27/05/2024 - From keynotes to panel discussions, the TV market is expanding even further by exploring the synergy between technology and innovation in the ever-evolving TV landscape

The forthcoming 11th edition of NEM Dubrovnik, the premier TV market in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), is slated to occur between 10 and 13 June in the Hotel Dubrovnik Palace, and has now unveiled its agenda. With over 260 companies participating, the four-day gathering will see prominent studios and businesses from both the USA and Europe taking centre stage. The TV market will be placing significant emphasis on technology, continuing its longstanding tradition of dedicating a special segment to showcasing new technological solutions and advancements.

Distinguished keynote speakers representing leading brands in the television industry will be in attendance at the event. Among them, Bartosz Witak, the newly appointed General Manager for the CEE Region at BBC Studios, will provide insights into the evolving media landscape and outline the strategies propelling the company’s success. Nataša Rapaić, who will assume the role of CEO at Croatian Telecom from 1 July, will share her vision for the future of the telecommunications industry, covering innovative strategies for enhancing connectivity, delivering premium content, and offering insights into the evolving telecommunications and entertainment landscape. For the second consecutive year, Monty Sarhan, CEO of SkyShowtime, will offer insights into the company’s recent milestone — the launch of their ad-supported plan across all 20+ markets, including CEE. Meanwhile, during the session titled "The streaming war isn't over…", Jamie Cooke, Group Senior Vice President and General Manager for CEE and MENA at Warner Bros. Discovery, will elaborate on WBD's ambitious plans to establish Max as one of the top 3 streaming services within the next 3 to 5 years, as well as launching the Max brand on the market’s opening night.

Panel sessions focusing on content strategies, insights, and trends will feature over 70 confirmed speakers and keynote presentations, attracting over 145 key buyers from the CEE. Discussions under the theme "content is king" will cover a range of topics, including innovative content acquisition methods, sponsored by Prva TV, the evolving role of linear TV in the region's media landscape amidst the rise of digital platforms, sponsored by Moonbug, strategies for global success of CEE content supported by NEM Zagreb, the growing prevalence of streaming partnerships driven by cost-efficiency and quality content, tactics for audience engagement and the quest for the next breakthrough format, and the transformative impact of TV operators entering the streaming realm and bundling services, reshaping industry dynamics continuously.

Technology plays a pivotal role and NEM Dubrovnik will once again shine a spotlight on innovative tech companies. Panel sessions will centre around technology addressing various topics, such as facilitating broadcasters' access to a global pool of content for live monetization, supported by SES, strategically integrating digital platforms, implementing data analytics, incorporating interactive features, broadening content distribution, integrating social media, fostering partnerships, investing in innovation, and enabling agile decision-making, sponsored by Wurl, exploring the evolving landscape of advertising in the CEE region with the rise of FAST (Free Ad-supported Streaming TV) and AVOD (Advertising-supported Video on Demand) services, and their incorporation of advertisements, and the advantages of informed decisions regarding products, content, and advertisements, supported by NPAW and Backscreen. Additionally, the TV Product Showcase will feature a special programme where experts will introduce solutions for enhancing production, distribution, and consumption. Gcore will demonstrate how they have enhanced the streaming experience for sports broadcasters, utilizing AI features to boost engagement and quality, and will provide insights into upcoming developments promising to further revolutionize live streaming.

Tech company Answers, will unveil their new audience interaction platform, empowering the creation of interactive content and engaging audiences, thereby offering enhanced value to advertisers and broadcasters. Meanwhile, another tech firm, Bunny.net, will showcase cutting-edge innovations in content delivery, exploring advanced techniques and tools tailored to meet the evolving needs of modern broadcasting. Artificial intelligence will also take centre stage as a pivotal and ubiquitous theme, with top industry experts from companies like Omdia and PlumResearch, and Maria Valenzuela, a senior Media Executive, offering insights into its future trajectory. Additionally, Eutelsat Group will demonstrate its growing strength in the resilient Direct-to-Home (DTH) market of Central Europe, showcasing how innovative content and services are generating valuable opportunities for broadcasters and media groups.

Finally, leading studios from Europe and the USA are set to unveil their latest content offerings. IDTV, a subsidiary of All3Media, will present its strategic approach, along with acclaimed shows like the globally popular programme The Traitors, enduring formats like Lingo, and their newest addition, The Unknown; Keshet International and TV NOVA/VOYO will introduce the crime/thriller Extractors; Amazon MGM Studios Distribution will provide a glimpse into its forthcoming programming lineup, while Lionsgate will showcase highlights of their upcoming content tailored for CEE markets. Disney are also set to unveil a diverse slate of American TV series spanning various sub-genres, promising a range of captivating narratives.