IBC 2023’s conference programme will be built around three pillars, transformative tech, shifting business models and people and purpose, organisers have revealed. The conference will take place alongside the exhibition at the RAI in Amsterdam, from 15th-18th September.
   

The first two days of the conference will include talks, panel discussions and the IBC Technical Papers, followed by two days of free events, as part of IBC’s Changemakers Programme, with sessions bringing together organisations, individuals and initiatives that are changing the industry culture and pushing the boundaries of creativity and technology.

“IBC is, in my view anyway, the best of the old-school trade shows with a conference in one place and the show floor next to it,” IBC chief executive Michael Crimp told a media briefing. “But this year, we wanted to look at the structure of the event slightly differently.”

That is likely to mean more keynote speeches, breakfasts, roundtables and events in a more intimate environment.

Crimp added that the show’s organisers have been “actively listening” to IBC’s global community about what they think a modern trade show should be to help shape the event’s future.

“Three-quarters of the people we spoke to via surveys and focus groups said they see trade shows as the most important platform for sourcing new technologies and products,” he added. “People seem to enjoy meeting each other and they really enjoy IBC and they look forward to it.”

Asked by TVBEurope about the travel issues that hit many of the attendees coming home from IBC 2022, Crimp said the show has been in talks with Schiphol Airport about reassurances that there will be enough staff to deal with the huge influx of travelers for the show.

“I know that there’s been a lot of investment and there was an independent inquiry to look at the whole situation,” he added. “It seems that they are coming back on their feet. It seems like it’s going to be OK. I’m waiting for them to tell us that. From IBC’s point of view, we’re pushing them hard.”