NATPE Budapest, the leading global television market serving the Central and Eastern European (CEE) region, is repositioning itself in the industry calendar and will take place April 27–29, 2026, two months earlier than in previous years, ensuring its status as the essential spring market for international content buyers and sellers.

The market will return to the InterContinental Budapest, with exclusive screenings and high-level sessions once again hosted at the nearby Dorothea Hotel, continuing NATPE’s signature mix of business-first access, premium content showcases, and curated networking.

The shift to April is driven first and foremost by feedback from buyers and exhibitors, whose schedules and evolving needs are central to the success of any global content market. By slating NATPE Budapest ahead of the increasingly crowded June window, the new dates better align with buyers’ planning cycles and travel demands — ensuring stronger attendance, earlier deal flow, and a more productive environment for all participants.

“We listened and we’re acting,” said Claire Macdonald, Executive Director of NATPE. “After an outstanding 2025 edition, it became clear that moving NATPE Budapest to April gives buyers and partners a valuable head start. Buyers are the heartbeat of any sales market, and NATPE Budapest is where real dealmaking happens – not just conversation. This earlier timing maximizes efficiency, boosts deal flow and reinforces NATPE Budapest’s role as the CEE region’s most business-focused event. The shift reflects our ongoing commitment to building the most responsive and results-driven platform for content dealmaking.”

NATPE Budapest is the only established international marketplace dedicated to Central and Eastern Europe. Unlike newer networking-focused events, NATPE Budapest consistently delivers what the industry values most: proven buyers, premium screenings, curated networking, and measurable dealmaking outcomes.

In addition, NATPE Budapest is strengthening its leadership with the appointment of two new board members – Caroline Hurmson, Senior Director Acquisition and Content Strategy, Antenna Group and László Fülöp, Senior Acquisition and Contract Manager I Kids Channels, AMC Networks International – who will bring fresh expertise and perspective to guide the organization’s continued growth and global strategy. They join the existing board including:

Agata Borowiecka, TV Rights Acquisition Director, Telewizja Polsat
Alina Florea, Managing Director, Mappa Mundi Entertainment
Andrea Zaras, Head of Content Management, TV2 Media Csoport Zrt
Balazs Szabo, Chief Content Management Officer, RTL Hungary
Gabor Balogh, Independent Consultant
Georgi R. Chakarov, President & CEO, TVBIZZ Group
Iwona Pilgrim, Executive Director, Regional TV Licensing, CEE, Paramount Global Content Distribution
Ralf Bartoleit, CEO, bTV Media Group
Stella Litou, CEO, Pro Plus Slovenia and RTL Croatia

Realscreen, the global authority on unscripted and non-fiction programming, will once again curate a dedicated programming strand at NATPE Budapest, supporting the growing demand for factual content across the region.

The market will span three full days, with programming and the marketplace getting underway on Monday morning and wrapping late on Wednesday afternoon. While final details on studio screenings are still to be confirmed, NATPE Budapest will continue to feature premium showcases designed to connect buyers with high-value content and creators.

The decision follows the momentum of NATPE Budapest 2025, which drew over 750 delegates from 65+ countries, including more than 400+ buyers and 100+ exhibitors and partners, further cementing NATPE Budapest’s reputation as the CEE region’s premier marketplace for international television and streaming content.

Participants praised the 2025 edition for its focused programming, expanded conference agenda, and dynamic new additions like NATPE Honors Europe, while exhibitors noted increased volume and quality of meetings throughout the event’s curated networking experiences.