IBC Cancels 2020 Show Due to COVID-19

IBC Cancels 2020 Show Due to COVID-19 By Will Strauss, Contributing Editor

Monday, May 18, 2020 - 8:30 am

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IBC has decided to cancel its 2020 show amid concerns about the continuing impact of the coronavirus pandemic. The decision was made with a heavy heart, said Chief Executive Michael Crimp, who highlighted that it would not be possible to guarantee a safe and valuable event this year.

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, he added.

This is the statement in full:

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.

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.

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.

Ross Video and Panasonic had already announced that they wouldn't be exhibiting at the show this year.

IBC 2020 was due to take place at the RAI in Amsterdam Sept. 11-14.

If you have suggestions, questions or concerns regarding IBC's decision and announcement, a dedicated email address has been set-up by the organizers: statusupdates@ibc.org

LINK:	https://www.sportsvideo.org/2020/05/18/ibc-cancels-2020-show-due-to-co...
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