AMSTERDAM — IBC enjoyed a record-breaking year in 2012, with 50,937 professionals attending from more than 160 countries. This figure was up by 1% on the event’s previous attendance record, set in 2011.
Exhibitor numbers also went up last year, with 75 more companies booking floor space than the year before, and the final figure of 1,440 exhibitors almost brings it closer to the show’s pre-recession bookings — which led to 1,451 companies exhibiting in 2008.
ON TAP
So what to expect in 2013? Now in its 45th year, the first thing to note is a slight shift in date. The Amsterdam techfest now takes place during the third week in September at the RAI Exhibition and Congress Centre, rather than the second. The conference will now run from 12–17 September, while the exhibition takes place from 13–17 September.
According to the organizers, the dates have been pushed back to ensure that exhibitors have enough lead time in September to get their stands together, although presumably they must be mindful of the fact that consumer electronics show IFA takes place in Berlin the week before.
IBC, however, has been a key platform for companies old and new to outline their strategy and introduce new products. And this year is no different. “I anticipate that we will leverage IBC as a platform to unveil our vision, direction and strategy,” says Charlie Vogt, Harris Broadcast’s new CEO, who joined the company this July.
Following its acquisition last December by L.A.-based investment firm the Gores Group, all eyes will be on Harris’ next move at IBC. “At the show we will showcase the products that align with our vision and direction,” said Vogt. “We will demonstrate an ability to build solutions around IP-enabled building blocks, whether IPTV or Mobile TV in Algeria or transmission solutions over IP in the Netherlands.”
At the IBC Conference meanwhile, expect keynotes from the digital elite — including the United Kingdom’s general manager of Twitter, Tony Wang, and Werner Vogels, chief technology officer at Amazon.com.
RADIO
Also find out what some of Europe’s leading broadcast engineers from ZDF and TDF are investing their company’s money in during the Thursday session, “The Next Wave of Technology.”
Of particular interest for radio-focused attendees are sessions on “Broadcast and Media Industry Strategy and Valuation,” “IP in the Broadcast Studio,” “Public Service Media: Innovation and Inspiration,” “Advanced Audio Technologies,” and “Internet Radio: Threat or Accelerator to DAB Digital Radio.” The EBU Loudness Breakfast is also of note. For a full schedule, see the program online.
On Sunday, Sept. 15, at 6:30 p.m., awards will be given out recognizing those who have contributed to the industry, with the most prestigious being the IBC International Honour for Excellence. At the same celebration, IBC will present the winners of the IBC2013 Innovation Awards.
Ann-Marie Corvin reports on the industry for Radio World from London.
