CEPIC 2025 took place in Juan-les-Pins, Antibes, France, from Monday 12th to Wednesday 14th May 2025. It was our third consecutive year on the beautiful French Riviera, a destination that has become part of CEPIC’s story.

Introduction to CEPIC 2025

CEPIC 2025 delivered more business opportunities – and more enjoyment – than ever before. Set in the South of France, the event brought together visual media professionals from across the globe to connect, collaborate, and do great business in an inspiring coastal setting.

When and where

The conference took place from Monday 12 May to Wednesday 14 May at the Antipolis Palais des Congrès in Juan-les-Pins.
Delegates ended the event on a high note with our much-loved Annual Industry Party, a fantastic celebration of another successful year for the visual media industry.

On the agenda

CEPIC 2025 featured a packed programme of panel discussions, keynotes, and workshops, covering some of the most pressing topics in our sector. Each day began with quick-fire “speed dating” meetings, designed to help delegates expand their network, form new partnerships, and take home valuable business leads.

CEPIC 2025 at a glance

The main theme of CEPIC 2025 is "The Future of Licensing." The Event featured:

NEW speed-dating sessions for quick introductions and better networking outside of meetings.

Workshops on the new world of SEO, metadata best practice and panel debates on the pros and cons of subscriptions.

Discussions on AI’s impact on RM and a new era for offline, what’s next for collective licensing and new innovations in infringements that protect existing licences.

Tales from the frontline in the fight against disinformation and misinformation in conflict photography.

Industry party to celebrate and connect.

Sponsors of CEPIC 2025

Supported by Industry Leaders

Global players from across the visual media industry, are among our sponsors and partners.

CEPIC 2025

Reflecting on CEPIC 2025: Your Feedback and Our Plans for 2026

CEPIC 2025 was a huge success, with a revamped booking platform and exciting new additions like speed dating that exceeded expectations! Want to know how we’re making CEPIC 2026 even better? Click to read more!
CEPIC 2025

CEPIC 2025 Panel: How to License for AI Training?

As AI developers train models on massive volumes of visual data, the question of how to license that content becomes increasingly urgent. This panel explores collective licensing, contract negotiations, and fair compensation strategies to protect rights holders and reshape industry standards.
CEPIC 2025

CEPIC 2025 Panel | To Opt-Out, or to Opt-In, That Is the Question

As AI tools continue to use copyrighted works for training, the decision to opt-out or opt-in is becoming a crucial and complex one for creators. This panel will explore the legal, technical, and financial implications of both approaches and what they mean for the future of rights management.
CEPIC 2025

AFP to share experiences with press photography and generative AI at CEPIC 2025

AFP will attend CEPIC 2025 and the IPTC Spring Congress in Antibes, sharing insights on image traceability, usage rights, and authenticity in the age of generative AI. Across multiple panels and working groups, AFP representatives will highlight the agency’s commitment to transparency, trust, and the protection of visual content.
CEPIC 2025

CEPIC 2025 Panel | What Does Authenticity Mean in the Age of AI?

What does “authenticity” mean in the age of AI-generated content? This session presents the findings of the CEPIC Working Group on Authenticity, featuring key voices from AFP, Alamy, BELGA, TopFoto, and Shutterstock, as they explore ethics, realness, and the future of trust in visual media.
CEPIC 2025

CEPIC 2025 Panel: Legal Developments in AI: Copyright, Fair Use, and Liability

This essential legal panel will explore key global developments in AI legislation, from the EU AI Act to US Fair Use challenges and the UK's TDM exception. Join legal experts as they unpack how new rules are reshaping copyright, liability, and licensing in the age of generative AI.
CEPIC 2025

CEPIC 2025 Panel: What is Digital Watermarking—and What Can It Do for You?

Discover how digital watermarking is redefining image protection, authenticity, and market intelligence in this focused session sponsored by IMATAG. Moderated by Paul Melcher and Mathieu Desoubeaux, the panel brings together expert insights and real-world case studies from agencies using this next-level tool.
CEPIC 2025

CEPIC 2025 Panel: Overview of the B2C Market

This panel will explore the rapidly evolving B2C market in the visual content space, with insights from AFP and Pixways on direct-to-consumer strategies and trends. From licensing innovations to the rise of customisable content offerings, learn how leading agencies are adapting to engage and monetise end users more effectively.

Meet the Speakers from CEPIC 2025

An incredible lineup of industry-leading experts shared their insights on the future of visual media licensing, AI, copyright, and innovation. Click below to discover the speakers that helped shape CEPIC 2025.

