The RAI Amsterdam exhibition centre says it plans to reopen its doors in the near future, following guidelines on social distancing issued by the Dutch government.
RAI plans to organise a series of ‘trial events’ during the summer that will test the ability pf the 110,000 square metre facility to hold events.
IBC 2020, regarded as the focal point for European broadcast industry, is scheduled to take place between September 11-15.
“If garden centres, department stores, home furnishing outlets like IKEA and DIY centres are able to open, so too can we,” says RAI CEO Paul Riemens. “People visiting the RAI do so primarily in relation to their work, not for socialising and recreation as is the case with festivals and the like.”
Mr Reimens said that the business nature of many of RAI’s exhibitions meant that it would be easier for visitors to adhere to the 1.5 metre social distancing common in Europe.
IBC is worth €80 million to the Amsterdam economy.
Earlier this week Panasonic announced it was pulling out of the annual event, however to date the vast majority of exhibitors are still planning to attend.
Broadband TV News has approached IBC for comment.
