As things stand, IBC 2020 is scheduled to go ahead
Europe - Panasonic has withdrawn from IBC 2020 in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, in September later this year. Instead, the organisation is focusing on supporting its partners and customers through its online initiatives, with the launch of its own Technology Experience Zone to help share expertise and information for the industry.
“It has been a very difficult decision. As much as we look forward each year to welcoming visitors at this important industry event, we must prioritise the well-being of our staff, partners and attendees,” states André Meterian, director of the Professional Video Systems Business Unit for EMEA.
“In the meantime, we will focus on creating additional activities and work with partners and industry leaders to continuously develop new content for our Technology Experience Zone, including live streaming, webinars, video podcasts and training. We will further expand our offering and aim to provide online virtual experiences to ensure our customers can stay in touch with the latest news from Panasonic Broadcast & ProAV.”
As things stand, IBC 2020 is scheduled to go ahead. Following the cancellation of NAB in April and with governments across the world either entertaining or employing the partial easing of lockdown restrictions, the eyes of the broadcast industry are now focused on IBC.
The official line from IBC itself is that it continues to develop ‘appropriate plans’ for IBC 2020 and is ‘committed to delivering a successful event at the RAI Amsterdam’ in the safest way possible.
IBC CEO Michael Crimp comments: “We are in daily contact with the City of Amsterdam and the management team at the RAI. They, in turn, are working with all their key stakeholders, from the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) to KLM and Schiphol Airport. Please be assured that we are not blindly heading towards an event come what may: on behalf of the whole industry IBC needs to ensure the event - if we can make it happen - is safe and successful.” * Panasonic has announced that its flagship VF2 Series LCD video wall displays will go on sale in Europe in May. “Delivering large format images that have to be seen to be believed, the VF2 Series combines leading design with reliability and simple installation and configuration,” says Florence Antony, European marketing manager for flat panel displays at Panasonic Visual System Solutions.
(Jim Evans)

Latest Issue. . .