MIPCOM 2026 closes today, with the global industry united in deep search mode for a commercially viable way forward and a return date set for 18-21 October 2027.

About 10,100 delegates attended the annual show – 500 fewer than last year – with Japan and India leading Asia’s presence in Cannes. Delegates included 3,150 buyers – 150 fewer than 2025 – from 104 countries.

MIPJUNIOR, held over the weekend ahead of the main market, brought together 600 participants (100 fewer than 2025), including 165 buyers( 2025: 190 buyers).

MIPCOM Cannes director, Lucy Smith, was clear about the market’s evolving mission: “To strengthen MIPCOM’s core international content business while bringing together the companies, investment, technology and new business models driving the transformation of the global entertainment industry”.  

Speaking at the closing briefing on Wednesday afternoon, Smith noted  industry consolidation and changing business models, and said “we are not simply responding to change. We are actively shaping the opportunities it creates – connecting established industry leaders with new partners, new sources of IP and new routes to growth”.  

MIPCOM growth areas were identified as: brands, AI, verticals, and creators.