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Cologne will once again become a key hub for the international television industry as Seriescamp Conference returns from June 9–11, 2026, with a program strongly centered on the technological and creative forces reshaping serial storytelling. As one of Europe’s leading events dedicated to series production, this year’s edition emphasizes the idea that transformation in the audiovisual sector does not happen passively, but must be actively shaped.

The conference will bring together international decision-makers, creatives, and industry experts to explore how disruptive technologies—particularly artificial intelligence—are set to influence the development, production, and distribution of series in the long term. The newly announced program reflects this ambition, combining high-level panels, hands-on workshops, and a wide range of industry-focused initiatives.

Among the key highlights are the highly anticipated Work in Progress sessions, which traditionally draw full audiences and offer exclusive early insights into major upcoming productions. This year’s lineup includes the Scottish legal drama Counsels (BBC/ZDFneo), the Netflix thriller Die Falle, based on a novel by Melanie Raabe and following the international success of Dear Child, as well as the futuristic co-production Droneland (ZDF/MagentaTV). In addition, a new adaptation of the globally recognized crime franchise Wallander will be presented, marking one of the most high-profile projects featured at the event.

The conference will also host prominent creative voices from across the industry. Writers such as Brian Elsley (Skins, Counsels), Samuel Jefferson (Krank Berlin), and Luise Hardenberg (Push, Westend Girl) will share insights into their current work across genres including young adult drama, medical storytelling, and thrillers. Meanwhile, renowned media analyst Johanna Koljonen will present the latest edition of the Nostradamus Report, offering a forward-looking perspective on the immediate future of the media landscape. The “Next From” strand will also return, with ZDF Quantum confirmed among the participants, highlighting innovative approaches to series development.

A central pillar of Seriencamp remains the Story Exchange, the conference’s established pitching platform designed to foster new talent and projects. Divided into multiple formats, the initiative includes both the Co-Production Pitch, featuring eight selected projects, and the Writers’ Vision Pitch, where eight writers or writing teams will present original ideas. Additional accessible pitching formats further expand opportunities for emerging creators to connect with industry professionals.

Innovation and career development are also at the heart of the German TV Disruptor Award, presented in collaboration with Deadline. Now in its third year, the award recognizes individuals who have significantly influenced the television landscape. The 2026 recipient is Anke Greifeneder, Vice President of Local Original Production for Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and France at HBO Max. Known for her work on titles such as The Valley and 4 Blocks, Greifeneder is acknowledged for driving innovative and impactful content within the European market. Previous winners include Annette Hess and Philipp Käßbohrer, underscoring the award’s role in spotlighting key industry figures.

Running in parallel, the Seriencamp Festival will offer nearly 20 world and German premieres, reinforcing the event’s dual role as both an industry meeting point and a public-facing showcase. Among the featured titles are All Heroes Are Bastards (ARD), Serial Cleaner (ZDFneo), The Comeback (Austria), Mermaids to Lovers (RTL+), and the reboot Club der roten Bänder – Die neue Generation (VOX/RTL+), alongside Westend Girl (WDR/ARTE) starring Helena Zengel. The festival competitions will be judged by high-profile juries including actors, directors, and producers such as Jannik Schümann, Bilal Bahadır, Eva Holtmann, Max von der Groeben, Sophia Münster, and Sonia Emamzadeh.

A significant new addition to this year’s edition is Plot Next, a cross-industry event taking place on June 11–12 and designed to expand the scope of Seriencamp beyond traditional television. Closely integrated in both content and location with the conference, Plot Next will explore the intersection of storytelling and technology, with a particular focus on the role of artificial intelligence in narrative processes. The event is expected to attract a wide range of professionals, including filmmakers, showrunners, writers, creative technologists, researchers, and industry executives. Notably, access to Plot Next will be included free of charge for Seriencamp Conference participants, while also remaining available as a standalone ticketed event.

Finally, the organizers have confirmed that early bird accreditation for the conference will be available at a discounted rate until April 22, after which standard pricing will apply. Accreditations for SERIENCAMP CONFERENCE can be purchased at this link