IBC International Broadcasting Convention 2026

IBC Exhibition Team

Exhibition Enquiries

IBC Support Team

General Support

IBC Press Team

Press & Media Enquiries

Mark Jackson

CEVA Showfreight Contact

Email Call

What's on

Programme

Case Study

Keynote

TBA

Event days

TBA

Typical time

Official agenda

This agenda is still being finalised. Check the official agenda for the latest sessions.

Speakers

Eline van der Velden

Founder and CEO @ Particle 6

AI's impact on creativity

Tilly Norwood

AI Actor

AI's impact on creativity

Alex Charalambides

SVP and CTO @ CNN

Innovating to Deliver the News of Tomorrow

Mahesh Bhalerao

Regional Director of Product Partnerships @ YouTube

Distribution and viewer engagement

Anna Mallett

VP Production @ Netflix

Production evolving for the streaming era

Yiannis Exarchos

CEO @ Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS)

Live sports production at scale

Evan Shapiro

Media Cartographer

Creator economy and media's future

Hans Hoffman

Deputy Director Technology and Innovation @ EBU

Sovereign AI and Sovereign Cloud

Willem Vermost

Senior IP Media Technology Architect @ EBU

Dynamic Media Facility: Why It Matters, and Why Now

Paola Sunna

Senior Technology Innovation Manager @ Eurovision Italy/EBU

OGraf: Making Broadcast Graphics Open and Accessible

Niels Borg

TV2.DK

OGraf: Making Broadcast Graphics Open and Accessible

Thomas Bause Mason

Director of Standards Development @ SMPTE

The Innovation Flywheel: How Open Source and Standards Reinforce Each Other

Pierre Hugues Routhier

Advanced Imaging Technologies Specialist @ Canadian Broadcasting Company

Technology Roadmap for the Modern Media Enterprise

Wim Van Roy

Education Architect @ LAWO Academy

DMF in Practice: Design and Operation for Software-Defined Production

Adam Jones

Director of Production Technology and Innovation @ Innovative Dreams

Adam Kaczmarski

Creative Producer @ Electric Robin (Banijay UK)

