IBC 2021 is due to take place at the RAI in Amsterdam from December 3-6, but with amended opening hours.
Blackmagic Design, Canon, DVB, Synamedia, Telestream, and Grass Valley have announced that they will not be exhibiting at the International Broadcasting Convention (IBC) 2021 in Amsterdam, following the reintroduction of lockdown measures in the Netherlands.
Other companies that have pulled out include Irdeto, Viaccess-Orca and Xytech. Ross Video previously stated in September that it would not be exhibiting at IBC.
Other firms, however, including Actus Digital, Beenius, Vislink and MediaKind have expressed their intent to go ahead with their participation in Amsterdam.
In a short statement posted on its website, Synamedia said: “Sadly, we will not be present at IBC 21. We will be in touch.”
“We regret to announce that the DVB Project is withdrawing from exhibiting at IBC2021. Given the increasing number of Covid-19 infections in the Netherlands and the restrictions imposed by the Dutch government – which may yet be extended further – we believe it is inappropriate to ask staff and Members to attend an event of this scale in Amsterdam at this time. We look forward to exhibiting at IBC2022 under more certain circumstances,” added the DVB.
A Canon release stated: “After careful consideration, Canon has made the difficult decision not to exhibit at IBC 2021. As a normal course of business, we always fully evaluate the viability of our participation at major trade shows and events. Given the ongoing uncertainty caused by Covid-19 and the understandable concerns that people have around travelling to the Netherlands, which is facing stricter restrictions, it seems inappropriate to continue with our plans to exhibit. IBC has been and will continue to be, a hugely valuable event for our business and we remain totally committed to the broadcast and professional video industry, supporting our customers and partners’ demands, today, and over the long term.”
Blackmagic Design noted: “Blackmagic Design will not be exhibiting at IBC 2021 due to the Netherlands lockdown measures. We are disappointed but there is too much risk and uncertainty for us to exhibit. We really cannot wait to get back to shows but it’s going to have to wait a little longer.”
Dan Castles, CEO of Telestream, said: “Telestream has made the difficult decision not to attend IBC2021 in Amsterdam. We are disappointed for our customers, our partners, and our staff. But we also have a clear duty to protect our colleagues, their families, and the people of Amsterdam during this extremely challenging and rapidly evolving health situation. We were truly looking forward to spending time in person with our industry colleagues but the resurgence of the pandemic and increased restrictions put in place by the Dutch Government have left us with no other option than to withdraw our participation. We look forward to better, safer days in 2022.”
Philippe Leonetti, CEO of Viaccess-Orca, said: “This was a tough decision for us to make, but the health and safety of our employees and industry colleagues remain our top priority. With the recent rise in COVID-19 cases throughout Europe, and following the Dutch government’s Nov. 12 statement, we no longer think that we can experience a safe and successful IBC Show this year.”
Greg Dolan, Chief Commercial Officer of Xytech, said: “The IBC Partnership Board’s decision to proceed with the IBC show is in contradiction with the stated commitment to health and safety not only to exhibitors and attendees, but to the general population. We are disappointed and confused to see common sense has not prevailed, and the Netherland’s officials and IBC Partnership Board has chosen this path. Xytech has returned to face-to-face engagements with customers and looks forward to an active 2022 schedule with partners invested in the health and safety of our staff, customers and supporting vendors.”
Doug Lowther, CEO of Irdeto: “Despite a strong desire to attend IBC 2021 and participate in the gathering of our industry after a challenging year and a half, the resurgence of the pandemic in the Netherlands has left us with no other option but to withdraw our participation.”
IBC confirmed earlier this week that the event will still go ahead from December 3-6 at the RAI in the Dutch capital, and said that it was “firmly set on delivering a safe and valuable event” that will “re-engage the industry after a very challenging year.”
