Morning is always a rush with you trying to get into Tram No 4 from close to Dam Square to get to the convention centre. The sudden influx of visitors for IBC means trams wait longer at their stops until all get in. But there‘s no doubt this modern city with a touch of the old world, in the shape of horse drawn carriages (and mind you the horses are grand), cops on horseback, tulips all over, is a delightful place to be in.

The buzz at IBC 2009 conferences was about Hybrid Broadcast Broadband, 3D and 1080p technology on day one. And one got a peep at the future. The Indians are in attendance: Wipro Consulting Services president of communication and media TK Kurien, telling conference attendees how complicated the Indian consumer is and how they can market more effectively to her. Hindustan Times editorial advisor Vir Sanghvi is slated to deliver a keynote on whether the broadcasting journalist is a threatened species.

Organisers are expecting a good turnout. Reason: IBC 2009 is happening at a time when the economy is beginning to show an uptick. NAB happened when things were looking bleak so visitors stayed away. Though Sony is a prominent absentee, show organisers have created a “production village” consisting of a mock TV set with cameras from several major vendors, including JVC’s new 4K camera, and free training in HD production.

The $5 billion turnover Harris announced a slew of initiatives for IBC, apart from taking up the biggest floorspace. Among these: Harris Virtual World which allows customers to get a virtual feel of the Harris product range, a new range of transmitters, energy efficiency and green products.

Many other companies are slated to use the platform to unveil a host of products. Grass Valley executives said the traffic for the show seemed to be a little slower than last year, but added the weekend is likely to see things speed up a bit. Last year, around 50,000 visitors turned up from all over the world. Expect the number to be crossed this year.