Every September, Amsterdam becomes one of the most important meeting points for the global media, entertainment and technology industry. IBC Amsterdam brings thousands of professionals together to discover new technology, exchange ideas and, naturally, fit quite a few meetings into a few busy days.
Planning to attend IBC Amsterdam 2026? A little preparation goes a long way. From dates and opening hours to transport, accommodation and what to do after the exhibition closes, here is everything you need to know before heading to Amsterdam.
What Is IBC Amsterdam?
IBC, short for the International Broadcasting Convention, is one of the world’s leading events for the media, entertainment and technology industries.
The event brings broadcasters, content owners, technology providers, platform operators, creatives, engineers and industry leaders together under one roof. Expect product demonstrations, presentations, panel discussions, workshops, networking and plenty of conversations about where the industry is heading next.
IBC expects more than 44,000 attendees from over 170 countries and more than 1,200 exhibitors at IBC2026. In other words: wear comfortable shoes.
When Is IBC Amsterdam 2026?
IBC2026 takes place from Friday 11 September until Monday 14 September 2026 at RAI Amsterdam.
The official exhibition opening hours are:
- Friday 11 September: 10:30–18:00
- Saturday 12 September: 09:30–18:00
- Sunday 13 September: 09:30–18:00
- Monday 14 September: 09:30–16:00
The programme covers several areas, including the IBC Conference, Technical Papers, Future Tech, Content Everywhere, IBC Accelerators and showcases.
Want to plan your days before arriving? Check the latest programme and registration information on the official IBC2026 website.
Where Is IBC Amsterdam Held?
IBC takes place at RAI Amsterdam, one of the largest exhibition and conference venues in the Netherlands.
And IBC certainly makes use of it. The event occupies all 55,000 square metres of the RAI, so knowing which halls, exhibitors and sessions you want to visit beforehand can save you plenty of walking.
RAI Amsterdam is in the south of the city, close to Amsterdam’s Zuidas business district. The venue is well connected by train, metro, tram, bus and bicycle.
How Do You Get to IBC Amsterdam?
From Schiphol Airport
Flying into Amsterdam? Getting to the RAI is straightforward.
Dutch trains connect Schiphol Airport with Amsterdam RAI station, making public transport a practical option on arrival. IBC no longer provides complimentary airport shuttle services and instead directs visitors to Dutch Rail for the journey from Schiphol.
Getting Around Amsterdam During IBC
Public transport is particularly useful during the event. Better still, IBC2026 badges include an integrated GVB QR code for Amsterdam’s tram, bus and metro network. You can use your badge to travel between the RAI and other parts of Amsterdam using GVB services.
Or do it the Amsterdam way: grab a bike.
Cycling can be an efficient way to get around during a major event, particularly when roads and public transport around the RAI are busy.
Where Should You Stay During IBC Amsterdam?
Accommodation fills up quickly during major Amsterdam conferences. Booking early gives you more choice, especially if you want easy access to both the RAI and the rest of the city.
For a multi-day business event, an aparthotel in Amsterdam can be particularly convenient. Instead of returning to one hotel room after a full day of meetings, you have more room to work, cook, and relax.
At Cityden Aparthotels, you get the independence of an apartment combined with hotel services. Cityden’s apartments include kitchen facilities, Wi-Fi, and space to settle in, making them suitable for business travel in Amsterdam, short business trips, and longer project stays.
Cityden Zuidas: A Convenient Base for IBC
For IBC visitors, Cityden Zuidas is the closest Cityden location to RAI Amsterdam.
You can reach the RAI in roughly:
Cityden Zuidas also offers a 24-hour reception, gym, sauna, restaurant, laundry facilities, bike rental and meeting space. After the exhibition closes, head to Lucia’s Restaurant & Bar for dinner or a drink rather than organising yet another journey across town.
Cityden Stadshart: More Space in Amstelveen
If you prefer staying outside the busiest parts of central Amsterdam, Cityden Stadshart offers another practical base.
Located in Amstelveen, it is around 11 minutes by car, 18 minutes by bike, or 26 minutes by public transport from the RAI. The spacious apartments work particularly well if you are extending your business trip or travelling with colleagues.
Cityden BoLo District: Mix Business With Amsterdam
Want to experience more of Amsterdam outside exhibition hours? Cityden BoLo District puts you in Amsterdam-West.
The RAI is around 12 minutes by car, 29 minutes by bike or 30–35 minutes by public transport. BoLo is a good option if your IBC trip is part work, part city break. Finish your meetings, drop the laptop and explore Amsterdam-West.
How to Make the Most of Your IBC Visit
IBC is big. Trying to see everything usually means seeing very little properly. A simple plan helps.
Before the event, shortlist the exhibitors and sessions that matter most to you. Schedule important meetings in advance rather than hoping you will bump into the right person somewhere across 14+ halls. Leave some gaps in your agenda too; unexpected conversations are part of what makes an international event like IBC useful.
A few practical tips:
- Register before travelling and keep your badge details handy.
- Download or check the event programme and mark your priority sessions.
- Plan meetings geographically where possible to avoid crossing the RAI repeatedly.
- Wear comfortable shoes. This one deserves repeating.
- Bring a portable charger if your phone doubles as your calendar, map and networking tool.
- Leave room for spontaneous meetings. Not everything needs a calendar invitation.
- Book accommodation and restaurants early, as Amsterdam gets busy during IBC.
What to Do in Amsterdam After IBC
Your badge is off. Your laptop is closed. Now what?
You are in Amsterdam, after all.
If you still have some energy left, head into the city for dinner, walk along the canals or explore one of Amsterdam’s neighbourhoods away from the busiest tourist streets. September is also a pleasant month for cycling, so renting a bike can be an easy way to see more of the city.
Staying at Cityden? Ask a Daymaker for a local recommendation. Cityden’s approach is firmly connected to its neighbourhoods, with Daymakers helping guests discover local places rather than simply ticking off the usual Amsterdam checklist.
And if your definition of networking has reached its limit for the day? Your own den works too.
Turn Your IBC Trip Into a Longer Stay in Amsterdam
Travelling internationally for IBC is a good excuse to give yourself an extra day or two in Amsterdam.
A serviced apartment in Amsterdam makes extending the trip particularly easy. You have a kitchen, living space, and somewhere comfortable to work if Monday’s emails cannot wait.
It also works well for professionals staying in Amsterdam beyond IBC. Cityden offers flexible accommodation from one night to several months, making its apartments suitable for everything from a short conference visit to long-stay Amsterdam accommodation and temporary corporate housing.
Ready for IBC Amsterdam 2026?
IBC Amsterdam is four packed days of technology, ideas, meetings and new connections. Plan your programme, arrange your transport and choose your accommodation early, then leave enough space in your agenda to enjoy Amsterdam too.
Looking for more room than a standard hotel during IBC? Cityden Aparthotels offers serviced apartments in and around Amsterdam, with kitchens, workspaces and convenient connections to RAI Amsterdam.
Choose Cityden Zuidas for the shortest trip to the RAI, Cityden Stadshart for a spacious base in Amstelveen or Cityden BoLo District if you want to combine IBC with Amsterdam-West.
For a stylish and comfortable stay during IBC Amsterdam, check out Cityden Aparthotels and book your den.
Find your own (s)pace.
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