Media Technology at IBC 2019

Media Technology were pleased to be well represented at the International Broadcast Convention (IBC) in Amsterdam. Two of our students received sponsorship from the International Association of Broadcast Manufacturers and had full access to the conference sessions and wider programme of networking events. We also had  around ten students working under Anna Valley for the technical services and IBC news teams at the conference. Finally, Senior Lecturers Paul Bourne and Polly Hickling spent a couple of days meeting with industry contacts and learning about the latest innovations within the industry. Of course we bumped into several graduates now exhibiting at the event or attending in a professional capacity so it was great to catch up with them too.

IBC is one of the largest exhibition and conferences in the world and is well attended by leading companies and industries in the field of sound, vision and communications technology. According to the IBC committee this years event attracted over 56,000 attendees from 150 countries and featured stands from than 1,700 companies. It’s a great place to learn about the latest innovations as well as to network with leading figures.

First year BSc (Hons) Audio Engineering student, Alice attended IBC as a studio sound assistant for IBC TV, which is broadcast around Amsterdam and via the Internet. She said:

This experience was brilliant and gave me an insight into what working with professionals in a production environment is really like. I got to meet many interesting people including actors, directors and company bosses from all over the industry including Sony, Samsung, Amazon, Google, Pixar and SMPTE. IBC was an incredible opportunity and I’ve left with a better idea of what working in the real world is like and with a number of references from people at Sky and the BBC for my CV!

First year BSc (Hons) Audio Engineering student, Chloe attended the conference with IABM sponsorship. She was particularly taken by a behind-the-scenes talk on the making of Avengers: End Game and was fascinated by the use of artificial intelligence alongside CGI to create a ‘smart hulk’. Chloe was able to attend several insightful talk and awards ceremonies. She says: “I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of IBC and am so grateful to have had the opportunity to attend. I really hope I can come back in the future.” Look out for Chloe’s full report on the IABM website soon!

Attending IBC is a truly amazing experience and it is fantastic that we’re able to get so many students directly involved with the exhibition. For those who couldn’t make it, Paul and Polly have brought back lots of case studies and other information to inform teaching on the courses and have greased a few palms to come and present their insights firsthand. Many thanks to the IABM and Anna Valley for enabling us to provide these opportunities.