Discover IBC Amsterdam 2027, 10–13 September. Explore broadcasting and media technology, conference highlights, local transport, hotels near RAI Amsterdam and city-break tips.
Amsterdam will once again become an international meeting point for professionals shaping the future of television, streaming, film production and digital media when IBC Amsterdam 2027 takes place from 10 to 13 September 2027. Hosted at RAI Amsterdam, this major industry event brings together technology specialists, broadcasters, content creators, business leaders and innovators from around the world.
For visitors, IBC is much more than a traditional trade show. It is an opportunity to discover emerging technologies, exchange ideas with international experts, explore new business opportunities and gain insight into how audiences will watch and experience content in the years ahead.
Whether you work in broadcasting, run a production company, develop media software or simply want to understand the latest developments in digital entertainment, IBC is an event worth putting on your professional calendar.
1. What is IBC Amsterdam?
IBC stands for the International Broadcasting Convention. It has developed into one of the leading international events for the media, entertainment and broadcast technology industries.
The exhibition brings together companies developing equipment, software and services used throughout the content-production and distribution chain. Alongside the exhibition, visitors can explore conference sessions, industry discussions and demonstrations of new technologies.
The 2027 edition follows IBC's 2026 event, which reported more than 1,300 exhibitors and over 41,000 attendees from 170 countries. These figures give a useful indication of the international scale of the event, although the final figures for 2027 are not yet known
Dates
10–13 September 2027, Friday to Monday
Venue
RAI AmsterdamEuropaplein, Amsterdam-Zuid
Who should attend?
Media professionals, broadcasters, production teams, technology companies, streaming specialists, start-ups and industry decision-makers.
2. What can visitors expect at IBC 2027?
The latest broadcasting and production technology
Discover professional cameras, studio equipment, lighting, audio systems, video editing tools and technologies used to produce content for television, film and online platforms. For production professionals, seeing equipment demonstrated in person can be far more useful than reading a product specification online.
Artificial intelligence and the future of content
AI-assisted editing, automated production, smarter content discovery and new digital workflows are important areas to watch. Visitors can investigate how emerging technologies may save time, improve production processes and change the way media businesses operate. The precise 2027 programme should be checked when the organiser publishes its detailed schedule.
Streaming, cloud services and content distribution
Streaming services and digital platforms continue to reshape the media landscape. IBC offers an opportunity to learn about cloud-based production, remote collaboration, video delivery, cybersecurity and the infrastructure required to distribute content reliably to audiences worldwide.
Networking and new business opportunities
An international gathering of this scale offers opportunities to meet suppliers, potential clients, partners and specialists from different markets. For companies planning to expand internationally, the conversations outside the formal presentations can be just as valuable as the exhibition itself.
IBC's programme has recently included discussions about AI, changing media business models, live sports production, trust and security, and how audiences discover content. These are useful themes to follow as the 2027 programme takes shape
3. Who will find IBC particularly interesting?
IBC is a specialist event, so it is most valuable for visitors who work in or closely follow the media and technology sectors.
Broadcasters and television networks: discover new production systems, transmission technology and ways to deliver content to viewers.
Film and video production companies: explore cameras, editing software, sound, visual effects and efficient production workflows.
Streaming platforms and digital publishers: learn more about content distribution, audience engagement and cloud-based infrastructure.
IT professionals and engineers: compare technical solutions for networks, cybersecurity, storage, remote production and media systems.
Marketing and media executives: explore business partnerships, changing audience behaviour and new commercial opportunities.
Start-ups and entrepreneurs: meet established industry players, demonstrate new ideas and investigate potential investment or collaboration.
Students and emerging talent: gain insight into career opportunities and the skills the media industry may need in the future.
Is it worth attending for a general visitor? IBC is primarily a professional trade event rather than a consumer entertainment festival. If you have a genuine interest in media technology, content creation or broadcasting, it can be fascinating. For a casual visitor without an industry connection, a more general technology exhibition may be a better fit.
4. Getting to RAI Amsterdam
One of the advantages of IBC is that the venue is well connected to Amsterdam's public transport network. You do not need to rent a car simply to attend the exhibition.
From Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
Schiphol Airport is the main international gateway for visitors flying to Amsterdam.
Train: travel from Schiphol Airport station to Amsterdam RAI station. Check the available services and any changes to timetables for your travel date.
Taxi or ride-hailing: convenient if you have heavy luggage or are travelling with colleagues, although costs can be considerably higher than public transport.
Rental car: useful if you plan to visit other Dutch cities, but generally unnecessary for a stay focused on IBC.
