MUMBAI: IBC2020 show, the world's most influential media, entertainment and technology show, has been cancelled in view of the Covid2019 pandemic.

It was scheduled to be held this September at the RAI Amsterdam.

“Right now, despite the best work of the IBC team and our Dutch colleagues, there are still many unknowns. Therefore, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to deliver a safe and valuable event to the quality expected of IBC,” said IBC CEO Michael Crimp in a statement.

It is also evident that important aspects of a large-scale event such as IBC will be greatly altered by social distancing, travel restrictions, masks etc. so much so that the spirit of IBC will be compromised, he added.

“Whilst this is hugely disappointing for us all, IBC will continue to play a vital role in supporting the industry to get back on track wherever we are able. For more than 50 years, IBC has provided the central annual meeting place for the Media, Entertainment & Technology community. For example, over the coming months IBC will continue to engage with the industry through its digital platform IBC365. Details of our plans will follow soon,” said the CEO in the statement.

Last year, IBC attracted more than 56,000 attendees from 150 countries around the world, exhibiting more than 1,700 of the world's key technology suppliers and showcasing a debate-leading conference.

The CEO concluded the statement with the hope of welcoming all next year at IBC2021, in Amsterdam.

IBC is run by six leading international bodies are the organisations behind IBC, representing both exhibitors and visitors. Their insights ensure that the annual convention is always relevant, comprehensive and timely. IBC’s board is formed by the leaders of these international bodies and hold extensive experience across the industry.