FLEMISH - CATALAN AV MATCHMAKING BREAKFAST

Catalonia stands out worldwide as a leading audiovisual hub, ranking 5th in the EU in terms of creative industry projects, 3rd in job creation, and 6th in capital investment. With leading companies, cutting-edge technologies, and internationally renowned professionals, it presents itself to foreign markets as the ideal place to explore creative solutions and establish strategic collaborations. In 2022, the sector reached a turnover of €7.566 billion, with 4,000 companies and 37,178 jobs.

Moreover, Catalonia boasts significant existing infrastructures dedicated to audiovisual innovation, such as the Audiovisual Park of Catalonia in Terrassa, and large-scale future projects, such as Catalunya Media City, a space for the growth and establishment of the audiovisual, digital culture, and video game sectors in the region. The Catalan audiovisual sector has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, particularly in startups, which are key transformative actors in the industry. Currently, there are 235 such companies, representing an 85% increase compared to five years ago.

It is no coincidence that Barcelona hosts ISE (Fira de Barcelona, Gran Via | 4-7 Feb 2025), the world’s leading audiovisual trade fair, an event that enhances the international profile of Catalonia’s audiovisual sector, particularly its strength in content creation and audiovisual solutions. ACCIÓ - Catalonia Trade and Investment and the Audiovisual Cluster of Catalonia are key players in this ecosystem, working with a common goal of promoting the audiovisual sector to ensure it becomes a strategic industry for the country, both economically and culturally.

This is why, this year we are excited to present the second edition of the AV Matchmaking Breakfast, with the Flanders region as a collaborating partner.

Why Flanders?

Did you know that the Flemish company Barco is world leader in cinema projectors and conferencing solutions? That U2, The Rolling Stones, Robbie Williams, AC/DC, Bruce Springsteen and many, many more… rely on the Flemish company Stageco for supplying the stage? That Flanders has the largest share of music festivals per capita in the world, and is home to Tommorowland?

Flanders - the northern region of Belgium - is truly a powerhouse in the audiovisual industry. Thanks to government support, a key focus on innovation, and a diverse ecosystem, the region has become a global leader in this field. The Flemish government actively supports the entertainment industry, providing funding and incentives that foster growth and development. Innovation is truly  at the heart of Flanders' success, with companies constantly pushing the boundaries of technology and creativity.

The region's strong ecosystem, characterised by collaboration between businesses, educational institutions, and research centres, ensures a continuous flow of new ideas and talent. This unique combination of factors makes Flanders a thriving hub for the audiovisual industry, attracting top talent and leading companies from around the world.

Flanders and Catalonia have the ideal characteristics for the mutual search for synergies in international projects and in their respective regions, as both territories boast a mature, competitive, and, above all, complementary audiovisual sector.

This is why we have organised this unique event, which consists of a breakfast with business “speed datings,” to be held on February 6th during the ISE fair and in person, where companies will be able to hold the meetings they have arranged through this platform during January. 

Between meetings, companies participating will have the opportunity to participate in a standing networking in the same space where the matchmaking takes place, to facilitate interaction with other profiles with whom they have not arranged a meeting with previously.

This event will provide networking and collaboration opportunities for companies from the audiovisual sector in Catalonia and Flanders, offering them the chance to identify and establish connections with business partners from these regions: with highly skilled profiles with advanced technological development. All of this will take place within the framework of the ISE fair, a key platform for doing business, discovering emerging trends, and strengthening international connections within the audiovisual sector.

Please check the "How It Works" tab to find out the steps you need to follow to participate in the event and make the most of it!

Segments of the value chain:

• Film, TV, and other production

• Immersive experiences

• Integrated Systems

• Production services

• Studios, technological audiovisual parks

• Audiovisual technology

• Post-production

• Comunication

• Advertising

• Cinemas

• Television

• Radio and podcast

• Audiovisual festivals, music, and other events

• Streaming - VOD

• Videogames

• Universities and training

• Technological and research centers

• Business associations and clusters

See you at Integrated System Europe (ISE 2025)!