This year’s Media Production & Technology Show (MPTS) drew its largest-ever crowd, with more than 13,000 attendees from 50 countries gathering at Olympia London on 14–15 May. The annual event brought together professionals from across the UK media, broadcast and entertainment sectors for two days of panel discussions, product showcases and industry networking.
The programme featured over 100 sessions across eight stages, with more than 350 speakers addressing themes such as artificial intelligence, the rise of creator-led content, shifting production models, and sustainability in media. The show floor hosted around 300 exhibitors, reflecting a broad cross-section of the production and post-production ecosystem.
A keynote panel on the future of media production set the tone for the event. “TV doesn’t exist anymore in the way we knew it,” said Kate Beal, CEO of Woodcut Media. Derren Lawford, CEO of Dare Pictures, added: “We are past the tipping point. TV is now one part of a wider, connected content economy.”
Other headline speakers included Ross Kemp, who discussed the risks and realities of investigative documentary filmmaking, and podcast executive Georgie Holt, who highlighted the growing influence of “founder-creators” now operating outside traditional broadcast models. NFL player-turned-broadcaster Jason Bell addressed the increasing use of documentary storytelling in sports coverage, while editor Eddie Hamilton offered a technical breakdown of his work on Top Gun: Maverick and the Mission: Impossible franchise.
Several sessions explored sustainability efforts across the screen sector. Speakers from Sky Studios, A Greener Future, and BAFTA albert discussed the challenges and opportunities for reducing environmental impact in production. BAFTA albert’s Sam Street called MPTS “a key moment in the calendar” for driving sustainability conversations forward.
Artificial intelligence was another major focus, with a new ticketed AI Training programme and an expanded AI Media Zone. Sessions featuring speakers from the BBC, ITN and Banijay examined the growing use of AI across ideation, VFX and content delivery.
Exhibitors represented a broad mix of technical suppliers, from camera manufacturers to cloud-based workflow companies. Notable participants included Nikon, RED, Yamaha, Sandisk and Techex. Many reported strong engagement across both traditional broadcast and adjacent sectors like live events and theatre.
One of the industry’s ongoing concerns—diversity—was also visible across panels and exhibitor booths. Organisers emphasised efforts to improve representation both on stage and among attendees, highlighting the inclusion of freelancers, early-career professionals and underrepresented voices across the programme.
Now entering its tenth year, MPTS continues to expand its reach as a meeting point for the UK’s creative and technical communities. The 2026 edition is scheduled to take place 13–14 May at London’s Olympia Grand Hall.
