MIPCOM is still the biggest TV trade show on earth, though industry insiders claim that the actual turnout was around 8,000 rather than the official figure of 10,100. Nevertheless, the general impression in town was that well over 10,100 people were present for the event, with some reportedly choosing not to purchase a badge due to high prices compared to markets like EFM, Cannes Film Fest, and AFM.
Because major hotels restricted entrance to guests with room keys or MIPCOM badges, local restaurants and bars overflowed with business meetings. In response, market organizers are reportedly considering introducing lower-cost daily registration passes, especially for one-day-only meetings.
Not bad for a shrinking industry that saw Paramount and Warner Bros. operating separate stands for what may well be the last time. However, the air conditioning was still set for a much larger crowd, making the rooms in the Palais somewhat uncomfortably cold, and empty spaces were noticeable throughout the market floor. Additionally, the main corridors in the Riviera section lacked traditional carpeting, leaving concrete floors exposed, while the absence of country flags above exhibitor stands was another missed detail.
The event kicked off on Saturday, October 10, 2026, with MipJunior, the children’s TV trade show section, which really became animated on Sunday during a major presentation from Disney led by Ayo Davis, president of Disney Kids and Family, along with her executive team. Officially, market participation was slightly down from last year, with 165 buyers registered for MipJunior.
Throughout MipJunior, one key observation stood out: a lack of rigid rules and regulations allowed executives to stop thinking about the future. Today, most industry leaders are too busy thinking about how to survive in the present than to worry about the future. Meanwhile, it’s the children themselves who are driving the direction of kids’ TV content — and as they grow into adults, they will shape the next generation of traditional TV viewers. When that time comes, public broadcasters will likely remain focused on reaching audiences through specific development goals, regardless of financial outcomes, whereas commercial broadcasters will continue prioritizing audience reach in order to sell products. As public broadcast advocate Reiner Moritz said, “Commercial TV doesn’t make programs. It makes products.”
MIPCOM’s first day was super busy, kicking off on Monday at 8:15 a.m. with an ITV press breakfast, and quickly escalated into a hectic afternoon featuring 10 different parties, cocktail hours, and receptions. Highlights included memorable events hosted by A+E, Inter Medya, NBC Uni, and Fox, while MFE invited participants to the new stand it shares with associate partner ProSieben. The evening wrapped up with an official opening party and an ATV dinner.
Tuesday opened with VideoAge‘s market daily covering buyers’ key dilemmas alongside previews for upcoming markets, including MIP Cancun and ATF. The day continued with lots of hectic market-floor activities and ended with receptions hosted by Radial, South Korea, Lionsgate, Paramount, and Calinos. Turkish companies — including Kanal D, Global Agency, and OGM — were also highly active throughout the day.
MIPCOM 2027 is scheduled for October 18-21, while VideoAge Daily at this MIPCOM can be read here.
Pictured above (from top left): Separate at birth, but now united: Paramount and WB; Ayo Davis, president of Disney Kids and Family; Turkey’s big MIPCOM presence reflected by the ATV dinner at the Carlton; Hungary’s AMG Global Media buyer Laszlo Fulop visiting VideoAge‘s stand; VideoAge‘s wide MIPCOM distribution program; extensive MIPCOM pre-MIP Cancun coverage featuring top LATAM execs.
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