Adrian Britton

Head of Technical Sales APAC @ AI-Media

Adrian Roe

CEO @ Norsk

Ajey Anand

CEO @ Norigin Media

Alan Wolk

Co-Founder & Lead Analyst @ TVREV

Alex Serdiuk

CEO & Co-Founder @ Respeecher

Alexander Leschinsky

Co-Founder & CEO @ G&L Systemhaus

Alexandre Paugam

VP, Global BD & Strategic Partnerships @ MediaKind

Ali C. Begen

Professor @ Ozyegin University

Amaan Akram

Chief Technology Officer @ Untold Studios

Amy DeLouise

Founder @ #GALSNGEAR

Ana Betancourt

Founder & CEO @ Black Goblin

Anastasia Melnikova

Solution Architect @ Gcore

Anatolii Kasianov

Co-Founder and Co-CEO @ HOLYWATER TECH

Andoni Morales Alastruey

Head of Innovation @ Fluendo

Andrea Cavalieri

Chief Technology Officer @ Filmbankmedia

Andreas Kisslinger

CEO @ Lightcast.com

Andrew Dumbrek

Director @ Andrew Dumbreck Media Ltd

Andrey Norkin

Principal Architect @ NVIDIA

Andy Beale

Co-Founder, Rise Academy, and Director of Technology @ Premier League Studios

Andy Corp

Head of Product @ Amazon Web Services

Anette Schaefer

CEO @ EIT Culture & Creativity

Anil Jain

Managing Director Global Strategic Industries @ Google Cloud

Anna Doublet

Business Development Manager @ Sony

Annsofi Eriksson

CTO @ EBU

Anshul Kapoor

Director, Strategic Industries, Global Media & Entertainment @ Google Cloud

Ant Boys

British Film Editor

Anthony Basham

President @ SCTE Society of Broadband Engineers

Anton Dvorkovich

Founder & CEO @ Dubformer

Antonio Arcidiacono

Director of Technology & Innovation @ EBU

Arash Pendari

CEO & Founder @ Vionlabs

Arkadiusz Musial

Director of Software Engineering @ VIDA

Armelle Canet

Head of Legacy & Broadcast Academy @ HBS

Armen Hakobyan

CTO and Co-Founder @ inoRain

Arturo Fuentes Calle

Researcher @ Computer Vision Center

Ashley Reynolds-Horne

Vice President of Technology @ Simplestream

Avinash Kumar

ESG Controller @ Vizrt

Avneesh Prakash

Co-Founder & CEO @ CAMB.AI

Aymeric Legal

VP of Sales, Media & Telecom @ Kaltura

Disrupt, Innovate, Create: How to Embrace AI

Keynote

Conference

AI is reshaping media operations

Panel

Showcase Theatre3

How AI agents are changing media

Panel

Showcase Theatre3

MovieLabs' 2030 Vision update

Presentation

Owner & Partners Programme

Media Tech Sustainability Series

Panel

Owner & Partners Programme

Greening of Streaming (GoS) hour

Keynote and Panel

Owner & Partners Programme

Multimodal generative AI

Panel

Showcase Theatre3

M&E leveraging generative AI and AI agents

Presentation

Showcase Theatre3

AI tools in enhancing production management

Panel

Showcase Theatre3

Companies' AI journeys

Panel

Showcase Theatre3

Future Media Townhall

Townhall

Owner & Partners Programme

DMF MXL discussion

Panel

Owner & Partners Programme

The innovation flywheel: How open source and standards reinforce each other

Presentation

Owner & Partners Programme

Women in media: communicating with confidence, presence, and impact

Workshop

Conference

5G non-terrestrial networks

Panel

Owner & Partners Programme

CTO Perspectives: How AI is Reshaping the Business of Media?

Panel

Conference

Keynote: Innovating to Deliver the News of Tomorrow

Keynote

Conference

Case studies: Applying AI: Predictive, generative or agentic?

Case Study

Conference

Keynote: Distribution and viewer engagement

Keynote

Conference

Production evolving for the streaming era

Presentation

Conference

Live sports production, AI, data, fan engagement, rights and distribution

Panel

Conference

IBC Talent Programme Welcome

Welcome

Ignite Stage14

Topic tracks

Shifting Business ModelsTransformative TechPeople & Purpose

Co-located events

IEEE Broadcast Technology Forum

Separate ticket

Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) Events

Separate ticket

SMPTE Partner Programme Sessions

Separate ticket

SMPTE Roadshow: Future of Media Infrastructure

Separate ticket

JT-DMF 'Ask Me Anything' Sessions

Separate ticket

Co-located seminars

SMPTE Professional Education Workshops

Paid

European Digital Cinema Forum (EDCF) Global Cinema Seminar

Paid

Awards

IBC2026 Innovation Awards

Annual

The IBC Innovation Awards celebrate collaborative projects that show how cooperation between media organisations and technology partners is delivering meaningful innovation in production, distribution, audience experiences and societal impact. The awards recognise the best in collaborative efforts to develop new solutions to real-world technical challenges and to address social and environmental issues

Content CreationContent DistributionContent EverywhereEnvironment & SustainabilitySocial Impact

IBC2026 International Honour for Excellence (IHFE)

Annual

IBC's most prestigious award, recognising an individual's extraordinary achievements and lifetime contribution to the art and craft of media and entertainment

IBC2026 Best Technical Paper

Annual

Awarded to the best technical paper presented at the IBC Conference, recognising outstanding research and innovation in media technology

Previous edition

Current edition

2026 · 44,000 visitors · 1,200 exhibitors

Exhibition expected to exceed 45,000 sqm across 14 halls with more than 1,200 exhibitors

Forecast — not final

Visitors

43,858

Exhibitors

1,300

Visitor countries

170

Growth over time

New this edition

1
Future Tech Ignite
New initiative within Future Tech featuring a dedicated Start-up Zone and Ignite Stage, connecting more than 50 start-ups, entrepreneurs and emerging technologies with the broader M&E ecosystem through a four-day programme with future-focused content, talent and skills development sessions, and a creative showcase. EIT Culture & Creativity joins as Innovation Partner, with AWS and NVIDIA sponsoring the stage
Source
2
Braindate Lounge
A new dedicated space within Future Tech in Hall 14 for curated one-to-one and small-group discussions. Available through the IBC Exchange premium pass, enabling structured peer-to-peer networking and knowledge exchange
Source
3
IBC Exchange
Premium networking pass (€245) powered by Braindate, designed to help attendees connect with purpose. Includes access to the Braindate Lounge, exclusive networking events, and a curated conference session
Source
4
Expanded Future Tech
Future Tech expands with new skills, creative and networking initiatives, building on its successful 2025 debut. Supported by AWS, Microsoft, Google, HP, AMD and Shure
Source

