IBC 2021: Blackmagic Design, Canon, Grass Valley, LiveU, and Telestream Among Companies Pulling Out

While the IBC Show 2021 in Amsterdam will go ahead next month as planned despite new restrictions by the Dutch government due to the surge of Covid-19 cases in The Netherlands, several major exhibitors have announced they are pulling out of the show. Blackmagic Design, Canon, and Telestream are among those that have officially said they will not be exhibiting at IBC in December. TVBEurope is also reporting that Grass Valley has decided to withdraw from exhibiting at the show.

Other companies that have pulled out include Irdeto, Viaccess-Orca and Xytech. Ross Video previously stated in September that it would not be exhibiting in Amsterdam.

Statement from Blackmagic Design: Blackmagic Design will not be exhibiting at IBC 2021 due to the Netherlands lockdown measures. We are disappointed but there is too much risk and uncertainty for us to exhibit. We really cannot wait to get back to shows but it’s going to have to wait a little longer.

Statement from Canon: After careful consideration, Canon has made the difficult decision not to exhibit at IBC 2021. As a normal course of business, we always fully evaluate the viability of our participation at major trade shows and events. Given the ongoing uncertainty caused by COVID-19 and the understandable concerns that people have around travelling to the Netherlands, which is facing stricter restrictions, it seems inappropriate to continue with our plans to exhibit. IBC has been and will continue to be, a hugely valuable event for our business and we remain totally committed to the broadcast and professional video industry, supporting our customers and partners’ demands, today, and over the long term.

Statement from LiveU: The health and safety of our customers, partners and employees have always been our first priority. With great regret, we feel that we have no other choice than to cancel LiveU’s participation at the upcoming IBC2021 show. This is due to the growing Covid numbers in The Netherlands, as reflected in the recent Government statement, and expected travel restrictions. Stay safe and well. We hope to see you in-person very soon. Please contact your LiveU sales manager to set up a meeting and hear about our latest innovations and live production workflows. Exciting news to come.”

Statement from Telestream CEO Dan Castles: “Telestream has made the difficult decision not to attend IBC2021 in Amsterdam. We are disappointed for our customers, our partners, and our staff. But we also have a clear duty to protect our colleagues, their families, and the people of Amsterdam during this extremely challenging and rapidly evolving health situation. We were truly looking forward to spending time in person with our industry colleagues but the resurgence of the pandemic and increased restrictions put in place by the Dutch Government have left us with no other option than to withdraw our participation. We look forward to better, safer days in 2022.”

Statement from Viaccess-Orca CEO Philippe Leonetti:“This was a tough decision for us to make, but the health and safety of our employees and industry colleagues remain our top priority. With the recent rise in COVID-19 cases throughout Europe, and following the Dutch government’s Nov. 12 statement, we no longer think that we can experience a safe and successful IBC Show this year.”

Statement from Greg Dolan, Chief Commercial Officer of Xytech: “The IBC Partnership Board’s decision to proceed with the IBC show is in contradiction with the stated commitment to health and safety not only to exhibitors and attendees, but to the general population. We are disappointed and confused to see common sense has not prevailed, and the Netherland’s officials and IBC Partnership Board has chosen this path. Xytech has returned to face-to-face engagements with customers and looks forward to an active 2022 schedule with partners invested in the health and safety of our staff, customers and supporting vendors.”

Statement from Irdeto CEO Doug Lowther: “Despite a strong desire to attend IBC 2021 and participate in the gathering of our industry after a challenging year and a half, the resurgence of the pandemic in the Netherlands has left us with no other option but to withdraw our participation.”

Synamedia has also announced it will not exhibit at IBC. More updates to come…