IBC2023 takes over the RAI in Amsterdam on 15-18 September 2023, where over 40,000 visitors from over 170 countries will explore groundbreaking innovations across 13 halls.

This year’s show is the biggest game in town, bringing the media, entertainment and technology industries together again to showcase game-changing innovations, discuss new business models and network with key decision-makers. It’s a place where deals get done; where new products are launched; and where you might just get a glimpse into the future. 

But when the halls have been walked, appointments fulfilled, and the RAI has emptied out, what should you do with your time? IBC2023 itself is open from 10:30-18:00 on Friday 15 September, 09:30-18:00 on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 September, and from 09:30-16:00 on Monday 18 September. With these times in mind, what does IBC and Amsterdam have to offer the IBC2023 attendee who wants more?

1. Head for The Beach

There’s no need to leave the show to get a drink. The Beach is back for IBC2023, a place where all attendees can enjoy a craft beer on the terrace, dinner in the on-site restaurant or an industry networking event in one of the private areas. How do you find this sanctuary? It’s next to the pond, between Hall 3 and Hall 8. 

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Take a break from the show floor and chill out at the Beach.

2. Upgrade your pass

The Visitor Pass provides access to the entire IBC exhibition - access to the show floor, Showcase Theatre, Innovation Stage and Content Everywhere Stages, The Beach, plus the Gaming and Esports programme. 

Delegate Pass holders can also enjoy Conference opening drinks on the 15 September, while Premium Passes offer access to the IBC Premium Lounge, access to exclusive networking breakfasts and networking drinks. Find out more about the different IBC passes available on the IBC2023 Registration page. 

3. Go to the parties and the IBC Awards 

Broadcast Projects has a fantastic party and event list that rounds up all of the many social events going on during IBC2023, from informal drinks in the RAI halls to larger welcome receptions. Some of the IBC events to look out for include: 

  • IBC Happy Hour, 5-6pm (Premium delegates and IBC Conference speakers), 15 September
  • IABM BaM Awards, from 6pm, 16 September
  • Changemakers Party 6-7pm, 17 September
  • IBC Awards, 6-7.30pm, 17 September

But if you do want to head into town, take the Metro 52 from the RAI (get on at Europaplein station) to Amsterdam Central Station. TCA taxis are available to and from the RAI and throughout the city of Amsterdam - download the TCA app. And once in Amsterdam, why not…

Beautiful Amsterdam with colourful buildings and bikes on a bridge.

Beautiful Amsterdam has plenty to keep you busy after hours, from canal cruises to rijsttafel.

4. Cruise the canals

This is a great way to see Amsterdam from the water, where you can view the beautiful historic canal homes. Cruises operated by a variety of different companies run every day from 9am to 10pm, typically taking an hour to 90 minutes. Pick a cruise with an onboard bar if you want to keep the party going.

5. Visit the Anne Frank House

Open until 10pm, this museum tells the story of how the German-born Jewish Frank family hid from occupying forces in a secret annex for over two years during World War 2. It’s a remarkable experience, recounted by 13-year-old Anne in her now famous diary.

6. Explore the Jordaan

The Jordaan district is one of the most popular areas of Amsterdam, noted for its shops, cafés and bars, its small streets and canals. You’ll find the Anne Frank House here, as well as a string of busy bruin cafés, aka ‘brown bars’ - traditional/historic pubs that can be identified by their moody dark wood decor. These include Café ‘t Smalle and Cafe ’t Papeneiland, amongst many others.  

7. Visit the Van Gogh Museum

Hosting the world’s largest collection of Van Gogh’s artworks in a permanent exhibition, the museum is open between 9am and 6pm every day. Vincent Van Gogh is celebrated as one of the most influential artists in Western art. Highlights in the collection include masterpieces such as Sunflowers, Almond Blossom and Self-Portrait with Grey Felt Hat. 

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See Van Gogh’s masterpieces at the Van Gogh museum.

8. Dine out on rijsttafel

With colonial links to Indonesia, Indonesian food is widely popular in the Netherlands and you shouldn’t leave Amsterdam without trying rijsttafel. The direct translation of rijsttafel is ‘rice table’ and consists of a selection of tapas-style spiced rice dishes designed to be shared. Popular rijsttafel includes Saté Ajam (chicken satay skewers with peanut sauce) and Iga Bakar (grilled and marinated lamb chop with soy sauce). 

9. Explore The Heineken Experience

With many of the sessions at IBC2023 ending around 5pm, you’ll have plenty of time to hotfoot it to the Heineken Experience on Stadhouderskade. Closing at 9pm on Friday and Saturday (7.30pm on all other days), you get a tour of the former brewery built by Gerald Adriaan Heineken in 1867 with a couple of cold beers to finish. 

10. Enjoy the best view in town

Before the sun goes down, where better to appreciate Amsterdam than one of the city’s rooftop bars. From Floor 17 (reportedly the highest rooftop terrace in Amsterdam at 85 metres) to GAPP atop Hotel Casa, catch the sunset with a Nasty Granny cocktail and relax, taking in the chill evening atmosphere before another exciting day at the show. 

Whatever you get up to at IBC2023, whoever you meet and wherever you go, we hope you have a great show. Whether you’re attending in person or following online, check out the resources below.

 

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