Following close examination of new Covid protocols from the Dutch government and consultation with key IBC exhibitors and stakeholders, IBC is set on delivering a safe event that will re-engage the industry after a very challenging year.
IBC 2021 will take place on December 3-6 at The RAI in Amsterdam as planned. The announcement follows a decision at 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.
Michael Crimp, Chief Executive Officer of IBC, said: “As content and technology companies strive to recover from the awful impact of Covid-19, IBC 2021 will be the catalyst that brings the industry together again and enables us all to get back to doing business in person. We have the support of many of the leading technology companies in the market such as Blackmagic Design, Bridge Technologies, EKT, UK Tradefair and a full agenda of content and events that will make attending IBC a valuable and rewarding experience. We recognise that attending a live event is not for everyone at this time, and we fully respect individual decisions. We will forge ahead with our IBC Digital offering to ensure that whether onsite in Amsterdam or onscreen at home the industry can come together.”
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 Elicium at entrance D and 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.
Crimp added: “Naturally, the recent changes to Covid protocols announced by the Dutch government sent waves of concern throughout the industry. However, on close examination of the new rules, and consultation with The RAI it is clear that not much changes with regards to the safety plans we had already put in place. We will still have the perimeter fence around The RAI and thorough Covid status and health screening on entry. We will make a number of adjustments to our safety management and operational protocols to make sure the guidance is clear, and the event is safe for exhibitors and visitors.”
Crimp concluded: “IBC has always been about bringing the industry together and so many people tell me how much they have missed live events, not just for the face-to-face conversations, but those chance meetings in the coffee queue or waiting for the tram or a taxi. The early close of restaurants and bars is due to end on the first day of IBC, Dec 3, but we are taking precautions and shifting the show times so exhibitors and visitors can make the most of their visits. Our industry is a social beast, and I can definitely see breakfast and lunch gatherings being the mode of networking at this year’s event. Let’s save the big parties to 2022 and focus right now on re-connecting and driving business. I can’t wait to see people come together in Amsterdam next month. We are stronger together.”
For professionals not in physical attendance, IBC will operate as a hybrid show with virtual attendees offered access to conferences, keynotes and live meetings via the IBC Digital platform.
Travel to The Netherlands remains the same as before.
