NATPE Budapest moves its event to April 2026

NATPE Budapest, the premier international television market serving Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), has officially announced its new dates for 2026, moving up to April 27–29. The shift from its traditional June slot positions the event more strategically in the global content calendar, aligning with the planning cycles of international buyers and reducing scheduling conflicts during the busy mid-year market season. The 2026 edition will once again take place at the InterContinental Budapest, with premium screenings and high-level sessions held at the Dorothea Hotel.

This date change follows direct feedback from buyers and exhibitors, a core part of NATPE's ongoing market-driven approach. “We listened and we’re acting,” said Claire Macdonald, Executive Director of NATPE. “After an outstanding 2025 edition, it became clear that moving NATPE Budapest to April gives buyers and partners a valuable head start. Buyers are the heartbeat of any sales market, and NATPE Budapest is where real dealmaking happens – not just conversation. This earlier timing maximizes efficiency, boosts deal flow and reinforces NATPE Budapest’s role as the CEE region’s most business-focused event.”

The 2025 edition attracted over 750 delegates from more than 65 countries, including 400+ qualified buyers and over 100 exhibitors and partners. Exhibitors reported increased volume and quality of meetings, and attendees praised the expanded programming and networking experiences. NATPE Budapest 2025 also marked the launch of "NATPE Honors Europe," a new initiative highlighting industry excellence across the region.

As the only established global content market dedicated exclusively to Central and Eastern Europe, NATPE Budapest continues to distinguish itself through a combination of proven buyer engagement, curated networking, and measurable commercial outcomes. This distinguishes it from newer, networking-only events.

Realscreen will return in 2026 to curate a dedicated programming strand focused on unscripted and factual content, supporting growing demand across the region. Final programming and studio screening details will be announced in the lead-up to the event.

To support the event’s continued evolution, two new board members have been appointed: Caroline Hurmson, Senior Director of Acquisition and Content Strategy at Antenna Group, and László Fülöp, Senior Acquisition and Contract Manager, Kids Channels at AMC Networks International. They join a board of experienced regional executives including representatives from Polsat, TV2 Media Csoport, RTL Hungary, Paramount Global, and others.

With more than 30 years of history, NATPE Budapest remains a cornerstone of international TV dealmaking within the CEE region. Under the stewardship of Brunico Communications, it continues to grow its influence as a commercially focused, content-first marketplace that delivers both regional and global value.