NEM Dubrovnik 2026 officially kicked off gathering TV industry professionals, distributors, content creators and executives from across Central and Eastern Europe and beyond 

The 2026 edition  opened with senior executives exploring the future of content, collaboration, and sustainable partnerships, alongside showcases by Globo and Global Agency and the opening of the new Adriatic Market Area.

One of the highlights of Day 1 was the opening of the Adriatic Area, NEM Dubrovnik’s newest networking space, where participants enjoyed drinks, finger food and live music overlooking the Adriatic surroundings. Coffee Time by OIV Digital Signals and Networks offered a morning networking gathering.

The agenda opened with NEM Kickoff | Three Media Trends, powered by the European Audiovisual Observatory, highlighting key shifts in the European audiovisual industry. The session covered new broadcaster–streamer partnerships (including Netflix–TF1, Disney+–ZDF Studios, Amazon–France Télévisions and RTL Deutschland), investment in European content across Western Europe and CEE amid a slowdown in spending, and ongoing industry consolidation driven by major mergers and acquisitions. The panel featured Christian Grece (European Audiovisual Observatory), Grégoire Polad (ACT), Sanja Božić-Ljubičić (Pickbox, Mediatranslations, Mediavision and NEM), and Guy Bisson (Ampere Analysis). Grégoire Polad explained the importance of NEM Dubrovnik: “Great pleasure to be back at NEM with industry heavy hitters from across the region to discuss the key trends impacting Media in Europe. NEM continues to be the place to be to have the meetings that count with the people that matter.”

The afternoon continued with showcases from leading international companies. Global Agency presented One Night Only, adapted from 1001 Nights. The story follows Areti, a mother in crisis who, desperate to save her son, accepts a shocking offer from her powerful boss: one night together in exchange for the money she needs. Their deal quickly turns into a dangerous mix of passion, guilt, and secrets. Globo held a showcase Building Audiences Through Content Strategy: Telenovelas, Series & Formats, presented by Rodrigo Nascimento. The session highlighted Globo’s strategy for growing global audiences through telenovelas, scripted series, and formats, with an emphasis on strong storytelling and international appeal, alongside insights from Karen Pinho on Globo’s global content distribution.

Another key discussion of the day was the panel What Makes a Long-Term Buyer-Seller Relationship Work? sponsored by Globo and moderated by BBC News presenter Kasia Madera. Industry leaders Igor Draguzet (CME), Rahela Štefanović (HRT), Rodrigo Nascimento (Globo), Jan Maxa (FTV Prima), and Slawomir Cyra (Cyfrowy Polsat S.A.) discussed how strong buyer-seller relationships go beyond transactions, being built on trust, transparency, and shared long-term value, as well as how partnerships evolve in an increasingly competitive and data-driven market.

„The way we do deals has changed a lot over the past 10 years. The way we structure deals, and the types of rights and windows we need in order to exploit content, have also evolved significantly. I think it's important that everyone in the ecosystem acknowledges this, so that digital rights are not treated as a premium add-on. They are now an integral part of the basic package of rights we're discussing. That's the part that has changed.“ – explained Igor Draguzet, Chief Content Officer at CME.

Rodrigo Nascimento, Head of International Business Hub, EMEA at Globo, discussed what it takes to build a strong and successful partnership: „Every new discussion is an opportunity to build a long-term partnership. This is the mindset we adopt. First, we never approach a discussion as a purely transactional, one-time deal. Second, we strive to understand the challenges and opportunities our partners face and identify ways in which we can support them. We are truly committed to active listening. Third, we value shared experiences and believe they are essential to building strong relationships.“

The first day agenda concluded with Fremantle’s showcase and celebration drinks event, presenting upcoming drama, documentary and format highlights for 2026.

In the evening, participants gathered at Port 22 in Dubrovnik Old City for the official Welcome Drink sponsored by Broadpeak, Globo, Fremantle International and ITV Studios, enjoying networking, music and Dubrovnik’s unique atmosphere late into the night.

NEM Dubrovnik 2026 continues until June 11th with additional panels, showcases, screenings and networking events bringing together key players from the international TV industry.