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Welcome

The SMPTE UK Section is a vibrant and inclusive group of members from England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, all of whom work with the technology of moving pictures, associated sound and metadata – creatively, practically and innovatively in any format, and on any platform.

This group, unique in the UK, brings together technical professionals at all levels of experience and seniority to share ideas and network. We have many early careers members, and actively encourage students, apprentices, and graduates to network and learn through SMPTE.

The UK Section holds monthly evening meetings, where we get together to socialise and discuss topics impacting our industry. Take a look at the meetings listed below, sign up and come along! Priority is given to SMPTE members, but newcomers are very welcome. At every event, there will be an interesting technically-oriented presentation, plenty of time to network with industry peers, and ample refreshments courtesy of our sponsors and supporters.

Take a look at our previous meetings to see what we've been upto! 2025 meetings | 2024 meetings | 2023 meetings | 2022 meetings | 2021 meetings

Please note we use LinkedIn Events for event registration. If you are not a LinkedIn member and would like to attend without creating a LinkedIn account, please contact us.


June workshop near London

Elevate Your Media Skills: An Interactive Workshop

Elevate Your Media Skills: An Interactive Workshop

SMPTE UK has collaborated with the RTS, the IET and the IABM to deliver this essential half-day event, tailored for mid-level professionals across media and broadcast manufacturing. If you're 5–10 years into your career and looking to expand your technical know-how or explore your next move, this workshop offers a mix of practical learning, industry insight, and meaningful connection.

Register Here!

Event Details

Venue: Buckinghamshire New University, High Wycombe
Date: 26 June 2025
Time: 12:00 - 18:45
Cost: £30 per attendee (£25 + VAT)

Confirmed sessions include:

How NMOS makes IP systems work (Who's SDP file is it anyway?)— Ed Calverly, Q3 Media

Exchanging small text files is at the heart of making IP media systems work. In this session, Ed Calverley will discuss the journey taken by SDP files and the potential problems they can cause, helping to explain some of the inner workings of modern IP-based media systems built around SMPTE 2110 and IPMX.

Navigating Media Cloud — James McDonnell (Tequate Ltd) & Paul Markham

Details to follow.

Modernising with the Cloud: A Pragmatic Approach — David O’Dwyer, Livewyer

Before looking forward, we look back at previous attempts at modernisation:
– The issues with digitised vs digital solutions
– The first wave of moving to the cloud
– The current state: what does “cloud-native” really mean?

We’ll also provide live demos and take-away examples of modern infrastructure in action to help answer the questions:
– What problems are we trying to solve?
– When is the wrong time to move to cloud-native?
– When is the right time?
– What patterns, processes, and technologies are companies using to achieve this?

Lost in the Middle? Getting Clear on What’s Next in Your Career — Sabina Bunger

Navigating Change in the Broadcast Industry
The broadcast industry is fast-paced, high-pressure, and often unpredictable due to commercial sensitivities and last-minute demands. Many professionals in technical roles have spent over a decade adapting to these external pressures, but may not have had the space to reflect on how they’ve changed.

As roles evolve (or don’t), many feel stuck—unsure whether to aim for leadership, pivot elsewhere, or keep going—all while doubting if they have the “right” skills for what’s next.

This interactive workshop is designed to meet those needs.
It offers time to pause, reflect, and take stock of where you are now, so you can make more confident, intentional decisions about where to go next.

Focus areas include:
– Self-awareness
– Transferable strengths
– Energy drivers and drainers
– Realistic, low-pressure next steps

Plus:

  1. Keynote from Martin Richards (Arqiva)
  2. Evening Fireside Chat: “Broadcasting: Are We Still Broadcasting?” with Jacob King, Purminder Gandhu, and Louee Dessent-Jackson
  3. Optional social at Mad Squirrel Brewery with pizza from 7–11 PM

Places are limited!

Contact
If you have any questions about ticketing or accessibility, please email RTSTechnology@rts.org.uk


July meeting near London

SMPTE UK visits BFBS Chalfont Grove

Pre-register Here!

