Imagga participated in CEPIC Congress 2024, the largest networking hub for visual media businesses worldwide. This year’s event took place in the picturesque Juan les Pins, Antibes, in the South of France, a fitting location given its historical significance as the birthplace of photography. From May 15th to 17th, industry leaders, innovators, and professionals gathered to explore the theme “Authenticity in the Age of AI.”
Imagga’s Presence and Participation
Imagga’s CEO, Georgi Kadrev, was honored to be a panelist in one of the discussions at the congress. His insights on the diversity of industrial applications of AI were well-received, highlighting the evolving landscape of the professional photo industry and the growing integration of AI technologies.
“It’s great to see how the professional photo industry embraces AI and adapts to emerging trends. While fair legislation is necessary, the industry must also adapt to this new reality. Imagga’s participation in CEPIC underscores our commitment to staying at the forefront of industry developments. We believe that by engaging with peers and exploring new technologies, we can continue to innovate and provide cutting-edge solutions to our clients”, said Georgi Kadrev, CEO of Imagga.
Key Takeaways from the Panel Discussions
Georgi Kadrev shared his observations from the event, emphasizing the industry’s proactive approach to adopting new technologies.
The discussions at CEPIC covered a wide array of topics, reflecting the rapid technological shifts and the advent of new business models. A significant focus was on the augmentation of professional images and the ethical implications of AI in content creation. The industry is grappling with the challenge of generative AI, particularly concerning the use of photographers’ images for training these models. Proposed solutions included licensing deals with generative AI companies to ensure fair compensation and rights protection.
One of the most fascinating moments was co-panelist Stefan Britton’s presentation on a groundbreaking startup. This venture, which he supports as an angel investor, is working on converting brain waves into images. By analyzing brain waves from multiple subjects viewing 10,000 images, they aim to reverse-engineer the process to generate images directly from brain activity. This innovative approach exemplifies AI’s potential to push visual media’s boundaries.
The Importance of Networking and Collaboration
The CEPIC Congress is renowned for its networking opportunities, bringing together visual media professionals from over 30 countries. Attendees had the chance to engage in meaningful discussions, attend informative panels, and participate in specialized workshops. The event also featured pitch sessions, an Olympics Photo Exhibition, and the Annual Industry Party, sponsored by Shutterstock, fostering a vibrant community atmosphere.
Looking Ahead: Embracing AI with Authenticity
As we reflect on our experience at CEPIC 2024, we are optimistic about the future of the visual media industry. The integration of AI offers exciting possibilities, from enhancing image authenticity to creating entirely new forms of visual content. However, it is crucial to balance innovation with ethical considerations, ensuring that the rights of content creators are respected and protected.
We look forward to continuing our journey in the visual media landscape, leveraging AI to drive authenticity and creativity. Stay tuned for more updates from Imagga as we explore new horizons and push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of visual media.
Thank you to CEPIC for hosting such a fantastic event and to all the attendees who made it an unforgettable experience. See you next year!