NEM Dubrovnik 2024, a TV market with a view, took place from the 10th to the 13th of June at the Hotel Dubrovnik Palace. This year's edition of the conference focused on the synergy of content, telecommunications, and technology, particularly on artificial intelligence. Representatives from more than 260 companies from around the world gathered, including more than 150 buyers, a record number of exhibitors, sponsors, and other visitors. During the four-day event, around 1,000 participants enjoyed a program full of panels, keynote speeches, presentations, pitches, and networking events, with opportunities to make deals focused on Central and Eastern Europe and the rest of Europe, as well as enjoy the beauty of Dubrovnik.
The audience eagerly awaited the first keynote Q&A interview with Nataša Rapaić, Member of the Management Board and COO Residential, Hrvatski Telekom (Croatia Telecom), who will take on the role of CEO as of July 1st. Sanja Božić-Ljubičić, CEO of Pickbox, Mediatranslations, Mediavision, and NEM, moderated the interview with Nataša Rapaić and explored her vision for the future of the telecommunications industry.
Experts shared strategies for effective content acquisition and global success
Regarding education, the 11th edition of NEM began with informative presentations from Omdia and PlumResearch, and Maria Valenzuela, on the current topic of artificial intelligence and its role in media, as well as its use for content creation, audience engagement, and international content distribution. "We will no longer remember how we worked without AI," announced Maria Valenzuela.
At the first panel of this year's event entitled "Strategies for Worldwide Success of CEE Content," speakers from RTL Hungary and Warner Bros. Discovery, along with Danna Stern, Global Content Executive, and Natalija Gorščak, Acting President, Board RTV Slovenia, shared their insights on partnerships, government support, funding mechanisms, and strategic alliances.
During the panel "The Art of Content Acquisition," the discussion focused on innovative approaches and practical advice tailored to specific countries. Panellists were from Ampere Analysis, Czech Television, Mediawan Rights, and Latvian Television.
At the beginning of the second day of NEM Dubrovnik 2024, Sanja Božić-Ljubičić and Bartosz Witak, the newly appointed General Manager, Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) Region, BBC Studios, discussed his vision for the company in the region. The Q&A conversation provided insight into a new era and the growth of BBC Studios in the CEE market.
A highly anticipated keynote speech was given by Jamie Cooke, Group SVP and GM CEE, Middle East, Northern Africa, and Turkey, Warner Bros. Discovery. Titled "The Streaming War Isn’t Over…", Cooke revealed WBD's plan for Max to become one of the top 3 streaming services in the next 3 to 4 years.
Leading studios from the USA presented new content, panels, and lectures on trending topics
The Walt Disney Company presented a series of American shows of various sub-genres, which will be available for licensing after an exclusive period on the Disney+ platform, and Amazon MGM Studios Distribution presented their upcoming program.
Izzet Pinto, Founder and CEO, Global Agency, explained how the company conducts its activities using numerous creative methods during his presentation "360 Degrees Marketing in Entertainment Business."
The third day of NEM Dubrovnik 2024 highlighted the latest technology that daily improves the way the television industry operates. During the Q&A discussion, Monty Sarhan, CEO of SkyShowtime, provided insights into SkyShowtime's recent milestone – launching their advertising plan for all 20+ markets, including Central and Eastern Europe. Ákos Erdős, CEO of Paprika Studios Group, spoke about the increasing responsibility of producers during the "TV Show vs. Content" Q&A discussion.
The first panel of the day, "The Unscripted Quest: Hunting for the Next Hit Format," attempted to determine the future of unscripted formats. Panellists from renowned companies Fremantle International, ZDF Studios, ITV Studios, IDTV, CME, and Asacha compared the situation in the CEE region with the rest of Europe.
Panels were also held on the benefits of informed decisions for product development, content, and advertising, as well as market trend predictions regarding addressable advertising in the CEE region.
The day ended with a grand celebration at Lazareti where Pickbox marked its first ten years of successful business in seven markets in the CEE region. The "10 Years of Pickbox: A Decade of Stories from Stream to Screen" party brought together the company's friends and partners and both its brands – the streaming service Pickbox NOW and the linear pay-tv channel Pickbox TV.