Irina Deaconu: "DICM 2023 marked a significant evolution"

The recent Dubai International Content Market (DICM 2023) took place this year in a new venue at Madinat Jumeirah Conference and Events Centre yesterday, gathering more than 700 global participants. The event welcomed participants from over 30 countries, fostering collaboration and exchange on a worldwide scale. Over 800 meetings took place on the first day, creating a dynamic marketplace where content creators, distributors, and buyers converged to explore business opportunities and form strategic partnerships. Señal News spoke with Irina Deaconu, DICM's Marketing & Communication Manager, to describe the event's expansion.

What were the most significant differences between this year's event and previous editions?
"DICM 2023 marked a significant evolution by introducing two game-changing features: 'DICM Talks' and 'Producers Connect.' 'DICM Talks' offered thought-provoking panel discussions with industry pioneers, providing unparalleled insights into the industry. 'Producers Connect,' a dedicated matchmaking initiative, facilitated meaningful collaborations among content producers. Attendees appreciated these additions for fostering knowledge exchange and networking. Additionally, the diverse range of sessions, including 'Fast in MENA, Part 2,' 'Exporting Arabic Content to the World' and 'The Co-Production Advantage,' drew acclaim for their relevance and depth."

In terms of attendance, which countries were the most well-represented?
"DICM 2023 saw a robust attendance from over 50 countries, reflecting its global appeal. Countries like Turkiye, South Korea, and Russia showcased their content industries through dedicated country pavilions. In future editions, we plan to enhance representation from emerging territories such as APAC and Africa, ensuring an even more global destination for the international content community. The dynamic discussions and networking opportunities at DICM attracted participants worldwide, creating a melting pot of cultures and ideas."

What are the expansion plans for next year's edition?
"We are excited about some new changes coming in our next edition in November 2024, which will be announced very soon."

What would be the strategy to expand the event's international footprint?
"The DICM exhibition has a solid international presence; however, to expand the global footprint among visitors and buyers, we plan to grow the 'DICM Talks' panel session program and offer additional activities for all attendees to benefit from."

What are the organization's strongest motivations for DICM 2024?
"We are committed to expediting the growth of DICM to be a must-attend event in the annual content calendar for companies and individuals worldwide. DICM, like Dubai, will become a destination hub for connecting with global content and entertainment."

By Fernando Calviño