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Crimp: “We’ll Start to See AI Grow Up at IBC2024”

IBC CEO discusses the new AI Tech Zone at this year's show

IBC2024 will include a new AI Tech Zone, powered by the EBU, which will offer a central hub to show how AI can positively impact the media industry.

The new zone, based in Hall 14, will include an AI Tech Zone stage while serving as a hub for AI providers, creators utilizing the technology, and solution vendors meeting specific industry needs.

“I have a feeling we’ll see AI begin to grow up a little bit during IBC, with some real-world examples, moving on from some of the machine learning that perhaps we’ve seen in the past,” IBC CEO Mike Crimp said.

“If you go down to the zone, you will see a whole central hub of AI providers, including generative AI creators and AI solutions. They’ll show the positive impact that AI can and will have on the media and entertainment ecosystem.”

Speaking during a media briefing about IBC2024, Crimp told RW sister publication TVBEurope that he has seen a lot of interest in areas such as generative AI at trade shows. “In my view, it has been a little bit hit and miss so far, but has enormous potential. Like all things AI, I think it will grow up fast. The things that I’ve seen in the past seem to be a bit focused on areas such as machine learning, which is crunching data really fast under the tag of AI.”

Crimp added that the areas where he’s seen interesting developments in the use of AI include fan engagement, where it is able to give viewers insights based on behaviors. “A lot of the things that I’ve seen have been really good ideas from really clever tech people, and I’m sure, like in all areas, that there’ll be winners and losers. But from what I’ve seen so far, I haven’t, personally been able to really define exactly what AI is in each of those areas and and how it might work.

“At IBC, all of those brains out there will want to be able to come and begin to answer that question. I’m looking forward to seeing that happen,” he said.

Away from artificial intelligence, other new elements of IBC Show will include a special Audio Visual (AV) buyers’ event on the eve of the convention. Working with the AV User Group, IBC has created an IBC Speed Pitch Event for 40 of its members on Sept. 12. The event offers media technology companies the opportunity to promote their products, services and brands to major AV purchasers.

Meanwhile, IBC Director Steve Connolly said the amount of exhibit space booked for the show has reached 45,000 square meters, surpassing the final figure in 2023. The show will feature some 1,100 exhibitors across its 14 halls with 150 new exhibitors signed up. Last year’s convention drew about 45,000 people.

Registration for IBC2024 is open, with the show taking place Sept. 13 to 16.

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