Events by international media and events

As the global appetite for audio content continues to grow, Belfast hosts the International Conference on Podcasting and Audio Storytelling. Located at the MAC (Metropolitan Arts Centre), this event gathers the world’s leading audio producers, platform executives, and independent podcasters to discuss the evolution of the "Ear Economy." The conference covers every stage of the audio journey, from narrative scripting and interview techniques to monetization strategies and global distribution. Special sessions will focus on the rise of "Audio Fiction" and the integration of binaural sound in documentary podcasting. With the surge in multi-language podcasting, experts will share insights into localizing content for international audiences without losing cultural nuance. A dedicated "Podcast Lab" will allow creators to record live segments with professional-grade equipment and receive instant feedback from industry veterans. This is a networking-heavy event, designed to foster partnerships between small-scale creators and major streaming platforms, ensuring that the next big global podcast might just start in Belfast.

Hosted at the innovative Portview Trade Centre, the Creative Cities Workshop is an intensive, hands-on event focused on the intersection of urban design and immersive media. This workshop brings together "Creative Cities" from around the world to demonstrate how Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) can be used for cultural storytelling and public engagement. Unlike traditional conferences, this event is designed for collaboration. Participants will work in multi-disciplinary teams to create location-based AR experiences tailored for Belfast’s historic streets. Experts from the gaming and architecture industries will mentor attendees on spatial audio, 3D modeling, and interactive narrative design. The goal of the workshop is to produce a series of digital prototypes that show how media can revitalize urban spaces. The final evening features a "Digital Street Party" where the results are projected onto the buildings of East Belfast. This is an essential event for anyone interested in how the "Metaverse" will actually manifest in our physical cities, providing a grounded, practical approach to high-tech storytelling.

The Northern Ireland Screen & Broadcast Expo is the premier B2B event for the broadcasting, film, and digital media sectors in the United Kingdom. Held at the ICC Belfast, this event serves as a massive marketplace for production technology and a hub for international co-production deals. With Northern Ireland's reputation as a global filming destination, this expo attracts major studios from Hollywood, London, and beyond. The event spans two days of intensive networking and exhibition. The "Tech Floor" showcases the latest in 8K cinematography, virtual production (LED volumes), and cloud-based editing suites. Parallel to the exhibition, a series of seminars will focus on the "Belfast Model" of screen success, discussing how regional hubs can compete on a global scale. Special attention is given to sustainability in production (Green Screen initiatives) and the expansion of the UK’s animation sector. Whether you are a local independent producer looking for international partners or a hardware manufacturer seeking to break into the UK market, this expo provides the visibility and connections necessary for growth in the 2026 media economy.

As the digital landscape evolves at an unprecedented pace, the Global Summit on Digital Media and AI Ethics emerges as a critical forum for journalists, content creators, and tech innovators. Taking place in the historic yet technologically advanced Titanic Belfast, this conference addresses the pressing challenges of generative AI in journalism, the fight against deepfakes, and the preservation of editorial integrity in a fragmented media world. Over three days, delegates will explore how machine learning is reshaping newsrooms and entertainment production. The event features high-level keynote speeches from Silicon Valley executives, European media regulators, and award-winning investigative journalists. Workshops will provide hands-on experience with new AI-driven verification tools, while panel discussions will debate the legal frameworks needed to protect intellectual property in the age of large language models. This summit is not just about technology; it is about the human element of storytelling and how we maintain trust in an era of automated content. Attendees will leave with a roadmap for integrating ethical AI practices into their organizations, ensuring that the future of media remains credible, diverse, and human-centric.

The Celtic Media Festival (CMF) is an annual three-day summit that serves as the premier international competition for the promotion of languages and cultures of the Celtic nations and regions in media. Returning to the vibrant city of Belfast in 2026, the festival attracts a global gathering of broadcasters, film producers, directors, and digital media innovators. As the "International Summit of Sound and Screen," the event provides a unique platform for high-level networking and creative collaboration. The 2026 edition features a robust program of seminars, masterclasses, and panel discussions led by some of the most influential figures in the UK and European broadcasting landscape. Attendees will gain firsthand insights into the latest trends in film production, radio broadcasting, and emerging digital platforms. A cornerstone of the festival is the presentation of the coveted Torc Awards for Excellence. These awards celebrate the best in television, radio, film, and digital media, showcasing talent from across the Celtic nations—including Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, Brittany, and the Isle of Man—while also welcoming international participants from the UK, Canada, and beyond. The choice of Belfast as the 2026 host city highlights the region's booming creative economy and its reputation as a world-class hub for film and television production. Supported by major partners like BBC Northern Ireland and Northern Ireland Screen, the festival bridges the gap between emerging talent and industry veterans, fostering an environment where storytelling meets technology. Whether you are looking to pitch a new project, learn about global distribution, or celebrate cultural heritage through the lens of modern media, the Celtic Media Festival is the essential industry meeting point.