IBC2020 Cancelled, Considers Plans for Virtual Events
IBC has unfortunately had to cancel its exhibition and conference for 2020. CEO Michael Crimp has made a statement, saying that the IBC team has been focussing 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,” he said.
“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.”
For more than 50 years, IBC has served as 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 their plans will follow soon. Michael Crimp encourages those with suggestions, questions or concerns regarding this decision and announcement to
