The headline attendance figure for IBC 2016 was 55,796 over the six days of the conference and exhibition – a new record. This is the number of attendees not registrations; the people who were actually on site, who came from more than 160 countries.

“IBC really is the only forum that attracts a global audience, the most comprehensive exhibition, and the best thought-leaders to spark the debate,” said Michael Crimp, CEO of IBC. “This year they included Sir Martin Sorrell on the global future for advertising, Erik Huggers on online broadcasting, and Mr Ang Lee on the new realism that the latest technology brings movie-makers.”

“But IBC, above all else, is about bringing people together to share knowledge and to do business,” Crimp added. “It is clear, from the buzz around the whole show, that this has been a great year.”

The exhibition featured over 1,800 exhibitors, including 249 companies at their first IBC, and 435 speakers took part in more than 100 sessions.

“The continuing success of IBC is down to the hard work of a lot of people, staging an event that is relevant and engaging across the whole of our transforming industry,” concluded Crimp. “We continue to evolve, and I am confident that next year’s IBC – our 50th anniversary edition – will be even better. I look forward to welcoming you back to Amsterdam, 14th to 19th September 2017.”