RAI Amsterdam signs extension to long-running IBC series, until 2021

RAI Amsterdam and its partners have signed a new three-year contract with influential media, entertainment and technology show, the International Broadcasting Convention (IBC). RAI Amsterdam has been welcoming the event since 1992. It is big business and a convention that attracts around 55,000 visitors a year. Companies from all over the world showcase their innovative products to a wide audience at RAI Amsterdam. RAI Amsterdam’s COO Maurits van der Sluis says he is delighted to have landed the contract again: “I’m extremely proud that RAI Amsterdam will continue to have the privilege of hosting IBC for the next three years. Through close co-operation with amsterdam&partners and the seven largest meeting hotels in the area, we’ve succeeded in securing our ongoing relationship with IBC.” Claudia Wehmeijer, Meetings & Conventions Director at city CVB amsterdam&partners, continues: “Thanks to this co-operation, RAI Amsterdam is able to offer IBC much more capacity by using the meeting rooms at the hotels. It’s a win-win situation for IBC and its exhibitors, RAI Amsterdam, the hotels and the city. I’m extremely proud that within a short period of time we’ve achieved success in this challenging project. We look forward to welcoming IBC again in September.” A tradeshow like this offers a boost to turnover and employment not only in the hotel and restaurant sector, but also for public transport and museums. Exhibitors come to Amsterdam from all over the world, along with thousands of visitors eager to see the latest developments. IBC yields around €100m for Amsterdam annually. Apart from the economic impact, the event also offers opportunities for Amsterdam start-ups, as it enables businesses to share knowledge and build relationships. “The show is an ideal place for networking, and a creative hothouse for Amsterdam entrepreneurs with a start-up or scale-up. It brings them into direct contact with over 1,700 exhibitors and dozens of inspiring guest speakers. It’s the place to be to do business,” adds Wehmeijer. With more than 400 international speakers, IBC is Europe’s biggest trade show in the field of broadcasting, attracting almost 55,000 visitors a year from more than 150 countries. IBC 2019 will take place 13-17 September 2019.   Photo, L-R: Maurits van der Sluis, Michael Crimp (CEO IBC), Claudia Wehmeijer, Paul Riemens (CEO RAI Amsterdam) and Steve Connolly (Director IBC).