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IBC2020 canceled due to Covid-19 concerns

Scott Simmons

I’m sure this won’t be a total shocker but it has been announced this morning by the IBC’s website that IBC2020 has been canceled due to concerns over Covid-19.

This is directly from the IBC website:

IBC2020 cancelled amid coronavirus uncertainty and safety concerns Event was due to take place at the RAI in Amsterdam 11-14 September IBC CEO Michael Crimp: “IBC will continue to support the industry get back on track”

We lost NAB this year and now we’ve lost IBC. I said above it’s not a total shocker but given IBC’s fall date of Septemeber 11-14 there was probably some hope held out that it might continue but in reality, it would risky but even though Dutch government looks to begin easing lockdown restrictions the decision was made to cancel.

Even those of us that don’t travel to IBC look forward to the many product announcements. One of the unofficial industry slogans is (was) announce at NAB, ship at IBC. That isn’t true this year so all bets are all for all products. Maybe PVC will do something similar to our NAB-AT-HOME coverage we provided this year. I do hope we can get back to normal soon.

Below is the letter to the industry written by the IBC CEO.

IBC CEO Michael Crimp’s letter to the industry:

Dear IBC Community,

I hope you are safe and well, as we continue to adapt to the changing world in which we find ourselves. Following on from my previous statement I wanted to give you an update on the developments and situation at IBC.

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.

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.

Whilst this is hugely disappointing for us all, IBC will continue to play a vital role in supporting the industry to get back on track wherever we are able.

For more than 50 years, IBC has provided 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 our plans will follow soon.

Your views continue to help shape IBC. If you have suggestions, questions or concerns regarding this decision and announcement please do not hesitate to contact us using our dedicated email address: use our dedicated email address statusupdates@ibc.org

My very best wishes to all of you during this time of unprecedented challenges and I look forward to welcoming you next year at IBC2021, in Amsterdam.

 Kind regards

Michael Crimp

CEO IBC

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