Markets

MIPCOM Cannes has unveiled a major expansion of its 2026 conference programme, placing microdrama, vertical content, AI-powered production and creator-led entertainment at the center of this year's market, taking place from October 12 to 15. The new additions reflect the rapid evolution of the global entertainment business, as traditional television increasingly intersects with mobile-first storytelling, premium digital content, technology, brands and artificial intelligence.

"We’re seeing entirely new sectors of the entertainment business mature at remarkable speed. What were emerging trends only a year ago, from vertical storytelling and creator-led businesses to AI-powered production, are now attracting investment, generating scalable business models and becoming an increasingly important part of the global content economy," said Lucy Smith, Director of MIPCOM Cannes and MIPJunior. "As these sectors continue to converge with premium television and entertainment, there is growing demand for a marketplace where established media companies, creators, technology businesses and investors can connect, build partnerships and unlock new commercial opportunities. That’s exactly what MIPCOM CANNES is designed to do."

Among the headline sessions, Anthony E. Zuiker, creator of the CSI franchise, will introduce Cinemalistics, a new AI-powered platform designed to transform breaking true crime events into motion pictures and short documentaries within hours of major incidents. Another featured keynote will spotlight Anatolii Kasianov, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of HOLYWATER TECH, who will discuss the fast-changing vertical content ecosystem alongside additional international speakers yet to be announced. The lineup of confirmed speakers includes Timothy Oh (COL Group), Maria Rua Aguete (Omdia), Alex Montalvo (GammaTime), Scott Brown (Second Rodeo Productions), Cassandra Yang (RJ RisingJoy), Stephen Liu (NetShort), Vivian Yin (Y+X Entertainment) and Jay Blumenfield (Jay & Tony Show Productions).

MIPCOM will also partner with The Media Odyssey podcast for a special live recording dedicated to premium vertical television. Moderated by Evan Shapiro and Marion Ranchet, the session will feature Guy Hameiri and Lior Friedman, CEO and Head of Business Development and Co-Founders of RoseBerry Media, respectively.
Additional initiatives include an invitation-only Global Microdrama & Vertical Leaders' Summit, bringing together senior executives from across the international ecosystem to discuss the next phase of growth for the category.

New for 2026, MIPCOM's official matchmaking platform will feature a dedicated Vertical Content Speed Matchmaking category, connecting buyers, producers, distributors and platforms for international licensing, content acquisition and partnership opportunities. The initiative joins the market's existing Scripted and Unscripted Speed Matchmaking programmes.
The vertical content track will also be fully integrated across MIPCOM's wider conference agenda through dedicated sessions linked to Creator-Led Entertainment and MIP BrandWorks, reflecting the growing convergence between creators, platforms, brands and premium entertainment.