The second day of Content Europe 2026 kicks off today at the Lisbon Marriott Hotel, with the sense that the market has quickly found its stride. Following an intense opening day --with meetings starting early and the hallways constantly bustling-- the event is establishing itself as a new fixture on the European calendar. According to front desk figures, the first edition has drawn around 800 registrants and is completely sold out, with more executives expected to join between today and tomorrow.

The dynamic is clear: packed schedules (though not to the limit), follow-ups on ongoing negotiations, and conference rooms with high attendance. Unlike other more frenetic markets such as MIPCOM Cannes, the atmosphere here is more relaxed, which fosters higher-quality conversations. “The decision-makers are here,” several executives repeat, highlighting the senior-level profile of the attendees.

The heart of the business beats on the market floor, spread across the Mediterranean, Casablanca, and Los Angeles rooms, with one-on-one meetings that also spill into the lobby. The panels, meanwhile, are concentrated in the Berlin and New York rooms, always drawing a good crowd. Among the most visible booths, Globo and Inter Medya stand out, while companies like Boat Rocker Studios opt for private suites.

Geographically speaking, European representation is dominant --the UK, Portugal, Spain, and France-- with Canada also well represented. Official delegations from Spain, Germany, Austria, and France underscore the event’s international character, which also includes executives from Turkey, Japan, and the United States.

If the first day made one thing clear, it is where the industry is headed: the global formats business. From the opening remarks by Margarida Balseiro Lopes, the focus quickly shifted to a strategic perspective, framed by the “Global Content Trends Report.” The assessment is unanimous: a more competitive, fragmented, and globalized market.

The sessions on Content Strategies, featuring players such as RTP, ZDF, and TF1, made it clear what commissioning editors are looking for today: ideas with international potential, yet adaptable to local audiences. Meanwhile, Justin Scroggie’s masterclass emphasized how to sell in the age of artificial intelligence: using technology as an ally, without losing sight of what matters most. “The deck is not the pitch,” he summarized, underscoring that the key differentiator remains human connection.

Among the most frequently cited trends are the internationalization of content, with formats designed to travel and scale; greater sophistication in financing and co-production models; and the growing impact of AI on creative and commercial processes. In this context, strong and adaptable intellectual property becomes the central asset.

Beyond business, Content Europe is also beginning to build an identity. The concentrated format --similar to the early days of MIP Cancun-- fosters a sense of closeness among attendees, who spend entire days together in the same space. This translates into more organic networking and relationships that extend beyond formal meetings.

Globo closed out the first day with a showcase focused on premium content with global ambitions. The company reinforced its international expansion strategy, highlighting its ability to turn Brazilian stories into universal narratives, supported by industrial scale, creative talent, and a strong cultural identity.

What do the buyers say? Among executives, one idea keeps coming up: the focus is on adaptable formats, strong IP, and concrete opportunities for multiplatform distribution. Elitsa Petrova, EVP of Partnerships at Narativ Media (Bulgaria), highlights the market’s focus on formats and observes a shift toward digital and the creator economy, with traditional formats taking a back seat. Clement Combes, Head of Digital & Digital Acquisition at ZED (France), is focused on English-language or adaptable documentaries for his U.S.-oriented YouTube channels, and values the number of meetings and opportunities generated. Pamela Argandona, VP of TV Film International (USA/Chile), seeks to promote Chilean IPs and explore co-productions --especially with Nordic territories-- while emphasizing the value of a market where decision-makers are actively engaged. For her part, Miriam Perez Blanco, Head of Acquisitions EMEA at NBCUniversal International (UK), focuses on identifying European trends and using the event to reconnect with the industry and learn from the panels--something rarely seen on buyers’ daily schedules.

Market voices echo the general sentiment: surprise at the turnout, busy schedules, and concrete business opportunities. In an increasingly fragmented calendar, April is emerging as an attractive window for Europe. And Lisbon, at least in this first edition, seems to have found its place.

Francisco Ferreyra, from Lisbon

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