IBC 2021: Dutch government removes international travel and social distancing barriers

The organisers of the IBC trade show in Amsterdam have welcomed an announcement from the Dutch Government relaxing COVID-19 social distancing measures and removing quarantine rules for fully vaccinated travellers.

After a summer of testing safety protocols, the changes are “a real boost to business confidence” and mean that “large-scale trade shows can once again return to The RAI in Amsterdam,” it said.

From 22 September, fully vaccinated international visitors from very high-risk areas will no longer have to quarantine on arrival in The Netherlands.

From 25 September, The Netherlands will no longer enforce social distancing rules of 1.5 metres apart or mandate mask-wearing in inside areas. The country will instead begin the much wider use of coronavirus access passes, where people wanting to gain entry to various venues will be required to demonstrate proof of either vaccination against COVID-19, recovery from an infection of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, or a negative COVID-19 test within 24 hours of use.

70% of the IBC audience already have easy access to the event, being part of the EU COVID travel block. The removal of the international travel quarantine rules means that IBC will now be accessible to almost 100% of its usual audience.

“It’s time to get excited about coming together again,” said IBC CEO Michael Crimp. “We have been anticipating this announcement from the Dutch Government for a while, and the whole IBC team is buzzing at the opportunities the relaxing of these COVID-19 measures will bring. That is not to say we can relax our guard – we continue to be fully focused on delivering a safe and valuable experience. But with these new measures, we can stage an event as close to ‘business as usual’ as we could hope for in the current environment.”

To this end, IBC has updated the exhibition protocols on its website to reflect the latest rulings and to uphold its commitment to being the gold standard in live event safety.

“We’ve had lots of really positive responses from our exhibitors and the industry to this news,” continues Crimp. “With over 650 exhibitors confirmed, we are busy finalising an action-packed programme of features and free content; all of which will make IBC 2021 an event not to miss.

“Registration is open and we are seeing that hotel and flight bookings are on the up. Now is the time to get your trip arranged. Let’s get together again – I cannot wait to see everyone in Amsterdam in December.”

IBC 2021 will take place at the RAI in Amsterdam from 3-6 December 2021.