NATPE Budapest 2025 concluded with an expanded conference footprint

NATPE Budapest 2025 has just concluded, achieving increased buyer attendance and an expanded conference footprint, thereby building on its position as the premier destination for business in the CEE region. The agenda included a slate of must-see studio screenings, featuring major companies such as A+E Global Media, Lionsgate, and Sony Pictures Entertainment, offering an immersive and elevated environment for showcasing the industry's best new content, as well as thought leadership from influential industry players and signature content curated by Realscreen.

"NATPE Honors and our Breakfast With and Lunch With a Decision Maker series were a huge success, which elevated the event, attracting some of the most senior executives in the region. We hosted more buyers than last year, and exhibitors on the expanded market floor reported that they generated a great deal of business. This year, 70% of attendees were from Europe, with the greatest representation from Hungary, followed by Czechia. North America represented 15% of total attendance, and the UK 10%", said Claire Macdonald, NATPE’s Executive Director. "We are distilling feedback from our attendees. It is crystal clear that buyers and sellers alike are overwhelmed by the proliferation of markets this month. We'll be analyzing their feedback and will plan accordingly to adapt to the ever-changing market conditions", she added.

A major highlight of the week was the debut of NATPE Honors Europe, a new initiative celebrating the bold voices and visionary leaders reshaping the European media landscape. The exclusive awards program was hosted by beloved celebrity host Nóra Ördög. 

"The first edition of NATPE Honors was an inspirational kickoff for the week, recognizing visionary leaders and changemakers within the region. It also set the tone for the conference tracks, which focused on market successes and the strategies that fueled them. From the Format Futures track to the View from the Top panel with RTL's Stella Litou, Antenna's George Levendis, AMC's Levente Malnay, and producer Magdalena Szwedkowicz, the connecting theme was regional success amidst global competition, as well as how local content can succeed globally. Emerging opportunities to expand reach were another hot topic and were the focus of a well-received keynote from YouTube's Andreas Briese", added Mary Maddever, Executive VP Realscreen and Executive Content Director for NATPE. 

Throughout the market, expanded curated networking experiences and exclusive floor access helped delegates make the most of every moment, and of course, the epic NATPE Boat Party — an unforgettable evening of celebration against the backdrop of Budapest’s stunning riverside views. "The message that came through was that as the calibre of CEE content continues to step up, not only is there more opportunity for broader regional footprints, but the standout hits are poised to bring more international focus to the market", Maddever stated.