NATPE Budapest, the leading global TV market for the CEE region, today revealed key highlights from its 2025 conference program, promising high-impact conversations, fresh format strategies, and game-changing insights from some of the industry's most influential voices.

Set for June 23-26 at the InterContinental Budapest Hotel, this year’s edition features a robust slate of programming designed to connect global players and spotlight the region’s creative and commercial momentum.

“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,” said Mary Maddever, EVP Realscreen & Executive Content Director for NATPE. “We’re also bringing Realscreen’s 30 Minutes With format – more intimate briefings with buyers – to Budapest.”

“We’re excited to offer a dynamic mix of programming and events designed to celebrate innovation, spotlight regional success, and foster meaningful industry connections,” said Claire Macdonald, NATPE’s Executive Director. “From NATPE Honors to fresh and inspired keynotes, and both curated and informal networking opportunities, NATPE Budapest delivers a complete market and conference experience.”

With over 85 exhibitors and more than 350 buyers confirmed, NATPE Budapest continues to be 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.

2025 Conference highlights include:

Opening Keynote with YouTube’s Andreas Briese, Country Director for Germany; Regional Director for Central and Northern Europe
Andreas Briese will share actionable insights tailored to the CEE market, focusing on how creators and media companies can leverage YouTube to grow audiences and monetize content.

View from the Top: Where do we go from here?
Top CEE leaders share how the industry needs to innovate – and collaborate – to navigate change and build a strong regional media ecosystem. From legacy transformation and bold content plays to the region’s evolving role on the global stage, this conversation explores how to adapt strategies and tactics to meet the opportunities.
Featuring:
George Levendis – Managing Director, ANT1 TV, Mak TV & Antenna Studios, Greece
Stella Litou – CEO, Pro Plus Slovenia and RTL Croatia
Levente Málnay – EVP, AMC Networks Central Europe
Magdalena Szwedkowicz – Producer, MAG Entertainment

What’s on the Format track agenda:

Global format briefing: Spotting the next big thing
TV formats are constantly evolving, so we turn to the numbers for a lens on what's next; what's capturing audiences, and what's not? K7 Media’s Clare Thompson shares an exclusive snapshot of the global format landscape, revealing insights behind the content trends.

Cracking the code: Behind Talpa Studios' global hits
Known for bold ideas that travel internationally, Talpa Studios (The Voice, Big Brother), has a proven formula for creating standout formats. Talpa’s Director of Global Distribution, Sebastian van Barneveld, offers a rare look at the key elements behind the creative process, global partnerships, and international successes.

And introducing, Format Futures – a case studies strand curated by Realscreen offering invaluable insights into the art of transcreation and global scaling strategies:

How to make a splash on the global stage
While massive franchises dominate global screens, emerging formats securing international adaptations often come from smaller but highly creative players. Execs from innovative indies discuss strategies for developing breakout hits and capitalizing on changes in the global marketplace to drive international sales.
Featuring:
Ákos Erdos – CEO, Paprika Studios Group
Aleksander Herresthal – CCO, Seefood TV

Making it work (locally)
From creative financing and production models to nuanced cultural curation, local versions of global franchises have the power to surpass the original by injecting buzz and meeting evolving audience needs. Producers and programmers – like Anna Kalyna of Starlight Media, whose bold casting of The Bachelor in the Ukraine captured headlines and hearts – share their secret sauce for reinvigorating veteran formats and generating regional hits.

Also on the agenda:

The inaugural NATPE Honors Europe will recognize the bold voices and visionary leaders driving transformation across the European media landscape.

Returning by popular demand, PITCH & PLAY LIVE! will showcase the CEE region’s most promising original formats in an energetic, interactive competition and CEE Breakout Hits, led by TVBIZZ Group’s Georgi R. Chakarov, will provide a data-driven look at the region’s top-performing new series and the trends shaping content acquisition.

Complementing the conference content are expanded networking opportunities, including curated business meetups, exclusive access to the market floor, and the iconic NATPE Boat Party, making the event a must-attend hub for content professionals across borders.