IBC Show, the popular video, cinema and broadcast trade show in Amsterdam is typically held in September. Last year, it was cancelled. This year, it’s been postponed slightly until December 3rd and running until December 6th. They’ve just made an announcement stating that the IBC Partnership Board has decided to continue with the planned event because they believe they can still do it safely. Their aim is to “re-engage the industry after a very challenging year”. A noble goal, but perhaps a little too hopeful. The Netherlands recently entered into another lockdown, dubbed “Lockdown Lite” by some outlets, which will lead to some significant challenges for a show like IBC if does indeed go ahead. Many companies are unwilling to attend – or now completely unable due to the new lockdown situation – and there’s still a chance that local authorities may force organisers to cancel the event.
The complete statement issued by IBC organisers reads:
Just after I received the email containing IBC’s statement, a friend from the USA who was supposed to visit Amsterdam next week called me to let me know her trip had been cancelled. “The country’s closed” she was told and the covid QR code you’re supposed to have while there in order to be able to visit any eating establishments is apparently only available if you have an EU passport. It would not accept her US passport number at all – and she was told that it won’t accept a UK passport, either. This means many of its potential visitors, particularly manufacturers from China and Japan would be prohibited from attending, even if they wanted to. The announcement follows a decision at yesterday’s IBC Partnership Board meeting to continue with the planned event because it can be delivered safely and create the essential business momentum that the industry needs. Read the full announcement here and view the latest safety protocols on the website here. Putting safety first, IBC 2021 will take place in a “protected zone’. A perimeter fence will surround The RAI exhibition centre and all attendees will enter via two check points, at the The Elicium at entrance D and at Hall 5. To access the show, visitors will be required to show their COVID status and answer health screening questions before picking up their badge or entering the show floor. Social distancing of 1.5 metres will be in place whilst queuing for the entry check. Once inside the “protected zone” attendees will be able to move around confidently, knowing they are in a safe place. Travel to the Netherlands also remains unchanged. We have made a number of adjustments to our safety and operational protocols within the RAI to provide further reassurance to attendees and to make sure the guidance is clear and reinforce the fact that the event is safe for all stakeholders. This includes recommended face coverings and zero personal contact policy. The early close of restaurants and bars is due to end on the first day of IBC, Dec 3rd, but we are taking precautions and shifting the show times so you can still maximise your show agenda whilst allowing time for networking and dining post show, either within the RAI or in Amsterdam. IBC 2021 show opening times will be:
Friday 03.12.21 – 09:00 – 16:30Saturday 04.12.21 – 08:30 – 16:30Sunday 05.12.21 – 08:30 – 16:30Monday 06.12.21 – 08:30 – 16:00
IBC2021 marks a clear opportunity for the content and technology industry to kickstart the next 12 months as it begins to rebuild business and overcome the impact of the global pandemic and we look forward to welcoming you to Amsterdam. Kind regards, Mike Crimp IBC If the show does go ahead, it’s going to be a pale shadow of previous years events. With many international exhibitors and international visitors unable to attend, it’s going to feel like a very empty show – much as The Photography Show did in the UK when it went ahead recently in September with massively reduced attendance and many exhibitors either unable to attend or flat out refusing to do so.
