IBC has shifted its 2021 Amsterdam show from its September dates back to December, citing health and safety factors as the reason behind the move.
Both the conference and exhibition portions of the 2021 event will now be held December 3 to 6, 2021.
IBC claims that a recent survey of its visitors and exhibitors revealed that most were in favour of vaccination passport entry to ensure health and safety at the exhibition. With 86% of respondents believing it was “very likely” that they would be vaccinated by the show dates, and 13% “likely” to have been inoculated, the measure could prove a viable way to put participants’ minds at ease.
Two thirds of respondents already said they were ready to travel, but a vast majority expected any corporate travel restriction policies to be updated by the end of the summer. Only one in ten of the visitors surveyed said they would not attend a December event.
Michael Crimp, chief executive of IBC, said: “Following a period of industry consultation, the IBC Partnership Board has agreed that December is the best date in terms of safety and industry readiness to engage.
“Our conclusion is based on the results of the recent IBC exhibitor and visitor surveys and macro evidence of Europe opening up for business.
“We really value the feedback and candid input of our community — we have always been ‘By the industry, For the industry’, and this ethos continues to guide our daily decision-making process,” Crimp said.