Next edition outlook

2026

estimated

IBC2026 will take place 11-14 September 2026 at the RAI Amsterdam. Building on the success of IBC2025, the 2026 edition is expanding Future Tech with new initiatives including Future Tech Ignite (a dedicated Start-up Zone and Ignite Stage), the Braindate Lounge for curated networking, and the IBC Exchange premium pass. The 2026 Accelerator Programme features 9 projects with media organisations including BBC, NBCUniversal, DAZN, ITV, Channel 4, Associated Press, Sky and Al Jazeera collaborating with technology providers. The conference programme will feature speakers from Netflix, Meta, Google, BBC Studios, Warner Bros Discovery, FIFA, OBS, CNN and YouTube, addressing AI in action, live sport, creator disruption and trust in content. The exhibition is expected to exceed 45,000 sqm with more than 1,200 exhibitors across 14 halls

Future Tech expands with new Future Tech Ignite start-up zone and Ignite Stage, supported by AWS and NVIDIA as stage sponsors Braindate Lounge launches in Hall 14 for curated one-to-one and small-group discussions IBC Exchange premium networking pass (€245) powered by Braindate introduces structured peer-to-peer networking IBC Talent Programme returns for its third year on the new Future Tech Ignite Stage Content Everywhere (Hall 5) sees significantly increased bookings year-on-year

Impact

A bigger and stronger platform

IBC2025 brought the world's media, entertainment and technology community together in Amsterdam during a period of rapid industry transformation, uniting global leaders, disruptors and innovators in a truly international show that delivered energy, innovation and purpose. With 43,858 visitors from 170 countries, the show reaffirmed its role as the world's most international media and entertainment event. The debut of Future Tech in Hall 14 put AI, immersive media, 5G, sustainability and other transformative technologies centre stage, with live demonstrations of generative and agentic AI, cloud-native workflows, private 5G networks, and sustainable innovation. The event featured 14 dedicated halls organised by product sectors, covering Delivery, Content Everywhere, Post-production, Multi Technologies, Production and Future Technologies. IBC2025 delivered measurable outcomes: 198 hours of content, 600+ speakers, 243 sessions, 594 press and analyst attendees, 9 Accelerator projects, and 40 corporate buyers at the AV user group pitch. The show generated 179 million estimated PR coverage reach, 1,047,133 e-dailies delivered, and 2.5 million post and profile reach across IBC social profiles

Audience quality

High-value decision-makers

IBC2025 attracted a high-quality professional audience: 43,858 visitors from 170 countries, with over 1,300 exhibitors and 600+ speakers. The attendee breakdown by job role shows 32.8% C-Suite, VP, EVP, Director & Above; 31% Manager / Head of Dept; 12% Pro Engineer / Developer; 9.7% Entrepreneur / Freelance; 7.3% Student / Intern; 4.5% Executive / Assistant; and 2.7% Editor / Publisher / Journalist. Geographic breakdown: Western Europe 73%, North America 8.6%, Asia 8.4%, Eastern Europe 4.4%, Africa & Middle East 4%, South America 1.6% Top 10 visitor countries: Netherlands (22.3%), UK (13.8%), Germany (10.3%), US (7.5%), France (5.0%), Belgium (4.1%), China (2.8%), Italy (2.6%), Spain (2.6%), Poland (1.7%) Several vendors reported seeing younger attendees who want to engage with broadcast technology but not necessarily in a traditional broadcast setting. Jon Roberts, CTO of ITN, noted: 'You could really feel this year how the IBC community is expanding, with younger voices adding fresh energy to more established leading voices.'

Exhibitor outcomes

Real business growth

Exhibitors reported that IBC2025 continued to be important for their sales efforts and as a way of engaging with clients. The show once again proved itself as a milestone in the sales cycle and a place where business gets done. Angela Stelle, CMO at Avid, said: 'IBC is always a key event for Avid – it's where we unveil our latest innovations, strengthen relationships with customers and partners, and gain valuable industry insights.'- 5 Jon Wilson, CEO of Grass Valley, added: 'IBC2025 has been an outstanding event for Grass Valley with high quality engagement on the stand – the people we want to meet were at IBC.'- 5 Brijesh Yadev, Global Business Leader at Tata Communications, noted: 'There's been tremendous interest in the hands-on experiences and breakthrough technologies that we and others showcased.'

Intelligence

Market context

Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.

