By Dipo Olowookere
Technology companies and service providers will once again come together to discuss the latest trends, strategies and developments in online TV and video at the Content Everywhere Hub programme at IBC2018, it has been announced.
As the latest addition to the agenda for IBC2018, the world’s most influential media, entertainment and technology show (to be held from 13-18 September at the RAI in Amsterdam), the IBC Content Everywhere Hub will consist of 10 expert panel discussions and 34 product demos.
Situated at the heart of IBC2018 in Hall 14, IBC Content Everywhere combines a high-quality exhibition with the Hub programme designed to help visitors learn and experience how innovative new technologies are expanding the opportunities arising from the exponential growth of content consumption online.
The agenda for the Hub is centred on 10 panel discussions drawing together a range of perspectives and expertise on key issues including the implications for the digital media sector of high profile emerging technologies such as 5G, Edge computing and blockchain.
Other topics covered will include how to successfully grow an OTT service, how artificial intelligence and machine learning are impacting content creation, OTT distribution and monetisation, new business models and innovations in programmatic advertising, as well as the convergence of broadcast and telecoms.
There will also be 34 product demonstrations covering the entire OTT distribution chain, including online video platforms, transcoding and streaming solutions, content security options and monetisation techniques. Speakers will include experts from small start-ups to some of the biggest names in technology including Google, Alibaba, CSGi, Telia, Ooyala and Roku.
With viewers wishing to take greater control over their viewing habits, over-the-top distribution is becoming more and more critical to the electronic media eco-system. Offering consumers ‘content everywhere’ and catch-up services are now essential requirements for many broadcasters to complement traditional distribution, as well as telcos wanting to add video to their portfolios or independent content creators or brands wishing to go direct-to-consumer. The ability to deliver content ‘over the top’ across broadband networks has also opened the door for new players to establish their own direct relationships with new audiences.
Adedapo Adesanya 
Aduragbemi Omiyale