In a not totally unexpected move, the organisers of IBC2020 have announced the cancellation of this year’s event due to ongoing issues around the Covid-19 pandemic.
Originally scheduled from September 11-15, the conference and exhibition will migrate online through the show’s digital platform, IBC365.
In a statement, IBC CEO Michael Crimp (pictured) said, “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.”
For those who have suggestions, questions or concerns regarding the decision, IBC has asked you make contact via its dedicated email address statusupdates@ibc.org
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