The first IBC Talent Programme will take place on Monday 16 September on the Showcase Theatre stage, tackling the big topics of recruiting and retaining talent, and diversity and inclusion.

Attracting and retaining diverse talent and addressing the skills shortages facing the industry remains a huge problem. The IBC Talent Programme will explore how these issues can be tackled, with a focus on three key areas – Mentoring, Diversity and Careers in Media Tech.

IBC Talent Programme to focus on mentoring, diversity and careers

IBC Talent Programme to focus on mentoring, diversity and careers

Mentoring will examine the role mentorship can play in guiding and developing young people in the media technology industry. Attendees will hear from both sides of the partnership with a look at how the process has helped mentees and what it takes to be a good mentor.

Diversity will then come under the spotlight with a session that focuses on developing deliberate and intentional targets around diversity and inclusion in the workplace. It will explore what industry leaders should and can do to build and promote standards to achieve a more diverse workplace.

Finally, Careers in Media Tech will explore routes into the media technology industry, including the pros and cons of each path. Expect debate around topics such as talent retention, continuous learning, upskilling and in-house development.

Further discussion throughout the day will centre on areas including optimal pathways into the industry, how to make training as accessible as possible for all, how to keep and nurture the new workforce, and how addressing the talent gap needs to be driven from within the industry.

This is just one aspect of IBC’s focus on talent this year. On Thursday 12 September, the inaugural World Skills Café will take place at the RAI Amsterdam with the aim of encouraging knowledge-sharing and information on best practice around how to address the skills shortages and lack of diversity.

Taking place from 14:00-17:00, the event will unite broadcasters, streaming brands, technology vendors, OB companies, studios, diversity leaders, recruiters and education representatives to drive discussions in collaborative workshops and panels. Facilitators and experts from across the skills, education and diversity landscape will lead the sessions, encouraging interactive participation and active contributions towards the outcomes and any commitments made.

Participants include Vizrt’s Catherine Webb, film and TV consultant Yosien Burke, Thrive’s Sam Margaritis, and people, inclusion and culture specialist Arit Eminue MBE.

Find out more about the IBC Talent Programme and World Skills Café.

Register for IBC2024.