Global / Europe

Why it matters

IBC2026 matters because it arrives at a pivotal moment when the media and entertainment industry is moving beyond technology experimentation to real-world deployment. The show is positioned as a full pipeline from early-stage innovation through to enterprise deployment, all under one roof across four days. With the exhibition expected to exceed 44,000 sqm and more than 1,200 exhibitors across 14 halls, IBC is the essential meeting place where industry leaders, disruptors, and next-generation talent converge to translate innovation into practical solutions and business outcomes. The show's three core themes—Shifting Business Models, Transformative Tech, and People & Purpose—reflect the forces actively redefining how the industry operates: AI in practice, audience behaviour and platform complexity, sports transformation, trust and provenance in an era of deepfakes, and new commercial models where brands, creators, and media converge. For buyers, IBC offers the opportunity to see ground-breaking products from over 1,200 exhibitors, benchmark against competitors, and meet decision-makers from more than 170 countries. For exhibitors, it provides access to a targeted audience of 45,000 professionals actively seeking new solutions—from broadcasters and OTT platforms to systems integrators and telecoms—in a setting where business gets done. The launch of Future Tech Ignite (connecting more than 50 start-ups to the M&E ecosystem), the expansion of Future Tech (30% larger than 2025), and the introduction of structured networking through IBC Exchange and IBC Connect demonstrate that IBC is evolving to meet the industry's need for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and commercial growth—not just product discovery.

Industry trends

Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

AI shifts from experimentation to deployment

The media industry is moving beyond proving AI use cases to embedding AI into day-to-day operations. Agentic AI is emerging within media workflows, automating tasks that previously required multiple manual steps. The focus is shifting from what AI can do to how it can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance user experiences.

Changing viewing habits and content discovery

Discovery increasingly happens through clips, recommendations, social feeds, and creator content. Audiences move between smartphones and TVs throughout the day. User interfaces, content discovery, and recommendation engines are becoming increasingly strategic as providers compete not only for viewing time but also for attention.

Microdramas and short-form premium content

The rapid rise of microdramas—professionally produced series with episodes lasting one to five minutes designed primarily for mobile consumption—is reshaping content strategies. This format, popularised initially in Asian markets, is creating new opportunities for engagement and monetisation.

Sports media transformation

Sports continues to drive viewership and revenues, with more than 90% of the most watched broadcasts on US television being live sports. Global spending on sports media rights is projected to grow from $64bn in 2025 to over $78bn by 2030. Remote and distributed workflows are becoming established at the world's largest live sporting events.

Convergence of broadcast, streaming, and enterprise AV

The boundaries between broadcast, streaming platforms, creative studios, telecommunications, and corporate AV are blurring. The fastest-growing areas at IBC 2026 are AI, virtual production, immersive content, telecommunications, and AV integration.

Content provenance and cybersecurity

As AI tools move deeper into editorial and graphics workflows, the ability to verify content origin and confirm it has not been altered becomes part of a channel's basic credibility with viewers and regulators. Content authenticity and cybersecurity are emerging as distinct industry priorities.

Market news

Latest updates from across the market.

IBC2026: The next-gen playbook for broadcasters and channels

IBC2026 is shaping up to be the broadest edition yet, with more than 44,000 attendees from over 170 countries expected across roughly 44,000 square meters of show floor, with 1,300-plus exhibitors. Themes span AI, cloud-native workflows, content provenance, cybersecurity, immersive experiences, private 5G, and sustainability.

Kaltura showcases AI-powered media and telecom innovations at IBC 2026

Kaltura announced it will showcase a broad set of AI-powered innovations for media companies and telecom operators at IBC 2026 at booth 5.A68, RAI Amsterdam.

Hydrolix showcases AI-driven media infrastructure and multi-CDN observability at IBC 2026

Hydrolix is participating in IBC 2026 with a focus on agentic AI and real-time data for media operations, showcasing AI-driven media infrastructure and multi-CDN observability.

Beyond traditional broadcast: nanocosmos enables new real-time video business models at IBC 2026

German real-time video provider nanocosmos is presenting the newest generation of its platform at IBC 2026, built for businesses that run on real-time video at a global scale, featuring MOQ at production scale and cloud-based chroma key.

Pliant Technologies unveils CXD-32CF at IBC 2026

Pliant Technologies will showcase its CrewCom CXD-32CF 32x32 Dante/AES67 interface at IBC 2026.

LucidLink unveils Connect for direct content editing at IBC

LucidLink announced significant advancements in its distributed media workflow solutions at IBC 2026, including a new Python SDK for automated workflows.

Global Broadcast & Media Technology Event Circuit

August 2026 – May 2027

The global broadcast and media technology event calendar spans major regional shows that complement IBC. NAB Show in Las Vegas (April 2027) is the largest global gathering, while IBC in Amsterdam (September 2026) serves as the premier European event. Regional shows include CABSAT in Dubai (October 2026) for the MENA region, BroadcastAsia in Singapore (May 2027) for Asia-Pacific, SET Expo in São Paulo (August 2026) for Latin America, and Inter BEE in Tokyo (November 2026) for Japan. European-focused events include MPTS in London (May 2026) and the DPP European Broadcaster Summit (March 2026).

