IBC 2020 Cancelled

Amsterdam, the Netherlands, May 18, 2020--IBC2020 has been cancelled due to concerns for exhibitor and attendee safety and the ability to deliver an event of the quality expected of IBC. IBC2020 was due to take place 11-14 September in Amsterdam, but with many countries in Europe still in lockdown, IBC chief executive Michael Crimp said there were “many unknowns.”

As a result, Crimp said it would not be possible to guarantee that IBC would be able to deliver a safe and valuable event to the quality expected of IBC. And while the decision was “hugely disappointing”, the IBC CEO said an early decision was best for the broadcast and media industry.

The IBC is making preparations for a virtual event and will be announcing their plans shortly. 

Crimp said in a statement:  "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," Crimp added.