Following the success of last year's edition (over 1,000 attendees), NEM Dubrovnik 2024 is set to once again solidify its position as a pivotal event for the television industry in the CEE region. The market, which starts today and runs until the 13th at the Dubrovnik Palace Hotel in Croatia, has already confirmed over 80 participating companies, promising to be a gathering of industry leaders, content creators, and decision-makers with a robust lineup of keynote speakers and major industry players.

This year’s edition features some over 70 speakers in 10 panel discussions, addressing a variety of industry topics. Kasia Madera, Presenter at BBC News; Ralf Rückauer, VP of the Unscripted Department at ZDF Studios; Jamie Cooke, Group SVP and GM Central Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa at Warner Bros. Discovery; or Nataša Rapaić, who will assume the role of CEO of Hrvatski Telekom on July 1, are among the notable speakers. Panels will cover content acquisition strategies, the influence of linear television, and the success of Central and Eastern European content on a global scale.

The event is seeing significant participation from major American and European studios. Paramount Global Content Distribution is hosting the afterwork happy hour for the second year in a row, and Warner Bros. Discovery celebrates the Max brand launch in teh region. Other notable American studios include Amazon MGM Studios Distribution, Lionsgate, and The Walt Disney Company. European participation is marked by All3Media International and its sister company IDTV, with EVP International Formats, Kevin Soares, discussing their strategic approach and hit formats like "The Traitors" and "The Unknown".

NEM Dubrovnik has always been more than just a conference, fostering meaningful networking opportunities and facilitating business deals. Sanja Božić-Ljubičić, CEO of Mediavision and the founder of the event, recalls the initial skepticism about the event's potential. ‘There are a lot of festivals and markets, and my business friends and colleagues said this will never fly’, she reminisces. However, the event quickly established itself as a crucial meeting point for industry professionals, attracting over 1,000 participants annually’.

The market also spotlights technological advancements in the TV industry. Is scheduled some panels that explore topics like global content monetization, strategic digital platform integration, and the future of advertising in the CEE region. Notably, AI and its impact on the TV industry will be a key focus, with insights from leading industry experts.

Growth and Expansion
Since its last edition, the TV market at NEM Dubrovnik has expanded by 40%. The exhibition area now includes the expanded Sunset Area, in addition to the usual Mare Area. Companies like A1 Group, Amazon MGM Studios Distribution, Atresmedia, and many more are exhibiting their products and services.

In that sense, Božić-Ljubičić also highlights the importance of the event’s location. ‘The location is really something special, it’s a gem that the world has recognized,” she said. This, combined with the event’s networking-friendly atmosphere, has led to significant deal-making opportunities’, concludes.

Alberto Buitron in Dubrovnik, Croatia

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