Late Summer / Early Autumn 2026

SET Expo 2026IBC 2026CABSAT 2026

A dense global broadcast show season, from August to October

Spring 2027

NAB Show 2027BroadcastAsia 2027

The NAB Show is the largest global broadcast show of the year and is usually held in April

Event dates are based on official organiser websites and industry listings. IBC 2026 is the primary focus of this report.

Plan your trip

Travel & logistics

Local currency · EUR

Arrival airports

Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.

AMS

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport

Amsterdam's main international airport. Direct train from Schiphol to Amsterdam RAI station takes approximately 9–10 minutes with trains running every 20 minutes. Tickets can be purchased at the airport. Taxis and ride-shares also available.

8 km

to venue

10–15 minutes

by car

RTM

Rotterdam The Hague Airport

Secondary international airport serving the Rotterdam region. Connection to Amsterdam RAI via train from Rotterdam Centraal to Amsterdam RAI station (approx. 45–60 minutes).

60 km

to venue

45–60 minutes

by car

EIN

Eindhoven Airport

Regional airport serving the south of the Netherlands. Connection via train from Eindhoven Centraal to Amsterdam RAI station (approx. 80–90 minutes).

120 km

to venue

80–90 minutes

by car

Hotel tiers

A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.

Budget

Hoofddorp, Amstelveen, Haarlem, Amsterdam North / Zuidoost

USD 80–150 / night

Affordable options outside the city centre. Easy access to RAI via train or metro. Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam – North Riverside is a convenient choice. Cityden Aparthotels offer spacious serviced apartments with good connections to RAI and Schiphol.

Mid-range

Amsterdam Zuid / RAI vicinity, Museum Quarter, De Pijp

USD 150–300 / night

Walking distance or short metro/tram ride to RAI. Many hotels offer special IBC rates via RAI Hotel Services. Olympic Hotel is a 15-minute walk from RAI. nhow Amsterdam Rai, directly opposite the RAI, offers rates from around $88. Motel One Amsterdam is directly opposite the RAI with rates from $99. XO Hotels Couture and Hotel Van Gogh are other nearby options.

Luxury

Amsterdam city centre (Canal Ring, Museum Quarter), Zuidas

USD 300–600 / night

Central hotels with easy metro/tram access to RAI (Metro 52 or Tram 4). Van der Valk Hotel Amsterdam Zuidas -Rai is a 4-star option with rates starting from $145. Apollofirst Boutique Hotel is located in the Zuidas business district. Conservatorium Hotel in the Museum Quarter offers luxury accommodation.

Local transport

Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

Train (NS)

Estimated cost€4–€10

Best forSchiphol Airport ↔ Amsterdam RAI station

Direct train every 20 minutes; journey takes ~9–10 minutes. Tickets can be purchased at the airport. Amsterdam RAI station is 300 metres from the venue.

Metro 52 (North–South Line)

Estimated costIncluded with GVB pass / €3.40 single ride

Best forAmsterdam Centraal ↔ Europaplein (RAI entrance)

Fastest direct connection from city centre to RAI; journey takes approximately 6–7 minutes. Alight at Europaplein station, exit directly in front of the RAI.

Tram 4

Estimated costIncluded with GVB pass / €2–€3 single ride

Best forAmsterdam Centraal ↔ Europaplein (RAI entrance)

Scenic route through city centre; journey takes approximately 25–30 minutes. Stops at Europaplein, directly outside the RAI.

Metro 50

Estimated costIncluded with GVB pass

Best forAmsterdam Sloterdijk ↔ Gein (via Amsterdam RAI station)

Stops at Amsterdam RAI station, a short walk from the venue.

Metro 51 / Bus 62 / Bus 65

Estimated costIncluded with GVB pass / bus fare applies

Best forAmsterdam Amstel Station ↔ RAI Amsterdam

From Station Amstel: Metro 51 to Amsterdam RAI station, Bus 62 (alight Europaplein) or Bus 65 (alight Scheldeplein).

Bicycle

Estimated cost€10–€15 per day rental

Best forCity-wide to RAI Amsterdam

Inexpensive, environmentally friendly, and a popular Amsterdam experience. Rent at most railway stations, bike dealers, or rental agencies around town. IBC recommends biking to skip queues and enjoy a fresh, fast ride to the RAI.

Taxi / Ride-share (Uber, Bolt)

Estimated cost€20–€40 from city centre

Best forAnywhere to RAI Amsterdam

Available throughout Amsterdam; can be booked via apps. Thousands of taxis operate across the city.

Plan your trip

Visa & entry documents

Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.