Date: 16 July 2025

Location: BFBS, Chalfont Grove, Narcot Lane, Chalfont St. Peter, SL9 8TN

Timings: Doors open at 6pm for ample refreshments and networking. Event starts at 7pm, ends at 9.30pm.

Travel: Ample car parking is available. For those on public transport, BFBS is located about 2 miles from Gerrards Cross train station. Taxis are available at the station. In addition, we're looking at organising shuttle buses. We'll provide more info closer to the time.

Important: Pre-register before 9 July. We will then allocate tickets in order of pre-registration on a first-come first-served basis and will be in contact by email. Seats are strictly limited - please do not turn up on the night without a confirmed ticket!

We’re thrilled to be invited by our friends at BFBS to visit their fascinating operation at Chalfont Grove! Come with us to learn more about the military charity and media organisation that delivers trusted and secure entertainment, news, sport, and information services to the UK Armed Forces and their families worldwide.

Just like all SMPTE UK events, this meeting is open to existing professionals and students alike. Attendance is free of charge. Ample refreshments will be provided courtesy of our hosts BFBS. If you're a student, we can help with your travel costs to get to the meeting. Get in touch with us.

BFBS has capacity for 50 guests and the final registration will be opened first for SMPTE members and then non-members.


Sept meeting in Leeds

SMPTE UK visits DAZN Leeds

Pre-register Here!

Date: 4 Sept 2025

Location: DAZN building, 1 White Rose Office Park, Leeds LS11 0BG

Timings: Doors open at 6pm for ample refreshments and networking. Event starts at 6.45pm, ends at 9.30pm. As is SMPTE UK North tradition, post-event informal networking will then continue in a local bar. 

Important: Pre-register before 28th Aug. We will then allocate tickets in order of pre-registration on a first-come first-served basis and will be in contact by email. Seats are strictly limited - please do not turn up on the night without a confirmed ticket!

We’re thrilled to be invited by our friends at DAZN to visit their fabulous Leeds facility! Come with us and see first-hand the preparation taking place ahead of the Inaugural FIFA Club World Cup along with a behind the scenes into their day to day operations.

DAZN Overview by Nick Taylor
Deep Dive into Cloud Playout
Deep Dive into DAZN’s new MCR
Panel Session on Career Development, Mentorship & Recruitment

Just like all SMPTE UK events, this meeting is open to existing professionals and students alike. Attendance is free of charge. Ample refreshments will be provided courtesy of our hosts DAZN. If you're a student, we can help with your travel costs to get to the meeting. Get in touch with us.

DAZN Leeds has capacity for 50 guests and the final registration will be opened first for SMPTE members and then non-members.


Meet the SMPTE UK Managers

SMPTE UK is run by an enthusiastic group of volunteers, all of whom have day-jobs as professionals in the Motion Picture and Television industries. SMPTE runs elections each year to appoint members to these and other leadership roles. If you'd like to help out with running SMPTE UK, or even run for election to one of these roles in a future year, come to our meetings and talk with our current Chair, John Ellerton.

SMPTE UK Board 24-25-2

We look forward to welcoming you at our next UK meeting.

We really want to hear your ideas and suggestions as we build up SMPTE UK. Feel free to get in touch if you have topics for talks you think people would be interested to hear; or a venue we could use for one of our evening meetings. We're always on the hunt for a new venue or facility to tour!

Add your name to our mailing list — click on 'Join our Friends List' at the top of this page, or contact us.

SMPTE is a members’ organisation - we gather together for community, to educate one another, and to set standards, and we'd really like you to play a part.

The benefits of SMPTE membership are vast. Whether you're a student, graduate or industry professional, there's a lot to gain. Click here to find out more! And as an extra benefit for UK tax-payers, your membership subscription can be offset against tax.


Legal Information

SMPTE LTD a company limited by Guarantee Number 8676388

Registered Office: 5 Yeoman’s Court, Ware Road, Hertford, Herts, SG13 7HJ

Past Events

November 26, 2019

Virtual Production