IBC2026 offers students the chance to experience the industry up close

For students, Future Tech Ignite in Hall 14 will be one of the most valuable areas of the show. Across the four days, the Ignite Stage will host talks, panels, showcases and pitch sessions exploring the talent, technology and ideas driving the future of media and entertainment.

Delivered in partnership with Innovation Partner EIT Culture & Creativity, the programme will allow students to hear from innovators, start-ups, educators, advocacy groups and industry leaders across themes including AI, the creator economy, sustainability, cybersecurity, entrepreneurship and future skills.

On Monday 14 September, the Ignite Stage will host dedicated student-focused content, with insight from IBC’s owner associations, an on-air showcase exploring industry and education collaboration, a student short-form content showcase, and a next-gen leaders panel giving students a voice in the industry conversation.

There's also plenty to interest student attendees across the wider Future Tech offering. Established organisations including Microsoft, Veritone and NHK will be showing their latest innovations, workflows and ideas alongside start-ups, creators and researchers, while the IBC Accelerators will highlight emerging innovations that are transforming the future of content creation, distribution and audience experience. There's also networking opportunities aplenty with the Future Tech Networking Hub offering a central space for meetings, informal networking and conversations throughout the show.

The IBC Talent Programme opens IBC2026 on Friday 11 September, with sessions exploring education, skills and career pathways across media and entertainment. Attendees will hear from industry leaders and talent organisations about the skills in demand across the sector and learn about routes into media and entertainment. The programme will also include new research from IBC and Women in Streaming Media, in partnership with IAMT, SMPTE, Rise Academy and the Global Media & Entertainment Talent Manifesto.

Students can also purchase a pass to attend the IBC Conference for just €25, enabling them to enjoy three days of debate and discussion around the latest trends in content creation, distribution, and monetisation.

Featured speakers this year include Clare Enders CBE, CEO and Founder of Enders Analysis; Carlotta Rossi Spencer, Global Head of Branded Entertainment Business Development, Banijay; Ksenija Koženkova, Head of Non-standard Media Partnerships & Innovation, Vinted; and Tim Haubeil, Channel Director, Sidemen Entertainment.

Find out more about the benefits of attending IBC as a student or register for IBC2026 now