IBC to go ahead despite Netherlands lockdown

IBC has revealed that it still plans to go ahead from 3-6 December, despite the Netherlands enforcing a new lockdown.

The IBC Partnership Board met yesterday, 15 November and decided that it still believes the event can be delivered safely.

This comes after the Netherlands decided to close bars, restaurants, and non-essential shops from 7pm, as well as limit home gatherings to a maximum of four people, have all sporting events held behind closed doors, and strongly encourage home working for at least the next three weeks. The likes of Sony and Ross Video had already announced that they will not be exhibiting at the event this year.

In order to boost safety at IBC2021, it will place a fenced ’protective zone’ around the RAI exhibition centre. All attendees will be able to enter through two check points, at The Elicium at entrance D and at Hall 5. In addition, visitors will be required to show their COVID status and answer health screening questions before picking up their badge or entering the show floor. Queuing outside the venue will have 1.5m social distancing in place, but once inside this will not be the case.

IBC chief executive Michael Crimp said: “As content and technology companies strive to recover from the awful impact of COVID-19, IBC2021 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, Lawo 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.

“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 3rd, 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.”