Set against one of Europe’s most iconic coastal backdrops, NEM Dubrovnik is gearing up for its 2026 edition with the announcement of its first keynote speakers and industry leaders.
Taking place from June 8 to 11, the event is expected to deliver its largest and most comprehensive program to date.
Recognized as the premier TV market in Central and Eastern Europe, NEM Dubrovnik will once again bring together top executives and professionals from free-to-air broadcasters, pay-TV networks, streaming platforms, production and distribution companies, as well as media and marketing agencies from across the globe. The event continues to serve as a key meeting point for industry players looking to stay ahead of evolving trends and shifting audience dynamics.
Beyond deal-making and networking opportunities, NEM Dubrovnik has established itself as a vital knowledge hub for the television business. Each year, the market offers a platform for high-level discussions, expert insights, and forward-looking conversations, giving attendees direct access to the strategies and perspectives shaping the future of the global TV industry.
Behind the doors of the well-known Panel Room, panels, keynote sessions, showcases, and presentations take place year after year, providing the ultimate opportunity to stay up to date with the key insights, trends, and innovations shaping the TV industry.
The first lineup of speaker and keynote announcements has been unveiled, offering an early look at the top industry experts heading to Dubrovnik. This is just the beginning, with many more speakers and keynotes set to be announced in the coming weeks, as the event once again gathers the leading voices shaping the future of the TV industry.
Some of the confirmed speakers and keynotes, listed alphabetically, include:
- Avi Armoza, CEO, Armoza Formats
- Christian Grece, European Television and On-demand Audiovisual Markets Analyst, European Audiovisual Observatory
- Grégoire Polad, Director General, ACT
- Izabella Wiley, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Central & Eastern Europe, Hearst Networks EMEA
- Katarina Pavlović, Program Director, Prva TV and B92
- Maria Rua Aguete, Head of M&E, Technology Fellow, Omdia
- Sam Barnett, Chief Executive Officer, Central European Media Enterprises (CME)
- Stella Litou, CEO, RTL Croatia and Pro Plus Slovenia
- Timothy Oh, General Manager, COL Group Internationa
- Vanda Rapti, EVP, Viaplay Select & Content Distribution, Viaplay Group
Keynotes and speakers are already expressing strong enthusiasm for this TV market, renowned for its high-quality exchange of knowledge and insights, showcase of the latest content, and diverse networking opportunities.
Confirmed keynote speaker Sam Barnett, CEO of Central European Media Enterprises (CME) highlighted the significance of NEM Dubrovnik: “The pressures on media businesses in Central and Eastern Europe are real: costs are rising, audiences have more choices than ever, and the global platforms aren’t standing still. But the opportunities are real too.
Companies that know their markets, invest properly in making local content at world-class level, and make broadcast and streaming work together rather than against each other are in a strong position, and that’s what we’re focused on at CME. I’m glad to be part of NEM, a place where the people who actually run the industry come together, and that makes it one of the most useful conversations of the year.”
Other speakers are also excited to take the stage at NEM Dubrovnik and help shape the conversation.
“NEM Dubrovnik has always been where deals are made and strategies are tested, and I look forward to contributing the evidence base that can sharpen those conversations. My expectation is that an audience of senior buyers, broadcasters and streamers will leave not only with a clearer picture of where the European market stands, but with sharper questions about where it is heading. I am looking forward to a session that pairs the evidence with the experience.” – Christian Grece, European Television and On-demand Audiovisual Markets Analyst, European Audiovisual Observatory
“I’m delighted to be part of NEM Dubrovnik this year and to exchange ideas with such an inspiring lineup of speakers. Great leadership today requires both the ability to follow strategy and trust data, but in the media business, which is a highly complex and dynamic environment, decisions are sometimes also shaped by instinct and mostly by years of experience. Ultimately, both strategy and instinct must serve one goal: to understand and connect with audiences, and to create content that truly resonates with them.” – Stella Litou, CEO of Pro Plus Slovenia and RTL Croatia
“I’m looking forward to being at NEM Dubrovnik and comparing notes with partners and peers from across the region. In a market that’s changing quickly, the real question is what actually lasts – in content, distribution, and the way we use technology. I’m keen to have an honest conversation about what drives sustainable growth, beyond the headlines.” – Izabella Wiley, SVP & GM, Central & Eastern Europe, Hearst Networks
“NEM Dubrovnik has grown into one of the most important industry gatherings – a high-energy, positive, constructive market that retains its unique intimate spirit.” – Vanda Rapti, EVP, Viaplay Select & Content Distribution, Viaplay Group
“We’ll have the honest conversation our industry needs. And there’s no better place for this than NEM Dubrovnik. It’s a unique market – intimate enough for real conversations, prestigious enough to attract the smartest people in the industry. The networking opportunities and environment make it ideal for the kind of deep, honest discussions that actually move our industry forward.“ – Katarina Pavlović, Program Director, TV Prva | Entertainment Programming Director, B92
“The formats business is being reshaped by a more demanding market: tighter economics, new viewing habits, fiercer competition for attention, and a growing need for formats that are not only creative, but scalable and resilient. The recent shifts across the media landscape have made leadership more complex than ever. We need intuition to spot the next opportunity, but we also need strategy to build ideas and partnerships that can travel and endure. That is exactly why NEM Dubrovnik matters: it brings the industry together to exchange perspectives, challenge assumptions and look for the partnerships and strategies that will shape what comes next.” – Avi Armoza, CEO, Armoza Formats
