Grass Valley, Blackmagic withdraw from IBC

Two of the media tech industry’s biggest companies will no longer be exhibiting at IBC.

A source at Grass Valley has confirmed to TVBEurope the company has decided to withdraw from exhibiting at the show, citing the Dutch government’s restrictions as the reason behind the decision.

Blackmagic Design has announced it will no longer be at the show, stating: “Blackmagic Design will not be exhibiting at IBC 2021 due to the Netherlands lockdown measures. We are disappointed but there is too much risk and uncertainty for us to exhibit. We really cannot wait to get back to shows but it’s going to have to wait a little longer.”

Other high-profile company to pull out from the show since IBC’s announcement earlier this week that it intended to go ahead with the show include Telestream and Canon.

In a statement, Dan Castles, Telestream CEO said: “We are disappointed for our customers, our partners, and our staff. But we also have a clear duty to protect our colleagues, their families, and the people of Amsterdam during this extremely challenging and rapidly evolving health situation.

“We were truly looking forward to spending time in person with our industry colleagues but the resurgence of the pandemic and increased restrictions put in place by the Dutch government have left us with no other option than to withdraw our participation. We look forward to better, safer days in 2022,” he added.

Announcing its decision not to travel to Amsterdam Canon said, “After careful consideration, Canon has made the difficult decision not to exhibit at IBC 2021. As a normal course of business, we always fully evaluate the viability of our participation at major trade shows and events. Given the ongoing uncertainty caused by Covid-19 and the understandable concerns that people have around travelling to the Netherlands, which is facing stricter restrictions, it seems inappropriate to continue with our plans to exhibit.

“IBC has been and will continue to be, a hugely valuable event for our business and we remain totally committed to the broadcast and professional video industry, supporting our customers and partners’ demands, today, and over the long term.” TVBEurope