Visa required

ATA Carnet: accepted

Type	Who needs it	Fee	Processing
Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) – Business	Nationals of countries that do not have a visa-waiver agreement with the Schengen Area, including India, China, Turkey, Russia, South Africa, and many others. For business purposes such as attending IBC2026.	$97.00	15 calendar days (standard); can take up to 45 days in some cases.
Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) – Tourist	Nationals of non-visa-waiver countries travelling for leisure or tourism.	$97.00	15 calendar days (standard).

Citizens of EU/EEA countries, Switzerland, the UK, the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and many other countries do not require a visa for short stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism or business. According to various sources, as of 2026, nationals of 89 countries enjoy visa-free access. For the most up-to-date list, always check the official Dutch government website.

The Netherlands is a full member of the ATA Carnet system through the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) ATA Carnets are accepted for the temporary, duty-free and tax-free import of exhibition materials, professional equipment, and commercial samples for up to one year Non-EU exhibitors (e.g., from the US, Canada) are strongly advised to use an ATA Carnet to avoid paying EU import duties and Dutch VAT (up to 21%) The carnet must be presented to Dutch Customs at the port of entry (e.g., Schiphol Airport) for validation. It should be kept secure during the show and presented for re-exportation stamp upon departure. Application can be made through national chambers of commerce or providers like EasyCarnet

Official visa page

Weather

Amsterdam in September offers mild daytime temperatures around 18°C (64°F), cooling to approximately 12°C (54°F) in the evenings. Average highs range from 17–20°C and lows from 10–13°C. Expect occasional rain showers—a light waterproof jacket and layers are recommended. Pack sunglasses for sunny spells and comfortable footwear for extensive walking across the 14 halls

Plan for the climate

Check temperatures and pack accordingly

Venue connectivity

Amsterdam RAI is exceptionally well-connected to Amsterdam's public transport network. From Amsterdam Centraal, take Metro 52 (underground) to Europaplein station—the fastest direct connection —or Tram 4 to Europaplein. From Amsterdam Zuid or Amstel Station, reach RAI via Metro 51 (alight at Amsterdam RAI) or Bus lines 62 (Europaplein) or 65 (Scheldeplein). Metro 50 (Sloterdijk–Gein) also stops at Amsterdam RAI station. Amsterdam RAI railway station has regular connections to Schiphol Airport, Rotterdam, Utrecht, The Hague and the international train network. All IBC2026 badges include an integrated GVB QR code for unlimited travel on trams, buses and metro within Amsterdam during show dates—simply scan the QR code on your pass. Note: the GVB pass does not cover train travel to/from Schiphol Airport.

Ride-hailing

Taxis

Public transit

Car rentals

Cultural notes

Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.

Bike culture: the Dutch way

Amsterdam is a biking paradise—flat, fast and fun. Renting a bike is an inexpensive, environmentally friendly and authentically Dutch way to travel. Skip the queues and cycle to RAI Amsterdam. If you bike, avoid using your phone while riding to prevent fines.

Sustainable travel commitment

As part of IBC's sustainability commitment, complimentary airport shuttles are no longer provided. Instead, use Amsterdam's excellent public transport network—your badge includes a free 4-day GVB travel pass for trams, buses and metro. Thank you for supporting a greener IBC

Dining: Inside and outside the RAI

Inside the RAI, you'll find six permanent restaurants plus food trucks offering croissants, Thai bowls, fresh salads and coffee. Peak lunch hours can mean long queues. Near the venue, local favourites include. The Roast Room (meaty, moody, inside the RAI complex), Vis aan de Schelde (seafood with wine pairings), and Café Restaurant 't Vliegertje (cosy Dutch vibes). Book post-event dinners in advance as the city fills up fast during IBC

The one snack: stroopwafel

Don't leave Amsterdam without trying a warm stroopwafel—ideally eaten standing up. You'll find them all over the city

Dining and breaks: Fuel up wisely

The RAI has multiple food courts and cafes, but queues can be long during peak lunch hours. Consider bringing a reusable water bottle (water fountains are available) and packing smart snacks to keep energy levels up

Practical guides

Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.

Flights

Destination: Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS)

IBC has partnered with Air France and KLM to offer discounts of up to 10% on flights using Event ID GME60795AF. Valid for travel between 4–21 September 2026. Must be booked on a EUR currency site. Eurostar direct services from London St Pancras to Amsterdam Centraal (3h 52m).

