IBC has named the best stand award winners at the show, with front-runners ranging from huge companies like Microsoft to start-ups bringing in visitors through nostalgic technologies and innovative design.
Best Stand Design – Large
Microsoft 14 A.70
According to the award committee, Microsoft’s use of light and digital display was eye-catching and felt like walking into an interactive art exhibit. Once in, visitors could see different sections demonstrating practical use cases for AI in media production, including real-world examples of improving the fan experience, such as the collaboration with the Premier League. The use of space meant that each demonstration felt like its own mini-exhibit without feeling claustrophobic.
Best Stand Design Award – Medium
vMix 6 A12
The committee also found that vMix booth stood out as an original and clear way of demonstrating a product that is difficult to bring to life in a conference environment. Using small, well-positioned cameras on a Scalextric track, the stand was reportedly able to make the experience both engaging and fun. Capturing video and then giving visitors hands-on experience resulted in a queue of people getting involved. The use of banana characters also added to the fun element and demonstrated that the stand team was also having fun.
Best Stand Design Award – Small
Videolabs/ Kyber 2. C20f
Among a sea of towering, corporate booths, one small stand apparently stole the show by transforming its footprint into a nostalgic, 90s-inspired teenager’s bedroom. Welcomed by a passionate team sporting their iconic traffic cone hats, visitors entered a space that was equal parts fun, creative, and memorable. The team took sustainability seriously without losing their playfulness. Every piece of furniture was sourced second-hand and destined to be repurposed locally after the event. With upcycled retro gaming PCs powering the setup, the stand brought incredible energy to the show floor, proving that personality, passion, and clever design can outshine corporate budgets.
Best Stand Design – Judges Award for Innovation
Ruwido D65
Amidst loud booths vying for attention, this minimalist stand offered a calm, intentional sanctuary. Designed with a muted palette, its consistent aesthetic pulled visitors in, using techniques like products encapsulated in glass boxes suspended effortlessly from the ceiling. At its heart sat a fresh rose, gifted daily to a standout crew member. Sustainability is built in as the stand is reused year after year with meticulous precision, right down to the natural glue used for its graphics.
IBC2026 Live Blog: Catch up with all the best innovations
Welcome to the IBC2026 Live Blog, getting under the skin of the global media and entertainment industry's biggest and best trade show.
.jpg){kind=tracking}
FAST is the next frontier of creator domination
The creator economy is no longer a sideshow in Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV (FAST) but a core channel segment with platforms actively competing for content.
Global student On Air project is already igniting careers
On Air, the global student‑run broadcast initiative, is scaling up in its second year.
.jpg)
CTO’s lean on AI to reshape business strategy
Senior leaders from Australia’s ABC and Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS) outlined how AI is reshaping every editorial and operational workflows while insisting that human judgement remains central.
.jpg)
The pull era: Why media survival hinges on the phone-centric consumer
To survive, this industry must redefine broadcast, move beyond defunct binaries like "TV viewer" and "mobile user", and put its consumer at the centre of every decision, according to Evan Shapiro's rapid-fire talent programme keynote on the Future Tech Ignite stage.
Registered users only: Login
.jpg)