Ross Video withdraws from IBC 2020 exhibition

Ross Video has withdrawn from the annual IBC conference and exhibition, scheduled to be held in Amsterdam 11-14 September 2020.

Explaining its decision, the company said in a statement: “2020 is proving to be an immensely challenging year for everyone; the worst international pandemic in a century has brought travel bans and lockdowns all around the world, with virtually no country untouched by the virus. While everyone at Ross understands that the public health situation will likely be more positive by September, it is clear to us that social distancing rules are likely to remain in force for the remainder of the year, and many countries will still be tightly regulating international travel and large gatherings and events.

“Given these facts, and the possibility of visitors to Amsterdam contributing to a second wave of infection, we cannot commit to the IBC exhibition in good conscience.”

CEO David Ross added: “Everyone wants the world to return to normal as soon as possible, but not at any cost. The media industry has played an important role in spreading and reinforcing the message that social distancing saves lives. It’s therefore incongruous for the same media industry to try and hold one of the world’s first very large international gatherings.”

Ross then called on the IBC organisers to cancel the event: “We value the IBC exhibition and it’s an important part of our annual calendar, but our approach to the COVID-19 virus has consistently prioritised health and welfare. Our decision today is based on that same principle, and I would call on the organisers of IBC to follow suit, remove any uncertainty, and cancel the event for 2020.”

On its website FAQs, IBC currently states that, “IBC 2020 will be going ahead as planned between 11th and 14th September 2020 at the RAI Amsterdam. We are aware of the concerns that COVID-19 may be causing and would like to reaffirm our commitment to delivering a safe and successful IBC 2020”.

IBC is due to take place 11-14 September 2020 at the RAI in Amsterdam