M+E Europe
IBC Follows Dutch Government’s COVID-19 Lead
Story Highlights
The 2021 IBC Show, running 3-6 December in Amsterdam, is relaxing its COVID-19 exhibition protocols following the Dutch government’s recent changes to social distancing measures and quarantine rules for fully vaccinated travellers.
Beginning 22nd September, fully vaccinated international visitors from high-risk areas will no longer have to quarantine on arrival to the Netherlands, and beginning 25th September, the country will no longer enforce social distancing rules of 1.5 metres apart, nor mandate masks in inside areas.
With the Netherlands soon instead relaying on the use of coronavirus access passes for vaccinated attendees — or proof of recovery from an infection of COVID-19, or a negative COVID-19 test within 24 hours of attending — IBC expects nearly 100 percent of its usual audience to be able to attend the event.
“It’s time to get excited about coming together again,” said IBC CEO Michael Crimp. “We have been anticipating this announcement from the Dutch government for a while, and the whole IBC team is buzzing at the opportunities the relaxing of these COVID-19 measures will bring. That is not to say we can relax our guard — we continue to be fully focused on delivering a safe and valuable experience. But with these new measures we can stage an event as close to ‘business as usual’ as we could hope for in the current environment.
“We’ve had lots of really positive responses from our exhibitors and the industry to this news. With more than 650 exhibitors confirmed, we are busy finalising an action-packed programme of features and free content; all of which will make IBC 2021 an event not to miss. Registration is open and we are seeing that hotel and flight bookings are on the up. Now is the time to get your trip arranged.”
