The team and I are solely focused on developing appropriate plans for IBC2020. At the moment, we remain committed to delivering a successful IBC2020 this September at the RAI Amsterdam. That is our objective, provided we can deliver, first and foremost, a safe environment for everyone, and second, an audience which will deliver the level of engagement you, our exhibitors, expect from IBC.
The Covid-19 pandemic has placed specific strains on the media industry. We have the same challenges as anyone else in protecting staff and maintaining a safe working environment. But the eyes of the world are literally upon us, turning to trusted news media as never before for information and guidance, as well as entertainment while so many are confined to our homes.
IBC is organised by the industry for the industry, and so it feels the strains of the present day very keenly. However, it also recognises the need to get back to business as soon as possible, and so we continue to develop plans for IBC this September.
Working together, we believe that we can create an event that will play a vital role in helping the industry get back on track.
The IBC team is closely monitoring developments around the world. We are in daily contact with the City of Amsterdam and the management team at the RAI. They, in turn, are working with all their key stakeholders, from the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) to KLM and Schiphol Airport. Please be assured that we are not blindly heading towards an event come what may: on behalf of the whole industry IBC needs to ensure the event – if we can make it happen – is safe and successful.
Panasonic won't go to IBC (one of the reason is horrible Panasonic sales since late March)
André Meterian, Director of the Professional Video Systems Business Unit for EMEA, has said: “It has been a very difficult decision. As much as we look forward each year to welcoming visitors at this important industry event, we must prioritise the well-being of our staff, partners, and attendees.”
IBC 2020 Cancelled due to Covid-19
As previously outlined, the IBC team has been focused on assessing and developing appropriate plans for IBC2020 this September at the RAI Amsterdam.
Within these plans it is crucial that IBC can deliver a safe and successful environment. However, as governments announce the route forward, it has become clear that a return to (a new) normal is unlikely to be achieved by September.
It has also become evident, through our dialogue with the IBC community, that an early decision is preferential for the industry so it can plan for the future.
Right now, despite the best work of the IBC team and our Dutch colleagues, there are still many unknowns. Therefore, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to deliver a safe and valuable event to the quality expected of IBC.
It is also evident that important aspects of a large-scale event such as IBC will be greatly altered by social distancing, travel restrictions, masks etc. so much so that the spirit of IBC will be compromised.
With that in mind and based on what we know at this point, it is with a heavy heart IBC has made the difficult decision to cancel the IBC2020 show. You may have seen IBC and the IABM surveys on this topic. Evidence gathered from these IBC stakeholders helps to confirm this decision.
Whilst this is hugely disappointing for us all, IBC will continue to play a vital role in supporting the industry to get back on track wherever we are able.
For more than 50 years, IBC has provided the central annual meeting place for the Media, Entertainment & Technology community. For example, over the coming months IBC will continue to engage with the industry through its digital platform IBC365. Details of our plans will follow soon.
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