Andreas Briese
NATPE Budapest, the leading global TV market for the CEE region, has unveiled the key highlights of its 2025 conference program, promising high-impact discussions, innovative format strategies, and transformative insights from some of the industry’s most influential voices. Scheduled for June 23–26 at the InterContinental Budapest Hotel, this year’s edition boasts a robust agenda aimed at connecting international players and spotlighting the region’s creative and commercial momentum.
A major development this year is NATPE Budapest’s partnership with Realscreen, the global authority in the non-fiction and unscripted space, to deliver an expanded Formats track specifically designed for the market realities facing CEE producers.
Mary Maddever, EVP of Realscreen and Executive Content Director for NATPE celebrated the partnership with Realscreen:“NATPE Budapest is partnering with Realscreen, the global authority in the non-fiction and unscripted space, to produce an expanded new Formats track curated for the market reality facing CEE producers," commented. She added that the event will also bring Realscreen’s signature “30 Minutes With” format—intimate briefings with buyers—to Budapest. Reinforcing the event’s commitment to innovation and networking,
Claire Macdonald, NATPE’s Executive Director, highlighted a diverse mix of programming and events that celebrate creativity, foster regional success, and strengthen industry ties. “From NATPE Honors to fresh and inspired keynotes, and both curated and informal networking opportunities, NATPE Budapest delivers a complete market and conference experience,” Macdonald emphasized.
With over 85 exhibitors and more than 350 buyers already confirmed, NATPE Budapest remains a powerful platform for deal-making, creative exchange, and content discovery, serving as a launchpad for the next wave of formats, scripted hits, and cross-border partnerships.
Among the standout sessions, the Opening Keynote will feature Andreas Briese, YouTube’s Country Director for Germany and Regional Director for Central and Northern Europe. His address will provide actionable insights tailored to the CEE market, focusing on how creators and media companies can leverage YouTube to grow audiences and monetize content effectively. Following that, the “View from the Top: Where Do We Go from Here?” panel will bring together top CEE media leaders to discuss how the industry must innovate and collaborate to navigate change and strengthen the regional media ecosystem. This conversation will delve into topics ranging from legacy transformation and bold content strategies to the region’s evolving role on the global stage, featuring voices such as George Levendis of ANT1 TV, Stella Litou of Pro Plus Slovenia and RTL Croatia, Levente Málnay of AMC Networks Central Europe, and Magdalena Szwedkowicz of MAG Entertainment.
The Formats track is equally compelling. It kicks off with the “Global Format Briefing: Spotting the Next Big Thing,” where K7 Media’s Clare Thompson will present an exclusive snapshot of global format trends, unpacking what’s resonating with audiences—and what’s not. Building on that, the session “Cracking the Code: Behind Talpa Studios’ Global Hits” will offer a deep dive into the creative engine behind globally successful formats like “The Voice” and “Big Brother.” Sebastian van Barneveld, Talpa’s Director of Global Distribution, will shed light on the key elements driving their international appeal and partnerships.
Additionally, a new strand called Format Futures, curated by Realscreen, will provide invaluable insights through case studies on transcreation and global scaling strategies. The session “How to Make a Splash on the Global Stage” will explore how emerging formats from innovative indie producers can break through internationally, with executives like Ákos Erdos of Paprika Studios and Aleksander Herresthal of Seefood TV sharing their experiences. Complementing this, “Making It Work (Locally)” will examine how localized versions of global franchises can surpass the originals by creatively adapting to local tastes. Producers such as Anna Kalyna of Starlight Media—whose bold casting choices for “The Bachelor” in Ukraine captivated both headlines and audiences—will reveal their strategies for revitalizing veteran formats and delivering regional hits.
Beyond the main sessions, the agenda features several exciting events. The inaugural NATPE Honors Europe will celebrate bold voices and visionary leaders driving transformation across the European media landscape. Meanwhile, the popular Pitch & Play LIVE! competition will return to spotlight the CEE region’s most promising original formats in an interactive showcase. Another must-attend event is “CEE Breakout Hits,” led by TV Bizz Group’s Georgi Chakarov, offering a data-driven analysis of the region’s top-performing new series and the trends shaping content acquisition.
All of this is complemented by expanded networking opportunities, including curated business meetups, exclusive market floor access, and the iconic NATPE Boat Party. Together, these elements make NATPE Budapest a destination for content professionals looking to forge new connections and capitalize on the region’s growing media potential.