The event is experiencing an exceptional moment in 2026, during its 14th edition, with remarkable growth in both exhibition space and total number of participants.
By Luis Cabrera, from Dubrovnik, Croatia
The champagne-fueled celebration of the opening of a new space, the Adriatic Area, symbolizes the current reality of NEM Dubrovnik. In its 14th edition, NEM is experiencing a very different moment than other industry events: in 2026, it has added more spaces and, most importantly, significantly increased its number of participants, who arrived at the beautiful Croatian city with a very positive energy, eager to do business in a fantastic setting.
The first day of the event, which runs until Thursday the 11th at the Dubrovnik Palace Hotel, had an excellent pace. The working tables -distributed across multiple areas but conveniently connected- hosted a good number of meetings, satisfying both loyal attendees and those attending for the first time.
Indeed, the 2026 edition of NEM Dubrovnik was characterized by several new faces, as many companies were surprised by the cancellations of Content Warsaw and, in particular, NATPE Budapest, leading them to rethink their schedules and opt for a visit to the Dalmatian coast.
Companies like Dori Media Group and TV Tokyo are participating in NEM for the first time, while others like TVP (Polish Public Television) have expanded their presence, moving from being buyers to also selling content.
One of the most praised aspects of NEM Dubrovnik is the organization’s work in creating a compact event with engaging panels and numerous networking opportunities, including cocktails each day and lunches at the hotel restaurant. and closing parties during the first three nights. For example, this Monday the event closed with an opening party, held at Port 22 in Dubrovnik’s Old Town, sponsored by Broadpeak, Globo, Fremantle International, and ITV Studios.
NEM is also a space for presentations and panels. This Monday, Global Agency showcased part of One Night Only, a new series adapted from the phenomenon that sparked the Turkish drama boom: 1001 Nights; while Globo presented a showcase of its vast library under the title “Building Audiences Through Content Strategy: Telenovelas, Series & Formats.”
Globo also sponsored the panel “What Makes a Long-Term Buyer-Seller Relationship Work?”, which featured Igor Draguzet, CCO of Central Europe Media Enterprises (CME); Rahela Štefanović, editor-in-chief at HTV, Croatian Radiotelevision (HRT); Rodrigo Nascimento, Head of Globo’s International Business Hub for EMEA; Jan Maxa, Director of Content and Production at FTV Prima; and Slawomir Cyra, Programming Director at Cyfrowy Polsat S.A; moderated by Kasia Madera, BBC News presenter.
The panel schedule will continue on Tuesday and will include, among others, a keynote address by Sam Barnett, CEO of CME, one of the most important players in the region.
Mixing the Old with the New
In terms of content, CEE occupies an interesting position for many European companies: it is a small territory, but with a strong following in several specific genres, including Turkish drama. Therefore, it is not surprising that the Turkish pavilion, organized by the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, was one of the most active spaces on this first day, with companies like Mediahub, Calinos Entertainment, and OGM Universe working at a rapid pace.
Even outside the pavilion, the Turkish delegation is a major player, with Kanal D International (KDI), Inter Medya, Madd Entertainment, Mistco, and ATV Distribution spread across different areas of the event.
For example, Mediahub is presenting multiple new titles at NEM, including Roses, and new Greek series; KDI, meanwhile, celebrates the success of Sins & Roses, which will be adapted in Greece, and Torn Apart, whose second episode garnered excellent audience figures in Turkey, nearly doubling the ratings of its premiere.
Turkish content continues to expand significantly throughout the region, opening the door to new possibilities, such as micro-dramas, the current trend in the industry and also a major player in Dubrovnik. Inter Medya arrived at NEM with its first production, Boardroom to Bedroom, as well as with the vertical content from its Gain platform.
Similarly, Narativ, a Dubai-based company with offices worldwide, boasts one of the most comprehensive catalogs of vertical content. And, more importantly, it possesses the know-how of its ecosystem, thanks to its agreement with the Chinese group COL Group.
Of course, there’s also room for other top-tier content, such as Viaplay’s Nordic productions, ranging from acclaimed crime thrillers to sports documentaries, and including dramas based on true stories, like Golden Boys.
NEM Dubrovnik welcomes everyone, and its potential is enormous. The second day continues this Tuesday with more panels, screenings, and other activities that reflect the vibrant atmosphere of the event.
