produce: Creating Disruption offers insights into new technologies and concepts including interactivity and 8K production.
• Manage: Automating Media Supply Chains looks at AI and other new technologies that can create more successful media supply chains.
• Publish: Embracing the Platform Revolution presents new business models that are disrupting the industry.
• Consume: Engaging Consumer Experiences delves into consumer consumption habits and next-gen fan engagement.
• Monetise: Scaling Audiences and Revenues shines a light on brands as broadcasters and new models of advertising.

Each track will also feature Tech Talks, presenting cutting-edge technical papers and in-depth discussions on the technology enabling the media content chain. The Global Gamechangers stage also makes a welcome return, bringing the foremost innovators and business disruptors from across the media, entertainment and technology spectrum to share successes and stimulate debate.

The Big Screen will deliver a stunning program of events and screenings that take full advantage of the very latest cinema projection and sound equipment. The BBC Studios Natural History Unit will present a showcase ahead of David Attenborough’s next big wildlife epic, while fans of Game of Thrones will be treated to an exclusive screening of The Long Night from Season 8, together with a panel of key production creatives giving their exclusive insight into the craft and technology involved in making the world’s most celebrated fantasy drama. Other sessions include the ASC presenting interviews from leading cinematographers as part of its 100^th anniversary; members of the Pixar team will discuss the remastering of the first three Toy Story films; and leading editors will discuss their work on some of the biggest projects of the year.

The IBC Esports Showcase, supported by ESL, Lagardère and EVS, will feature a first for IBC – a full esports tournament staged in the Auditorium, bringing the excitement and fan engagement generated by esports events, while demonstrating the size and scale of a typical event. The showcase will also present a series of esports focused scene-setters, panels, keynotes and interviews.

In addition, the prestigious IBC Awards ceremony will take place on Sunday 15 September to celebrate the industry’s highest achievements, and the Future Zone returns to present innovative technologies at all stages of the life cycle development, plus ground-breaking applications and products of the future.

All this, plus 15 halls of exhibitors demonstrating the latest and greatest products, technologies and services, from acquisition to delivery. You had better pack good shoes!