IBC confirms that 2021 show will take place next month – but with amended opening hours

IBC Show 2021 in Amsterdam will go ahead next month as planned but with amended opening hours, the event’s organisers have confirmed.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced a three-week partial lockdown on Friday (12 November) after the country recorded an increase in COVID-19 cases.

Under the restrictions, events such as IBC can take place from 06.00 to 18.00 while bars, restaurants and supermarkets will have to close at 20:00.

As a result, IBC opening hours will be changed with the show starting earlier and ending at 16:30 in order to allow visitors to take part in networking activities before the evening curfew kicks in.

The decision was made at an IBC Partnership Board meeting that took place on Monday 15 November and follows an examination of new COVID protocols from the Dutch government and consultation with key IBC exhibitors and stakeholders.

“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.”

Michael Crimp, chief executive of IBC said: “As content and technology companies strive to recover from the awful impact of COVID-19, IBC 2021 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, and UK Tradefair 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.”

IBC 2021 show opening times will be:

• Friday 03 December 09:00 – 16:30
• Saturday 04 December 08:30 – 16:30
• Sunday 05 December 08:30 – 16:30
• Monday 06 December 08:30 – 16:00

Discussing the amended opening hours, Crimp added: “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 for 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.”

All visitors to the RAI will need to show a coronavirus pass to gain entry to IBC. There are no restrictions on the number of people that may attend what the Dutch government refer to as “events with a continuous flow of visitors”, a definition that would apply to trade shows.

IBC 2021 will take place in a “protected zone’. A perimeter fence will surround The RAI exhibition centre and all attendees will enter via two check points, at The Elicium at entrance D and at Hall 5. To access the show, visitors will be required to show their COVID status and answer health screening questions before picking up their badge or entering the show floor. Social distancing of 1.5 metres will be in place whilst queuing for the entry check. Once inside the “protected zone” attendees will be able to move around freely.

IBC 2021 takes place 3-6 December 2021 at the RAI in Amsterdam.