Book flights

Visa

Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality. Citizens of many countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Japan, do not need a visa for business stays of up to 90 days. Citizens of other countries, such as India, China, and Turkey, must obtain a Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) for business before traveling. The visa application requires a valid passport (3+ months beyond departure, 10 years old or less, 2 blank pages), a completed application form, a recent photo, travel insurance (min. €30,000),- proof of employment or business, and an invitation letter from the Dutch host (IBC or an exhibiting company) The visa fee is €90 for adults. Processing time is typically 15 calendar days. Apply at the Dutch embassy/consulate or via VFS Global in your country of residence

Estimated cost: Not yet confirmed

Processing: 15 calendar days (standard)

IBC provides visa invitation letters for registered attendees. Apply well in advance of your travel date. Check with the Dutch embassy/consulate in your country for specific requirements and appointment availability.

Official Partner

Hotels

Find a stay near the venue with options for every budget.

Areas to stay

Amsterdam Zuid / RAI vicinity (walking distance) · Amsterdam city centre (Canal Ring, Museum Quarter, De Pijp) · Hoofddorp, Amstelveen, Haarlem (budget-friendly, easy access)

Budget

$80–$150

Book

Mid-range

$150–$300

Book

Luxury

$300–$600

Book

Transport

Get to the venue and around the city with these options.

Airport → venue: Direct train from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam RAI station every 20 minutes; journey takes 9–12 minutes. Tickets cost around €4–€10. Taxis and ride-shares also available.

Hotel → venue: Metro 52 (from Centraal or Zuid to Europaplein), Tram 4 (from Centraal to Europaplein), Metro 50 (from Sloterdijk or Gein to Station Amsterdam RAI), Metro 51 / Bus 62 / Bus 65 from Station Amstel. Many hotels in Zuid are within walking distance.

Ride-hail: Taxis and ride-share services (Uber, Bolt) are widely available. A taxi from the city centre to RAI costs approximately €20–€40.

Public transit: GVB operates trams, metros, and buses across Amsterdam. All IBC2026 badges include an integrated GVB QR code for unlimited travel on trams, buses, and metro within Amsterdam during show days. Metro 52 from Centraal to Europaplein takes about 6 minutes.

Parking: RAI Amsterdam has over 3,200 covered parking spaces located next to the A10 ring road. Online daily rate available; standard rate €6/hour, max €36/day.

Weather

Plan and pack for the event climate.

Month: September

Temperature: Daytime: 17–20°C (62–68°F); Nighttime: 10–13°C (50–55°F)-

Seasonality: Occasional rain showers; average rainfall ~96 mm over approximately 7 days-

Packing: Pack layers: a light waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes (business casual with sneakers), sunglasses, and a reusable water bottle. Bring easy-to-eat snacks to avoid energy dips

Itinerary builder

Add priorities and side trips to make the most of your visit.

Add side trips

Default day plan

08:00 – 09:00Breakfast and travel to RAI (use GVB pass)
09:30 – 12:30Exhibition floor exploration – focus on Hall 14 (Future Tech) and Hall 5 (Content Everywhere)
12:30 – 13:30Lunch at RAI food courts or nearby cafes
13:30 – 16:00Conference sessions or show floor theatres (Showcase Theatre, Future Tech Stage)
16:00 – 17:30Networking at the beach bar or Braindate Lounge
18:00 – 20:00Evening social event or dinner in Amsterdam city centre

Plan your trip

Planning

Best day to visit: Saturday 12 September 2026

Saturday offers full show hours (09:30–18:00) with the most comprehensive programme, including all conference sessions, exhibition halls, and networking events. It's often the busiest day, providing maximum opportunities for engagement. Sunday 13 September also offers full hours and features key networking events like DPP Networking Drinks (16:30)- and SET Networking Cocktail Reception.

T-90 (June 2026)

Submit stand plan for approval (Space Only and custom construction) to Abraxys — Deadline for stand plan submission to IBC's appointed inspection agency. Email: ibc@abraxys.com. Review IBC Terms of Sale before signing.

T-60 (July 2026)

Register exhibitor staff and order exhibitor badges — Complete registration for Stand Exhibitors, Exhibitor Delegates, Technical Papers Pass and Distributors. Confirm Lead Capture license via E-Zone when launched.

T-30 (August 2026)

Order freight and logistics services with CEVA — Book CEVA logistics services online before 21 August to avoid 30% late booking surcharge. LCL shipments deadline: 25 August; FCL: 26 August.

T-14 (August 2026)

Finalise stand design and order electrical/AV services — Order any additional services (power, internet, AV) via E-Zone. Ensure compliance with Hall 14 build restrictions: max height 4m, no double-deckers, no rigging points, floor loading 500kg/sqm.

T-7 (September 2026)

Ship freight to CEVA / Confirm delivery schedule — All shipments must arrive by deadline dates. Consignee address: CEVA Logistics IBC2026 [Exhibitor Name] Hall & Stand Number, Elektronweg 24, 3542 AC Utrecht.

