Irdeto Pulls Out Of IBC

Digital platform security provider Irdeto said today it has made “the difficult decision to withdraw from the IBC 2021 show. This decision was reached due to record levels of COVID-19 infections, recent changes to COVID protocols announced by the Dutch government, and rapidly increasing numbers of hospitalizations and deaths in the Netherlands.

“Irdeto does not believe that it is advisable to hold a very large indoor event in Amsterdam at this time and under the current circumstances (where for example everyone in the country is being asked to work from home if possible and to reduce in-person and social contact). Irdeto believes that ensuring the safety of our customers, partners, and our own staff is an integral part of our company’s mission to build a secure future. 

After 18 months working mostly in a virtual world, Irdeto, much like the rest of the industry, was eagerly anticipating the opportunity to reconnect with old friends and make new friends at an in-person event. We look forward to doing that as soon as it’s safe to do so.”

Doug Lowther, Irdeto chief executive officer, added: “Despite a strong desire to attend IBC 2021 and participate in the gathering of our industry after a challenging year and a half, the resurgence of the pandemic in the Netherlands has left us with no other option but to withdraw our participation. We took this decision in the interests of the safety of our customers, partners, and employees given the ongoing challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. Our company is appreciative of the work done to plan and host IBC 2021, and we look forward to returning to industry events once it’s safe to do so.”