IBC2023 has announced increasing momentum with numerous major industry players expanding their space on the show floor. The entire event is experiencing robust exhibitor bookings as the global media and entertainment community prepares for the convergence on the RAI Amsterdam from 15th to 18th September. Since May, more than 80 exhibiting companies have signed contracts with IBC, bringing the current total booking stands at this year’s show to over 1,000, including more than 100 new exhibitors. This surge aligns with the activation of the new IBC Exhibitor Steering Group, aiming to provide “guidance, expertise, and strategic direction” on exhibitor-related activities and initiatives throughout the show process.
Steve Connolly, Director at IBC, said, “We’re seeing tremendous demand for space at IBC2023, having already surpassed the 40,000 square metres mark in terms of exhibition space – an increase from last year’s final figure of 37,000 square metres. Some of this growth is being driven by global companies taking as much as double the space they did previously, and if necessary, moving halls to do it. We’re noticing a lot of enthusiasm from exhibitors, especially from the members of the Exhibitor Steering Group, who have introduced a whole new level of energy and advocacy to their dealings with the IBC team, each other, and other exhibitors.”
Gravity Media, LTN, Ross Video, and Zixi are among the brands increasing the space they are taking on the show floor. Amagi, AWS, Cisco, Comcast, Deluxe, IMAX, Google Android, and Prime Focus are part of the wave of IBC bookings since May. Other prominent exhibitors that have already booked space include ARRI, Blackmagic Design, Bridge Technologies, Canon Europe, EBU (European Broadcasting Union), Evertz Microsystems, EVS Broadcast Equipment, Fraunhofer Digital Media, Harmonic, HP, Lawo, MediaKind, Microsoft Corporation, NEP Group, Orange, Riedel Communications, Sennheiser, Tata Communications, Telestream, and Vizrt Group. Among the exhibitors making their IBC debut in 2023, LG leads a substantial contingent of companies from the Asia Pacific region.
Demand for space at IBC is peaking as the Exhibitor Steering Group finalises its membership and prepares for its first official meeting after a preliminary gathering at the NAB Show in April. The group is scheduled to meet online four times a year and in person twice (at IBC and NAB Show). Collins states that these include being active in developing strategic plans and goals for IBC, participating in special working groups such as diversity and sustainability initiatives, and evaluating exhibitor performance and overall success – including gathering feedback from other exhibitors.
Connolly adds that understanding precisely what exhibitors need has become increasingly crucial for IBC, as companies need to demonstrate Return on Investment (ROI). He sees the Steering Group both enabling IBC to ensure its exhibitors get the ROI they need and helping the exhibitors themselves by providing a mentoring resource – particularly for newcomers to the show.
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