The third edition of the Global Media Congress (GMC), held from 26 to 28 November 2024 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, concluded successfully in Abu Dhabi. Organized by ADNEC Group in strategic partnership with the Emirates News Agency (WAM), the event underscored its importance as a global hub for media innovation and collaboration.
This year’s Congress served as a platform for leaders, media professionals, and technology pioneers to address the evolving challenges of the digital media landscape and chart a path for the future. With extensive international participation, the event attracted 840 media professionals and 218 media organizations from 30 countries, highlighting its global significance. Attendance reached 25,567 visitors, showcasing record-breaking engagement.
The Congress expanded its footprint to 37,000 square meters, a 16% increase from the previous edition, reflecting its growing impact. A robust program featured 96 discussion panels, four keynote sessions, eight Media Lab sessions, 25 interactive workshops, six major conferences, and 20 sessions on the Innovation and Creativity Platform. These events focused on exploring the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the media sector.
Key outcomes included recommendations for enhancing collaboration between local and international media institutions, fostering sustainable growth, and adopting advanced technologies. A roadmap for the future of media emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships, sustainability, and innovation. Mechanisms were proposed to ensure the adoption of insights and practical tools for media organizations navigating the digital age.
The Congress reaffirmed Abu Dhabi’s position as a global media hub, fostering innovation while preserving cultural authenticity. By empowering media organizations with actionable strategies, GMC 2024 left a legacy of collaboration and innovation, aligned with the vision of its participants and the UAE’s leadership.
Insights from Last Year’s Congress (The 2023 Edition)
The 2023 edition of the Global Media Congress emphasized the evolving challenges and opportunities in the media industry, with a focus on themes like AI in journalism, the revival of print media, and adapting to modern audience preferences. Key insights included leveraging technology while preserving journalistic integrity, addressing disinformation, and embracing diverse content, such as women’s sports coverage. Contributions from experts highlighted environmental and data journalism as areas of significant growth. This white paper provided a roadmap for media leaders to navigate the complex landscape while fostering innovation. Read more about it at the following DigitrendZ blog post: https://digitrendz.blog/digital-publishing/6449/decisive-leadership-in-an-increasingly-complex-media-landscape/