Canon and Blackmagic join IBC 2021 withdrawals

Canon and Blackmagic have become the latest companies to withdraw from IBC 2021, confirming that they will not exhibit at the event.

IBC confirmed this week that it still intends to go ahead on 3-6 December, despite lockdown restrictions returning to the Netherlands. Bars and restaurants are closing at 7pm, home gatherings are limited to four people, all sports events are behind closed doors, and people are strongly encouraged to work from home, after cases spiked in the country. 

The WHO reports that the 18 November saw 20,829 cases and 44 deaths in the country of a little over 17 million people.

Despite IBC’s move, a slew of companies have since decided to drop out of the event. Canon and Blackmagic join LiveU, Telestream, Xytech, and DHD.audio in withdrawing, with Sony and Ross Video having already done so earlier in the autumn. All companies cited health and safety as important to their decision, with Xytech particularly harsh in its statement.

Xytech chief commercial officer Greg Dolan said: “The IBC Partnership Board’s decision to proceed with the IBC show is in contradiction with the stated commitment to health and safety not only to exhibitors and attendees, but to the general population,” and, “We are disappointed and confused to see common sense has not prevailed.”

Canon also released a short statement with its decision: “After careful consideration, Canon has made the difficult decision not to exhibit at IBC 2021.

“As a normal course of business, we always fully evaluate the viability of our participation at major trade shows and events. Given the ongoing uncertainty caused by COVID-19 and the understandable concerns that people have around travelling to the Netherlands, which is facing stricter restrictions, it seems inappropriate to continue with our plans to exhibit.

“IBC has been and will continue to be, a hugely valuable event for our business and we remain totally committed to the broadcast and professional video industry, supporting our customers and partners’ demands, today, and over the long term.”

IBC Update. Blackmagic Design will not be exhibiting at IBC 2021 due to the Netherlands lockdown measures. We are disappointed but there is too much risk and uncertainty for us to exhibit. We really cannot wait to get back to shows but it’s going to have to wait a little longer.

— Blackmagic Design (@Blackmagic_News) November 19, 2021

Meanwhile, Blackmagic tweeted: “Blackmagic Design will not be exhibiting at IBC 2021 due to the Netherlands lockdown measures. We are disappointed but there is too much risk and uncertainty for us to exhibit. We really cannot wait to get back to shows but it’s going to have to wait a little longer.”