NATPE Budapest, the leading global TV market focused on the CEE region, opened its 2025 edition with remarkable momentum, achieving increased buyer attendance and an expanded conference footprint, building on its position as the premier destination for global content professionals looking to do business in CEE, the organizers from Brunico have just announced in a press release.

This year’s event is welcoming over 750 delegates from 65+ countries, including over 400 buyers — an increase from last year — and over 100 exhibitors and partners representing the full spectrum of the global television market.

“NATPE Budapest is the market that attracts the most buyers to do the most business in the CEE. We are all about deals, and that remains the DNA of the event,” said Claire Macdonald, NATPE’s Executive Director. “Our content is focused and relevant to this region. Delegates are responding, and the show just opened to a standing-room only screening. We’re thrilled with this year’s lineup and the calibre of speakers and presenters. Of course, we’re also tremendously grateful to our exhibitors who continue to support NATPE Budapest, because it delivers results."

A major highlight of the week is the Monday debut of NATPE Honors Europe, a new initiative celebrating the bold voices and visionary leaders reshaping the European media landscape. The exclusive awards program will be hosted by beloved celebrity host Nóra Ördög. The inaugural recipients taking the stage at this exclusive awards program include North Stars AMC Networks Central Europe’s Levente Málnay, and George Levendis of ANT1 TV, MAKTV, Antenna Studios, as well as the Shift Disturbers, MAG Entertainment’s Magdalena Szwedkowicz, and Nova Group’s Daniel Grunt, while the Cause+ Action award goes to Starlight Media.

The agenda includes a slate of must-see studio screenings, including majors such as Sony Pictures, A+E Global Media and Lionsgate Entertainment, offering an immersive and elevated environment for showcasing the industry's best new content, from scripted drama and factual to entertainment formats.

The NATPE future-focused mainstage agenda features thought leadership from influential industry players, with highlights including YouTube’s Andreas Briese and top CEE broadcasters & streamers such as ANT1 TV’s George Levendis, Stella Litou of RTL Croatia and Pro Plus Slovenia, and AMC’s Levente Málnay. Their dynamic conversations reflect the region's rapidly evolving media ecosystem, the increasing demand for premium local content, and opportunities for global collaboration.

The packed conference program also features signature content curated by Realscreen. The foremost non-fiction and unscripted authority debuts its signature 30 Minutes With format at NATPE BUDAPEST, featuring AMC Networks Central Europe’s László Gáspár, as well as a Formats Future track with companies such as Seafood TV, Paprika Studios Group, ZPR Media and Starlight Media.

The signature PITCH & PLAY LIVE! competition curated by CEETV returns, spotlighting the most innovative, international unscripted formats ready for market. The three finalists, UPSTAGE (Erie Loonurm & Janno Arro - ETV/ERR), HERITAGE CODE (Serigu Scobioala – Rlive TV) and INCREDIBLE DUETS (Valeriy Korsunskyy & Oleksiy Goncharenko – Friends Production), pitch live to a jury of seasoned format experts and buyers in a high-energy session that continues to serve as a key launchpad for breakthrough ideas.

Throughout the market, expanded curated networking experiences and exclusive floor access help delegates make the most of every moment, and of course the epic NATPE Boat Party — an unforgettable evening of celebration against the backdrop of Budapest’s stunning riverside views.