IBC 2019: Amsterdam hosts the world’s most influential media convention

IBC 2019: The most influential media, entertainment and technology show

The International Broadcasting Convention (IBC) is the world’s most influential media, entertainment and technology show. RAI Amsterdam has been welcoming this prestigious event and around 55,000 visitors every September for almost three decades. Of course, things have changed since 1992 and Amsterdam Convention Bureau has moved with the times, ensuring the event continues to inform, entertain and inspire attendees.

Since its initial launch in 1967, IBC has evolved from its technical broadcast roots to become the most influential annual convention for professionals engaged in the creation, management, streaming and delivery of electronic media worldwide. The event encompasses a wide variety of topics – from online content to digital cinema, and from automated workflows to high-resolution capture and displays. The 2019 edition was held on 13-17 September and saw 56,000+ attendees, 300+ conference speakers, 100+ sessions and 1,700 exhibitors.

Amsterdam Convention Bureau creates a warm welcome

ACB was ready to greet delegates and make sure they had a wonderful experience in Amsterdam. At Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, a welcome video greeted arrivals, and the I amsterdam store at Central Station provided an easy and convenient place for delegates to register and ask questions. At RAI Amsterdam, the iconic I amsterdam 3D letters provided a creative photo opportunity for visitors, and, inside, an I amsterdam booth encouraged visitors to discover more during their stay through sales of the City Card and distribution of the I amsterdam magazine.

To make the event truly special and memorable, IBC and RAI set up a donation room, where IBC exhibitors could donate their exhibition materials for community initiatives and local charities, such as beverages, coffee makers, plants and small items of furniture.

Connecting to the city’s creative and tech ecosystems

Delegates can gain much inspiration from the media and broadcasting industry here in the Amsterdam Area. Hilversum is the centre of the Netherlands' media and entertainment industry, and is home to all the major Dutch broadcasters, international production companies and young businesses. Globally renowned shows such as Big Brother and The Voice were created by Amsterdam-based companies. Industry leaders Netflix – which set up its European headquarters here in 2015 – CBS, Viacom Media Networks, Media Monks and BAMTech have based themselves in Amsterdam.

An ideal location

One of the reasons IBC has continued to select Amsterdam to host its event is the city’s connectivity. Approximately 15 minutes away by train from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol – which has direct flights to 327 destinations – the city is the ideal location for the 56,000+ attendees, who come from all over the world. RAI Amsterdam is easily accessible for the exhibitors and attendees alike, thanks to its proximity to the A10 ring road, train station, Noord/ Zuid metro line, tram and bus stops.

Of course, it’s vital that there are enough places for everyone to stay. With its 40,000+ hotel rooms, this is something the Amsterdam Area can guarantee. 

Read more about organising a tech event in Amsterdam or ask Amsterdam Convention Bureau what we can do for your event. Contact us at: meetings@iamsterdam.com or WhatsApp +31 (0) 682747079.