How long have you been going to IBC?
I have been going to IBC for 23 years.
What’s your typical IBC routine: what are you there to see/learn, who are you there to meet?
Throughout my career, I have always attended IBC representing an equipment manufacturer, so my routine has been consistent. Weeks before the event I pre-schedule meetings with partners and customers who are confirmed to attend the show. I always arrive a day before the event opens to check on the booth setup and show logistics. Each morning before heading to the event I have an early breakfast with the rest of the team to discuss last-minute items and to review activities for the day. Once the show opens, I spend most of my time on the booth talking to customers and technology partners, as well as attending press meetings and supporting activities related to industry associations like RIST (Reliable Internet Stream Transport).
Why is IBC important to you in a professional capacity, and how does the show compare to others on the calendar?
Every company I’ve worked for has been very focused on global markets and IBC has always been the most important international industry event. IBC is one of the world’s most influential media, entertainment and technology trade shows for professionals engaged in the creation, management and delivery of entertainment and news content worldwide. IBC is where we go to meet customers from over 150 countries from Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Asia Pacific who often do not attend any other major international events and who are seeking first-hand technologies and innovations, networking events and a unique conference agenda. The RIST Forum has over 100 international member companies, so IBC is a unique opportunity to get together with these members annually.
What are you most looking forward to at IBC 2024?
The main thing I look forward to at IBC each year is meeting our current customers and industry colleagues and be able to greet new ones! It is always amazing to feel the excitement at the show each morning and to have the sense of accomplishment at the end of each day. Throughout the event, I learn from our technical team, learn about complementary technologies from others and customer’s new requirements. It is intense but always a very rewarding event!
What’s your top tip for anyone attending IBC for the first time?
If you will be walking the show, get your meetings setup in advance in clusters per hall so you spend your time efficiently between meetings. Plan ahead and wear comfortable clothing and shoes. If you will be staffing a booth, make sure to let your customer base know in advance that you will have a presence at the event so you can schedule most meetings ahead of time to avoid times where there is an empty booth, or you have more visitors than your staff can handle at once.
