Rakuten TV Enterprise Launches ‘LIVE’ Series to Drive European CTV Industry Collaboration

Rakuten TV Enterprise has launched “LIVE,” a new event series designed to foster collaboration and dialogue among leaders in the connected-TV (CTV) and streaming industry across Europe. The inaugural event took place in Madrid on March 17, 2026, bringing together over 150 industry executives .

Focus on European CTV Growth

The “LIVE” series aims to address the evolving landscape of connected TV and advertising-led streaming models in Europe. Rakuten TV Enterprise intends to position Spain as a central hub for discussions on these topics, leveraging its European headquarters in Barcelona .

Key Speakers and Attendees

The Madrid event featured a keynote address from Cédric Dufour, CEO and president of Rakuten TV, focusing on the development of the European CTV market and the role of technological innovation. Miguel López-Valverde, Regional Minister for Digitalisation of the Community of Madrid, also presented the region’s digital transformation strategy. Carla Redondo Galbarriatu, Director General for the Regulation of Digitalisation and Audiovisual Communication Services at Spain’s Ministry for Digital Transformation and the Civil Service, discussed the sector’s transformation following the Spain Audiovisual Hub Plan. Reyes Justribó Ferrer, director general of IAB Spain, addressed the evolution of digital advertising and the relevance of connected TV .

Confirmed attendees included executives from Paramount, Google, YouTube, Movistar Plus+, Warner Bros, BBC Studios, Filmax, Atresmedia, Mediaset, DAZN, Lactalis Group, Dentsu, Havas Media Network, OMD, Publicis, and WPP Media .

CTV Advisory Board Inaugurated

The Madrid event also marked the inaugural session of the newly created CTV advisory board, an international strategic forum designed to examine market trends, advertising model shifts, and challenges facing the sector. The board will meet twice annually to generate shared knowledge and support the sustainable development of connected TV in Europe .

Upcoming Events

Following the Madrid launch, the “LIVE” series will expand to other European cities. Events are scheduled for London on June 9, 2026, with further editions planned for Munich and Milan later in the year . Rakuten TV Enterprise will also be attending Future of TV Ads 2026 (March 25, 2026), Stream TV Europe 2026 (April 13-15, 2026), New Video Frontiers 2026 (April 15-16, 2026), NAB Show Las Vegas 2026 (April 18-22, 2026), and K-Plutense 2026 (April 22-24, 2026) .

As Cédric Dufour stated, “Connected TV is entering a new phase of maturity in Europe…With LIVE, we want to create a space where the industry can reach together to exchange perspectives, anticipate change and build stronger collaboration across the ecosystem.”