It appears that IBC 2021 is still scheduled to go ahead in Amsterdam in early December, despite NAB 2021 being canceled. It will be interesting to see if it will still go ahead. If major exhibitors start pulling out you will soon know the answer.
The IBC has posted information on its social media channels to encourage foreign visitors to attend the show.
This comes as Dutch Prime minister Mark Rutte announced an easing of COVID-19 restrictions and the introduction of a Corona Pass that allows people to enter the country for large events. The self-quarantining rule for people entering the Netherlands will officially end on the 22nd of September.
Now, this doesn’t mean that anyone can come into the Netherlands, because they can’t. The Corona Pass only applies to vaccinated travelers from the United Kingdom, the United States, and other areas deemed “very high-risk” by the Dutch government. You are also only eligible to use this Corona Pass if fully vaccinated, have valid proof of recovery, or a negative result from a coronavirus test taken less than 24 hours before entry.
From September 25th the Dutch government is getting rid of all social distancing requirements, including the 1.5m rule in bars and restaurants. This will allow them to open at full cavity with zero restrictions in place.
What is the COVID-19 situation in the Netherlands?
The Netherlands has had 1.98 million total COVID-19 cases and 18,090 deaths. To put that number in perspective, the Netherlands has a population of around 17.3 million people.
In the last month or so the number of daily infections has hovered around 2,000-2,500. A large proportion of the Dutch population has now been vaccinated.
IBC 2021 Guidelines
COVID-19 information is available on the main page of the IBC website. Below are IBC’s COVID-19 guidelines.
Since 1967 IBC has been run by the industry, for the industry, and that has never been more important than it is today. IBC is fully committed to delivering a safe and successful show this December at the RAI Amsterdam.
As IBC continues to develop plans for the 2021 show, we are closely monitoring developments around the world and are working with our key stakeholders to ensure the relevant health and safety measures are put in place for IBC to be a safe environment for our exhibitors and attendees. IBC is in regular contact with the City of Amsterdam and RAI Amsterdam management team. They, in turn, are working with all their key stakeholders such as the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) and Municipal Health Service (GGD) of the city of Amsterdam.
The IBC Health & Safety protocols have been established in line with the latest government regulations, the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) and HSE (The Health and Safety Executive) guidelines, and the RAI Amsterdam venue protocols.
These protocols are subject to change as we move towards the IBC show in December. Any adjustments to these protocols will remain consistent with any changes in government regulations, national health authority guidelines and/or venue protocols.
The safety and wellbeing of our attendees is our top priority and number one commitment. To ensure a safe and successful IBC, we have implemented stringent health and safety protocols and guidelines that everyone will be required to adhere to.
Everyone must adhere to PERSONAL HYGIENE rules including frequent handwashing / sanitizing and respiratory hygiene (coughing and sneezing etiquette).
FACE MASKS ARE MANDATORY throughout the RAI Amsterdam and must be worn over the mouth and nose at all times. Face shields may not be worn as an alternative.
Protective face masks will be mandatory through the venue and must be worn at all times except when seated.
- Face masks can only be removed for consuming food and drinks in designated seating areas.
- Hands sanitizing facilities will be widely available.
- Instructions on following personal hygiene guidelines will be visible throughout the venue and on exhibitor stands.
- Everyone must adhere to the minimum 1.5m SOCIAL DISTANCING rule at all times.
Social distancing measures will be at the forefront of IBC. Venue access, navigation, seating areas, and stand layouts will be optimized in line with the minimum 1.5m social distancing regulation. Protective screens will be installed at customer services points. Instructions on maintaining social distancing will be visible throughout the venue and on exhibitor stands.
IBC will be closely monitoring the number of people inside the venue to prevent overcrowding and ensure that social distancing can be maintained at all times.
IBC2021 will operate a strict NO HANDSHAKE and ZERO HANDOUT policy.
For the safety of our attendees, we are aiming to create a touchless experience wherever possible.
- Badge pick-up and scanning will be contactless.
- Everyone must be pre-registered. Onsite self-registration will not be possible.
- All payments in the RAI Amsterdam will be cashless.
- Zero-handout policy with information and content supplied in a digital format.
- Food and beverage will be served in individual units.
- Most doors will be automatic or propped open during the show opening times.
IBC also has a comprehensive section advising exhibitors of COVID-19 protocols that must be followed.
