IBC 2023’s conference program will emphasize transformative technology, shifting business models, and people and purpose, its organizers say.
The conference will take place alongside the exhibition at the RAI in Amsterdam in September.
The first two days of the conference will include talks, panel discussions and IBC Technical Papers, followed by two days of free events, as part of IBC’s Changemakers Program. The organizers say they intend that the sessions bring together organizations, individuals and initiatives that are changing industry culture and pushing 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 said the organizers have been “actively listening” to IBC’s 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 said. “People seem to enjoy meeting each other and they really enjoy IBC and they look forward to it. And clearly, they missed it while it wasn’t there [due to the pandemic].”
Asked about the travel complications experienced by many attendees coming home from IBC 2022, Crimp said the show has been in talks with Schiphol Airport seeking reassurances that there will be enough staff to deal with the influx of travellers to and from 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 said. “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.”
He added, “Schiphol has a long track record of being a great airport, and is very accessible to the venue. It wasn’t a small thing that happened last year, and they have a lot of confidence that the investments that they’ve made and the changes they’ve made, including the new CEO, have put them back on their feet.”
Last year the convention drew about 37,000 visitors from 170 countries as it returned to an in-person format for the first time since 2019.
The show website has more information about the conference program and registration details.
