In case you missed out: IBC SHOW 2023 highlights

We came back from IBC Show with lots of new content!

Couldn't make it to Amsterdam, and the FOMO hit you pretty hard? Our eyes on site, Elke, got you covered! Experience IBC from her POV and see what you’ve missed. There's info for old-timers and first-timers!

Watch the full version of Elke’s ‘IBC Vibe Check’ video here.

The practical stuff of IBC

Getting in at IBC

Register in advance and get in for free. Keep an eye on IBC’s social media accounts, as they always communicate free entry codes for anyone to use.

The RAI has several entrances, but we went in through what we call the ‘main entrance’ on Europaplein. Compared to last year, the entrance line this year was way shorter, and badge pickup went super smooth. With our background and considering what Cheqroom does, we’re mostly interested in the bigger AV brands that are showcasing actual video-camera gear. These are usually in halls 12 and 13, hence our choice to go in via this entrance. Think: Canon, ARRI, Aputure,… You know, the big guys.

The main entrance hall at IBC

Getting out of IBC

Europaplein is also where the metro line 52 stops, which is super convenient for when you're staying in the city center of Amsterdam. Good to know: Every visitor can pick up a Free Travel Pass at any IBC information point. The passes are handed out on a “first come, first served” basis, so you better be quick! 👀 They are valid for travel during the whole IBC show dates.

Not a fan of public transport, and you don't mind spending some extra cash? There’s a non-stop coming and going of taxis on Europaplein, or you can simply call an Uber.

Do your homework and download the IBC app

Now that you’re in the existential. crisis. begins. There are SO many exhibitors; the list is incredibly long with 13 halls, plus an outside area. Download the IBC app and plan each day in advance because the day will be over before you know it.

The seemingly never-ending list of exhibitors at IBC

Dress appropriately

Summer is over. Leave the flip-flops at home. Don’t forget, the venue is massive. Go for the most comfortable ‘business casual outfit’, with an emphasis on comfortable and casual. There are not that many options to sit, and unlike the NAB Show, where Teslas drive you to another hall, you will have to walk (or crawl) a LOT. So comfy shoes are the way to go.

The stuff you’ll see at IBC

Some of the types of booths that you’ll see are for camera gear (Canon, Sony), lighting gear (Aputure, ARRI), audio (Sennheiser, Q5X Audio Transmitters), software (Adobe, DaVinci Resolve), battery manufacturers (SWIT),… The biggest absences we noticed were RED Digital Cinema, Rode, and Google.

What’s nice about shows like IBC is that you see all kinds of cross-collabs. We saw some nice Amaran tube lights (Aputure) lighting up the Canon booth; at Tilta, we saw their float handheld gimbal support system using Sony cameras and the DJI RS 3 Pro. Those hybrid solutions demonstrate exactly how you'd use the gear in real life, shooting on set.

Canon x Aputure

That’s also the main reason why people come to such broadcasting shows. It’s a unique opportunity to try out gear, touch it, hold it, feel its weight, and see if you fancy its flow. Check out what’s out there on the market and compare equipment.

The bigger brands will always have a pretty packed booth, but they also put the most effort into showcasing their products. Attractive booths attract more people. Don’t be intimidated to ask questions or to ask for a demo; that’s what they’re there for.

Elke’s 3 minutes of fame at Zero Density’s booth, where she got to be a TV host

The stuff you’ll learn at IBC

IBC Show is a great place to learn. If it’s not technical specs and new gear you’re learning about, it’s the huge ‘Content Programme’ they’re offering. In their own words, “Content at IBC2023 will explore the changing media landscape, showcase the latest tech innovations, as well as spark debate around social and environmental responsibility.”

Besides IBC’s big Showcase Theatre, you’ll also get the opportunity to follow tons of informative sessions on the show floor. For instance, we saw DaVinci Resolve, Atomos, and Zero Density giving keynote presentations and demos to everyone passing by.

Demo at Zero Density

The stuff you’ll eat & drink at IBC

Food

Dutch cuisine isn’t particularly known for its exquisite taste, and you obviously can't forget you're at a convention center. You'll find tons of food trucks and food stalls inside and outside with the usuals: pizza, fries, Thai food, burgers, ice cream, and more.

If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle, there’s a nice outdoor area with a lake and a huge park called ‘Beatrixpark’ between Halls 7 and 8. Craving something more simple? There’s a supermarket, Albert Heijn, right across the RAI.

Step outside for a breather

Drinks

Various booths offer free coffee and drinks to their visitors, and after 4 p.m., you’ll find lots of booths offering happy hour beers. Besides that, there are coffee and drinks trucks all over, but it usually comes with quite a waiting time. For water, we recommend you bring your own (refillable) bottle and fill it from the bathroom taps or from the tap water outside.

Coffee break!

The stuff you’ll take home from IBC

If you’re based in Europe, IBC Show is an industry essential. It offers great opportunities to learn, discover, and connect. See what’s new in the film industry, what cool new gear is being released, how to use certain pieces of equipment, and learn about the newest developments in AI and whatnot.

Overall, we had a blast at IBC! 🎉 Not only was our 2-day visit super valuable and interesting, but it’s also a great way to connect with the industry and its amazing people.

Curious to see what else we did at IBC? Check out our YouTube shorts or find us on Instagram for more show content!

Missed out on NAB Show 2023? Take a look at this blog post for an allround video report on America’s biggest broadcasting show!