From Amsterdam Central Station
From Amsterdam Centraal, the metro is usually a practical way to reach the exhibition. Metro line 52, the North/South line, serves Europaplein, close to RAI Amsterdam.
Local transport at a glance
Transport | Best for |
|---|---|
Metro | Travelling between central Amsterdam and the exhibition |
Train | Airport connections and regional journeys |
Tram and bus | Reaching neighbourhoods and hotels outside walking distance |
Bicycle | Exploring Amsterdam outside exhibition hours |
Taxi | Late arrivals, luggage or group travel |
Walking | Hotels immediately around the RAI complex |
Buy the appropriate public transport ticket or use a supported contactless payment method. Check the official GVB public transport website and NS railway website closer to departure for routes, fares and engineering works.
Travel tip: If you are attending all four days, staying within walking distance of the venue or close to a metro or train station can save considerable time, particularly before the morning sessions.
5. Hotels near RAI Amsterdam: where should you stay?
September is a busy period for Amsterdam, and large trade fairs can put pressure on hotel availability and prices. Booking early is sensible, especially if you want to stay within walking distance of the venue.
The following hotels are useful starting points for comparing accommodation. They are not guaranteed to have rooms available for the event dates, and prices will depend on your booking conditions.
Hotel nhow Amsterdam RAI
A contemporary design hotel immediately beside the RAI complex. An excellent option for visitors who want to minimise commuting and enjoy a modern hotel with restaurants and city views.
Europaboulevard 2b, 1078 RV Amsterdam, Netherlands
Motel One Amsterdam
A modern, design-focused option in Amsterdam-Zuid. Worth comparing if you prefer a straightforward hotel with convenient access to the exhibition and public transport.
Europaboulevard 23, 1079 PC Amsterdam, Netherlands
Hotel Novotel Amsterdam City
A full-service hotel near the RAI and Amsterdam RAI station. A practical choice for business visitors who appreciate familiar hotel facilities and straightforward transport links.
Europaboulevard 10, 1083 AD Amsterdam, Netherlands
Van der Valk Hotel Amsterdam Zuidas
A modern business-oriented hotel in the Zuidas area, near Amsterdam RAI station. Consider it if convenient train and metro connections are a priority.
Tommaso Albinonistraat 200, 1083 HM Amsterdam, Netherlands
ibis budget Amsterdam City South
A budget-oriented alternative in Amstelveen. It is farther from the exhibition than the hotels above, so check the full public transport journey before booking.
Professor J.H. Bavincklaan 1, 1183 AT Amstelveen, Netherlands
These properties represent different accommodation styles and locations around Amsterdam-Zuid and the wider southern part of the city.
How can you keep accommodation costs under control?
Book as early as possible: compare refundable rates first, then check whether a non-refundable rate offers worthwhile savings.
Look beyond the immediate RAI area: Amsterdam-Zuid, Amstelveen and other well-connected districts may offer alternatives.
Compare the total cost: a cheaper hotel farther away may require extra transport time and expense.
Consider sharing a room: travelling with a colleague can reduce the accommodation cost per person.
Check breakfast arrangements: compare the hotel breakfast price with nearby cafés or supermarkets.
Verify the commute: check the route for the exact dates rather than relying solely on the hotel's advertised distance from the venue.
You do not have to spend every waking hour inside the exhibition halls. Amsterdam is an attractive destination for a short city break, and September can be a pleasant time to explore the city between business appointments.
Here are a few ideas for your free time:
Amsterdam's historic canals: take an evening walk along the waterways or book a canal cruise.
Museum Quarter: visit the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum or another museum that matches your interests. Book popular attractions in advance.
De Pijp: explore cafés, restaurants and the lively Albert Cuyp Market.
Amsterdam Noord: cross the IJ by ferry and discover a different side of the city, with contemporary architecture, creative venues and waterside cafés.
Dutch food and drink: try a local brown café, Dutch cheeses, herring or a traditional Dutch pancake.
Business networking after hours: arrange a meeting or dinner with contacts you have met at the exhibition.
7: Final thoughts: is IBC Amsterdam 2027 worth visiting?
If you work in broadcasting, streaming, video production, media technology or digital entertainment, IBC Amsterdam 2027 could be an excellent opportunity to discover new developments and connect with people from across the industry.
The combination of a large international exhibition, specialist knowledge and networking opportunities makes it particularly valuable for professionals looking to improve their technical expertise or develop their business.
Amsterdam also makes the trip relatively straightforward: the RAI is well connected to the airport and city centre, and there is plenty to see and do once the exhibition closes.
My recommendation: plan your must-see exhibitors and conference sessions before arrival, book accommodation early, and leave some time to explore Amsterdam. That way, you can turn a professional visit into a rewarding city break.
