IBC Show organizers previewed September plans for Amsterdam, emphasizing networking and startup discovery alongside traditional exhibit floor demos. The event runs Sept. 11–14 at RAI Amsterdam with exhibition space expected to exceed 45,000 square meters and more than 1,200 exhibitors across 14 halls.
CEO Mike Crimp said IBC's power is convening—this year formalized through Braindate Lounge and expanded Future Tech programming in Hall 14.
Braindate Lounge
Attendees form peer groups online before the show, seeded with expert discussions from IBC consultants and conference topics. On-site meetings move into Braindate Lounge for structured conversations about what attendees saw on the floor—knowledge networks that persist past badge scans.
For engineers tired of random hallway pitches, Braindate offers agenda-like serendipity: arrive with a ST 2110 question, leave with three vendor-agnostic war stories.
Future Tech Ignite
Hall 14's Future Tech zone launches Future Tech Ignite dedicated to startups, emerging tech, talent, and creative communities. EIT Culture and Creativity becomes innovation partner, strengthening European creative-tech ties. Ignite Stage runs all four days—expanded from one—with startup pitches, future sessions, and skills content.
Director of sales Steve Connolly reported Future Tech and Content Everywhere in Hall 5 booking ahead of 2025 pace. Key themes: sports transformation, trust and authenticity, and new commercial models—aligned with pillars on business models, transformative tech, and people and purpose.
Attendance outlook
Crimp expressed confidence in international attendance near 2025 levels despite macro uncertainty, contrasting softer NAB Show 2026 turnout. Register at show.ibc.org.
Plan ST 2110 interoperability meetings in Braindate before September flight prices spike. Startup alley is where next year's acquisition targets hide—assign someone to take notes, not just collect tote bags.
Bottom line
IBC 2026 is positioning as collaboration infrastructure, not just product shelves. Budget for Hall 14 time equal to big iron booths—your next cloud playout vendor may be ten meters from the espresso cart.
