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NATPE Budapest has once again proven itself as the essential global TV market for the CEE region, kicking off its 2025 edition with impressive energy and growth. The event has not only welcomed an increase in buyer attendance but also expanded its conference offerings, cementing its reputation as the go-to marketplace for global content professionals aiming to do business in Central and Eastern Europe.
This year, NATPE Budapest is hosting more than 750 delegates from over 65 countries, including more than 400 buyers — a notable rise from last year — along with over 100 exhibitors and partners representing the full spectrum of the international television industry.

“NATPE Budapest is the CEE’s ultimate deal-making market. We attract the most buyers and deliver real business opportunities — that’s the heart of this event,” said Claire Macdonald, Executive Director of NATPE. “Our content is tailored and highly relevant to this region. The response has been phenomenal, with our opening screening playing to a packed, standing-room-only audience. We’re excited about this year’s lineup and deeply grateful to our exhibitors for their continued trust and support — because NATPE Budapest delivers results.”

New in 2025: NATPE Honors Europe
A standout addition this year is the debut of NATPE Honors Europe, a new initiative celebrating the trailblazing leaders and bold voices shaping the future of European media. Hosted by popular Hungarian celebrity Nóra Ördög, the exclusive awards program recognizes key industry figures such as:Levente Málnay (AMC Networks Central Europe), George Levendis (ANT1 TV, MAKTV, Antenna Studios), Magdalena Szwedkowicz (MAG Entertainment), Daniel Grunt (Nova Group), Starlight Media, recipient of the Cause+Action Award.

The week’s agenda features high-profile studio screenings from major players like Sony Pictures, A+E Global Media, and Lionsgate Entertainment, offering a premier showcase for standout new titles across drama, factual, and entertainment formats.
The NATPE mainstage delivers future-focused conversations with top-tier thought leaders. Highlights include sessions with YouTube’s Andreas Briese, ANT1 TV’s George Levendis, RTL Croatia’s Stella Litou, Pro Plus Slovenia’s leadership, and AMC Networks’ Levente Málnay. These dynamic discussions address the fast-evolving CEE media landscape, the rising appetite for premium local content, and growing opportunities for global collaboration.

The packed conference program also welcomes Realscreen’s signature unscripted track, debuting its renowned 30 Minutes With format at NATPE Budapest. Featured sessions include László Gáspár from AMC Networks Central Europe and a Formats Future track spotlighting key companies such as Seefood TV, Paprika Studios Group, ZPR Media, and Starlight Media.

Returning this year is Pitch & Play Live, the high-energy format competition curated by CEETV, showcasing fresh, unscripted concepts ready for international roll-out. The 2025 finalists include: Upstage (Erie Loonurm & Janno Arro – ETV/ERR), Heritage Code  (Serigu Scobioala – Rlive TV), Incredible Duets (Valeriy Korsunskyy & Oleksiy Goncharenko – Friends Productions). These finalists will pitch live to a panel of seasoned buyers and format experts in what remains one of the market’s most anticipated sessions.
Beyond the conference halls, NATPE Budapest offers expanded networking opportunities and exclusive market floor access to help delegates maximize every business moment. And, of course, the legendary NATPE Boat Party returns — a night of celebration with stunning riverside views of Budapest, where connections and deals continue to flow.