How many years have you been going to IBC for?
Over 25.
What’s your typical IBC routine? What are you there to see or learn? Who are you there to meet?
I like to meet the newcomers. Not the big brands with their amazing booths and decorations, but the people showing new ideas, often with smaller stands and less polished marketing. That’s where you get a real sense of where the industry is heading. Some of the concepts I saw back in 1998 or 2000 are only now becoming possible thanks to advances in computing power. The ideas were already there, which makes it fascinating to see what’s being developed today.
A big part of my routine is visiting those smaller stands and speaking with the people behind the innovations. I also visit some of the larger brands and meet with people we work with across the different regions we operate in. We work with teams in the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, and the US for example, therefore, IBC is a great opportunity for all of us to meet in one place.
Why is IBC important to you in a professional capacity and how does the show compare to others on the calendar?
Compared to other shows, IBC is important because it is one of the events where brands really invest in being present. They bring products, they bring updates, and more importantly, they bring people with knowledge. That makes a big difference. You can often talk directly to engineers from companies like Sony or Canon, people who are part of the R&D and development teams. That kind of access is rare and valuable. In terms of knowledge, IBC is the show where I meet the most technically experienced people.
What is your top tip for anyone attending IBC for the first time?
Pick up the map and visit everything. Don’t spend too much time in one place. The first time you go, the most important thing is to get a broad view of the industry. You’ll see many different sectors and get a better understanding of how things connect, rather than spending three hours in one conversation with one brand. That might give you a good impression of that company, but not of the full picture.
Try to see as much as possible. Positions tend to stay the same each year, so the next time you attend, you’ll know exactly where to go to find what interests you most. That first broad overview is very useful.
After the show, when challenges arise in your day-to-day work, those conversations often come to mind and help you come up with better solutions.
