A number of exhibitors have announced they will no longer be participating in this year’s IBC2021.
Earlier this week, the organisers of the Amsterdam event said following consultation they would be going ahead with the event, though with reduced opening hours, and measures designed to make the RAI exhibition centre Covid Secure.
Viaccess-Orca, Irdeto and Live-U have subsequently said they will no longer be participating.
“This was a tough decision for us to make, but the health and safety of our employees and industry colleagues remain our top priority,” said Philippe Leonetti, CEO at Viaccess-Orca. “With the recent rise in COVID-19 cases throughout Europe, and following the Dutch government’s November 12 statement, we no longer think that we can experience a safe and successful IBC Show this year.”
Irdeto, which is itself based in Amsterdam, said “the resurgence of the pandemic in the Netherlands has left us with no other option but to withdraw our participation”.
However, companies including Vislink, Blackmagic Design, Bridge Technologies, EKT are continuing to commit to the annual technology event.
According to John Hopkins University, the number of new daily cases of Covid 19 recorded on Wednesday was 988 per 100,000 people and rising. In the UK, the figure was 571 and in Germany 518.
Additional measures introduced by the Dutch government last weekend are due to expire on Friday 4 December, the first day of IBC2021, but these seem likely to be extended.
IBC says the measures it has taken are in line with the current regulations.