T-3 (4–9 September 2026)

Build-up period – construct stand and install equipment — Official build-up: 4–9 September 2026. Technical Setup Day: 10 September only (no construction). All empties must be removed from stand by 9 September.

T-1 (10 September 2026)

Technical Setup Day – finalise AV, lighting and product displays — No construction allowed. Set up technical/exhibiting/display items only. Hall 14 cannot be entered by vehicles; use designated loading area.

T+0 (11–14 September 2026)

Show days – operate stand, capture leads, network — Show hours: Fri 10:30–18:00; Sat/Sun 09:30–18:00; Mon 09:30–16:00. Use Lead Capture tool to collect attendee data. Tag #IBC2026 for social exposure.

T+1 (14 September 2026)

Breakdown starts immediately after show closes (16:00) — Priority empty cases returned 17:00–23:00 on 14 Sept (pre-book required); next day return by 10:00 on 15 Sept.

T+3 (16 September 2026)

Complete breakdown and clear Hall 14 by 21:00 — All stands in Hall 14 must be cleared by 21:00 on Wednesday 16 September. Breakdown ends 17 September at 14:00.

Sample visitor itinerary

Route-optimised day

08:00 – 09:00

Breakfast and travel to RAI (use GVB pass)

Hotel / RAI

09:30 – 12:30

Exhibition floor exploration – focus on Hall 14 (Future Tech) and Hall 5 (Content Everywhere)

RAI Amsterdam

12:30 – 13:30

Lunch at RAI food courts or nearby cafes (The Roast Room, Vis aan de Schelde)

RAI Amsterdam / nearby-

13:30 – 16:00

Conference sessions or show floor theatres (Showcase Theatre, Future Tech Stage, Ignite Stage)

RAI Amsterdam

16:00 – 17:30

Networking at the beach bar, Braindate Lounge (IBC Exchange), or DPP Networking Drinks

RAI Amsterdam-

18:00 – 20:00

Evening social event or dinner in Amsterdam city centre (e.g., SET Networking Cocktail Reception)

Amsterdam-

Side trips

Van Gogh Museum

Museum

Houses the largest collection of Van Gogh's works; a must-see for art lovers.

15 min by tram (2.2 km)

Rijksmuseum

Museum

Masterpieces from the Dutch Golden Age, including Rembrandt's Night Watch.

15 min by tram (2.4 km)

Stedelijk Museum

Museum

Modern and contemporary art and design.

15 min by tram (2.2 km)

Heineken Experience

Attraction

Interactive tour of the historic Heineken brewery.

10 min by metro (2.1 km)

De Pijp

Neighbourhood

Vibrant area with cafes, bars, restaurants, and the famous Albert Cuyp Market.

1 metro stop from RAI

Vondelpark

Park

Amsterdam's largest city park; perfect for a walk, bike ride, or picnic break.

15 min by bike

Anne Frank House

Historical Site

The secret annex where Anne Frank wrote her diary; powerful historical experience.

20 min by tram

Networking spots

Beach Bar

Social

Casual spot to relax and network with fellow attendees.

Braindate Lounge

Structured Networking

Located in Future Tech (Hall 14); curated one-to-one and small-group discussions for IBC Exchange pass holders.

IBC Exchange

Structured Networking

Premium networking pass (€245) powered by Braindate, designed for purposeful connections.

IBC Connect

Structured Networking

Curated meetings programme pairing exhibitors with senior decision-makers.

DPP Networking Drinks

Social

Sunday 13 September 2026, 16:30 CEST – drinks reception for DPP members and friends.

SET Networking Cocktail Reception

Social

Sunday 13 September – Brazilian delegates networking happy hour at RAI Amsterdam.

Bitmovin Innovators Network

Social

Thursday 10 September 2026, 15:00–18:00 at Heineken Experience – cornerstone networking for senior executives.

Owner & Partner Programme

Structured Networking

Invitation-only sessions for IBC owners and partners.

Future Tech Stage & Ignite Stage

Professional

Sessions on trends, innovation, and professional development – ideal for meeting like-minded professionals.

Budget

Costs & budget

Official per-square-metre rates are not published publicly. Space Only minimum size is 30sqm. Enhanced Shell Scheme package is based on 18sqm. Two-storey double-decker stands incur a 25% surcharge on the Space Only rate. Halls 1, 7 and 12 are designated 'premium' halls. Early access for Space Only build-up is charged at £17 per sqm. Meeting suite packages start at £6,174 for a 6sqm stand. For firm pricing, contact the Sales team at sales@ibc.org.