Advanced Track & Trace

Advanced Track & Trace

Alan Capel

SmartFrame

Alexander Karst

Die Bildbeschaffer

Alexandru Giboi

European Alliance of News Agencies (EANA)

Andrea Stern

ASA Ltd

Andreas Genz

dpa picture alliance

Anna Dickson

Shutterstock

Ari Abelson

OpenOrigins

BikiniLists

BikiniLists

Brendan Quinn

IPTC

Christina Vaughan

Cultura Creative

Christophe Ralite

PixWays

Christophe Walter-Petit

Agence France Presse (AFP)

Cindy Han

Trufo

Clinton Nortje

Greatstock Pty Ltd

Florian Delille

Orange Logic

Frederik Temmermans

Vrije Universiteit Brussel

Frédéric Sanuy

Activo

Gilles Devicq

Pond5

Gilles Taquet

Roger-Viollet

Isabelle Galy

ClusterIA

Isabelle Wirth

Agence France-Presse (AFP)

James Allsworth

Alamy

James Smith

Human Native

Jan Spichala

ImageProfessionals

John Balean

Topfoto

Jonathan Wells

Sipa USA

Jonnie Leger

AKG UK

Judy Parnall

BBC Research & Development

Julie McVey

National Geographic Society

Katherine Briggs

Envato

Louise Irwin

PA Media Group

Marion Bigot

Agence France-Presse (AFP)

Marisol Muñiz

CEPIC

Mathieu Desoubeaux

IMATAG

MediaViz

MediaViz

Michael Gottschalk

dpa Picture-Alliance

Mikayel Khachatryan

Wirestock

Nancy Wolff

Cowan, DeBaets, Abrahams & Sheppard, LLP

Nick Luu

PIXTA AI

Paul Melcher

IMATAG

Paul Seheult

PICSEL

Perfectly Clear

Eye Q Imaging | Creators of Perfectly Clear

Philippe François

Belga News Agency

Philippe Rixhon

Valunode

Picvario

Picvario

Raphaël Richard

Neodia

Reema Selhi

DACS

Sebastian Stober

Otto-von-Guericke-University

Sylvie Fodor

CEPIC

Tiffinni Field

European Pressphoto Agency

Tiphaine des Déserts

Getty Images

Trufo AI

Trufo AI

Valérie Théveniaud-Violette

CEPIC

Wesog Systems

Wesog Systems

Yuliia Ovsiannikova

Ukrinform

Éric Baradat

Agence France-Presse (AFP)

Meet the industry

CEPIC 2025 is your chance to meet up to 400 senior leaders from across the visual media industry, from press picture agencies and heritage collections to commercial video production and more. Representatives of trade associations and service suppliers will be there too. You’ll receive a full list of participants after registration and payment, so you can start arranging meetings.

FAQs

If you have questions, be sure to check out our FAQs below, they might have the answers you're looking for! If not, feel free to reach out to us directly at cepic2026@cepic.org

Why should I attend CEPIC 2026?

CEPIC is the leading international event for the visual media licensing industry, bringing together agencies, distributors, photographers, footage suppliers, legal experts, technology providers, and creative professionals from 30+ countries.

Over three days, you’ll enjoy nonstop networking, insightful panels and workshops, and countless opportunities to connect, collaborate, and grow your business. Whether you’re looking to make new contacts, discover the latest innovations, or deepen existing partnerships, CEPIC 2026 is where the global visual media community meets.

How does CEPIC 2026 work?

CEPIC is all about networking and opportunity. Once you’ve registered, you’ll receive access to the Participants List, allowing you to arrange meetings in advance and make the most of your time at the event.

Many delegates choose to book a dedicated table (available for an additional fee) to hold their meetings in comfort and gain greater visibility throughout the conference. Plus, our popular Speed Dating sessions, which debuted in 2025 with over 60 participants, will return in Valencia, offering an energetic and fun way to meet new contacts each morning.

Why is CEPIC 2026 heading to Valencia?

After three fantastic years in Juan-les-Pins, our delegates told us it was time for a new destination, and Valencia, Spain, was the clear favourite. Voted one of Europe’s most liveable cities, Valencia offers sunshine, culture, and outstanding hospitality, along with easy international access via its airport and high-speed rail links.

Our new venue, the Meliá Valencia, is the tallest building in the city and perfectly equipped to host our growing community with state-of-the-art facilities and vibrant surroundings. Expect the same warm CEPIC atmosphere, now in one of Spain’s most dynamic and inspiring cities.

Venue: Meliá Valencia
Address: Avenida Cortes Valencianas 52, Valencia, Spain

Still have questions?

Feel free to contact us through our contact page.