5th December 2024

We wrapped up 2024 with panels, real talk on the future of video streaming, diversity, and how to engage the next generation of talent. Plus, we celebrated the best in the industry with our exclusive awards.

Our feedback had always pointed to one thing—the need for more. So, that's exactly what we delivered: more content, more panels, more partners, and more food and drinks.

Guests experienced plenty of festive vibes, connected with people who understood their world, and closed out 2024 in true BMEM style. Whether attendees came for the insights or the fun, this was the place to be.

1️⃣ Skills Panel: Engaging the Next Generation of Talent

We explored how to bring the next wave of talent into the media and entertainment industry. The panel tackled the skills that were in demand and how hiring managers could connect with young professionals in a competitive landscape.

On the Panel:

• Moderator: Tommy Flanagan (Editor at Faultline, Co-founder BMEM)

• Josh Seeley - Global Head at 5V Video, Co-founder BMEM

• Guy Franklin - Head of Talent Acquisition: Corporate Functions, Technology, Product at BBC

• Carys Hughes - Manager, SMPTE UK

2️⃣ Women Behind the Screen: Diversity & Inclusion – How Do We Move the Needle?

✨Sponsored by Rise✨

We had a powerful conversation on why diversity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a business imperative. This panel dug into what was really working when it came to fostering a more inclusive industry and how real, measurable change could be created.

On the Panel:

• Moderator: Tommy Flanagan (Editor at Faultline, Co-founder BMEM)

• Rose Hulse - CEO, ScreenHits TV

• Rise Representative

• Scott Kerr - Sky

• Wren Wood - SMPTE UK

• Stacey Olika - Creative Diversity Coordinator, Nations & Regions, Channel 4

3️⃣ OTT Trends: What We Learned in 2024 and What’s Coming in 2025

✨Sponsored by Bitmovin✨

As streaming continued to evolve, this panel broke down the key trends, surprises, and lessons learned from 2024, while looking ahead to what’s coming next year.

On the Panel:

• Moderator: Tommy Flanagan - Editor at Faultline, Co-founder BMEM

• Jacob Arends - Product Manager at Bitmovin

• Tony Jones – Principal Technologist, MediaKind

• Deepali Narsiker – OTT Consultant / Head of Allyship, Women in Streaming Media

• Jonathan Fairfull - Director of Streaming Engineering, Endeavor Streaming

• Alexandre Paugam – Sr. Director, Business Development & Global Strategic Accounts, Harmonic

Sponsorship was the lifeblood of the mixer – without it, The Big Wrap-Up simply couldn’t have happened. We were so grateful for the support of partners who, like us, were passionate about giving back to this incredible industry. Together, we made this event more accessible and inclusive, opening opportunities outside London and ensuring everyone had a seat at the table.

A massive thank you to:

• Rise: A global advocacy group supporting gender diversity in the broadcast media technology sector, empowering women through networking, mentoring, and leadership opportunities. Check them out here.

• Bubble Agency: A PR, marketing, and events agency specialising in media and entertainment, helping companies tell their stories effectively. Check them out here.

• Bitmovin: A leading provider of video infrastructure, delivering cutting-edge solutions for video streaming. Check them out here.

• MediaKind: A global leader in media technology, creating innovative solutions for video delivery across all platforms. Check them out here.

• Harmonic: A pioneer in video delivery infrastructure, providing solutions for streaming and broadcast at scale. Check them out here.

• SMPTE UK: The UK chapter of a global organisation setting technical standards for the media and entertainment industry, fostering innovation, education, and inclusion. Check them out here.

• Women in Streaming Media: A community-driven organisation dedicated to supporting women across the streaming media industry through mentoring, networking, and career development opportunities. Check them out here.