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First-Timer’s Guide to IBC Amsterdam 2026

So, you're heading to IBC 2026, the mothership of media, entertainment, and tech. Held at RAI Amsterdam from September 11–14, it’s where the world’s sharpest creators, broadcasters, and innovators collide. If it’s your first time, buckle up. Here’s everything you need to survive (and thrive), with the right shoes, the best snacks, and a few secret weapons.

🎟️ Need a Free Exhibit Pass? Use our VIP code IBC8156 to unlock all IBC has to offer!

☀️ Weather Check: Light Jacket Vibes

September in Amsterdam? Chef’s kiss. Expect mild temps around 18°C (64°F) by day and chillier evenings around 12°C (54°F). Sunshine is likely, but so are those sneaky little rain showers.

Pack this:

  • A light waterproof jacket ideally that cuts the wind
  • Layers for indoor/outdoor transitions
  • Sunglasses (for style and survival)

Get Around Like a Local: Bike It

🚖 Forget taxis. Forget Ubers. Amsterdam is a biking paradise.

Flat, fast, and ridiculously fun. We recommend renting from Black Bikes (RAI location!) so you can dodge traffic and arrive at the venue feeling smugly eco-conscious. On your way, take a moment to enjoy the city and its views.

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Bonus: You can return the bike at any of their 20 locations across the city.

Tip: Don’t bike and use your phone, you might get a fine by the police 👮🏻

🚗 Parking @ RAI: Not Bad, Actually

Driving? RAI Amsterdam has over 3,000 parking spots, plus overflow if things get wild. It’s off the A10 (exit 9, Rivierenbuurt).

You can even book your spot online to avoid the “loop of doom” searching for space.

🍽️ Food for Thought (and the Rest of You)

🎯 Inside RAI

You’ve got six permanent restaurants plus food trucks. Think croissants, Thai bowls, fresh salads, and decent coffee. If you’re sprinting between sessions, this will do the job. Watch out at peak hours the line might be long!

🍴 Outside the Bubble

A few local faves near the venue:

  • The Roast Room – Meaty, moody, and inside the RAI complex.
  • Vis aan de Schelde – Fancy seafood with boss-level wine pairings.
  • Café Restaurant ’t Vliegertje – Cozy Dutch vibes, hearty portions.

✨ Pro tip: Book your post-event dinners in advance. The city fills up fast during IBC.

The one snack you shouldn't leave Amsterdam without: a warm stroopwafel; ideally eaten standing up. You'll find them all over the city. You'll also find them at our stand if you are lucky to get there in time! 🧇

👟 Dress Code: Smart, Not Sore

You’ll be walking... a lot.

RAI has 14 halls (yes, fourteen) and the only way to see them all is to pace like a pro. Think business casual with stealth sneakers. Yes, even your stylish-but-sensible ones. You can thank us later.

🗺️ Must-Visit Halls & Can't-Miss Moments

IBC isn’t just big — it’s big and brilliant. Here’s where to focus:

  • Hall 14 – Future Tech & Innovation

    AI. Automation. Magic. This is where the cool kids hang and it's 30% bigger in 2026. They have a Future Tech Ignite zone for emerging media-tech companies. Worth an hour... even if you came for gear.

  • IBC Conference Sessions

    From sustainability to streaming revolutions, catch the talks shaping tomorrow’s workflows.

  • Live Demos Everywhere

    Hands-on is the name of the game. Plan your route or be ready to zig-zag your way through groundbreaking tools.

✨ Stop by the Cheqroom Booth. Your Equipment Will Approve

Whether you're managing 10 cameras or 10,000 lights, come see how Cheqroom keeps work in motion at Hall 11, Booth A32.

We are the Asset Operations Platform behind 1,400+ organizations from checkout to return. Since the last IBC, we've launched a Booking Portal, Work Orders and ticketing for everything from repairs to calibration to event management. We have a great team to show you the magic of AssetOps.

📍Find us on the show floor. Look for the pink background and the nice-people vibes. We're showing off new features and we'll have swag and stroopwafels because we don't want you to have to hunt for one.

☕ Take Five at the IABM Lounge

Need a place to plot your next move or strike up an impromptu conversation about “MediaTech” or “AssetOps”? The IABM Lounge is your chill zone. Great for networking, resting, or pretending to answer emails.

💆‍♀️ Unwind Like a Pro: The IBC Relaxation Zone

Let’s be honest, after five laps around Hall 11 and three espresso-fueled demos, you’ll need a reset. That’s where the IBC Relaxation Zone comes in. Yes, it’s real. Yes, there are massages. Yes, you deserve one.

📍 Where to find it: Usually tucked away from the hustle but close enough to dive back into the action, check the event map or app for the latest location.

👐 What to expect:

  • Professional massage therapists
  • A rare moment of zen in the whirlwind of media tech
  • Your colleagues to take fun pictures

Take 10 minutes. Breathe. Reset. Then get back out there with your shoulders less tense and your elevator pitch refreshed.

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🧠 Final Tips from Your Cheqroom Friends

  • Plan ahead: Pick your sessions and booths. You won’t cover it all.
  • Offline mode FTW: Wi-Fi can be patchy. Download the event app to navigate sessions and show floor with ease with Apple or GooglePlay
  • Network like a natural: You never know who you’ll meet over coffee or a croissant.
  • Explore Amsterdam: From canal-side drinks to Van Gogh, save time to soak up the city.

See You at IBC! 🤩

We’re stoked to meet the people behind the gear. Whether you're streamlining workflows, scaling productions, or just want to geek out over a smoother checkout process - Cheqroom’s here for it. Come say hi. Grab a demo. Snag some swag. Make your ops unforgettable.

Because let’s be real, equipment is the backbone of your operations.

We just keep it moving.

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Skip the lines and book a meeting to see how Cheqroom keeps work in motion.

Let's discuss how we can turn your equipment chaos into a perfectly orchestrated symphony.

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Written by Claire Strom Aug 18, 2026

Claire Strom | Program Marketing Lead


As the program marketing lead, she's the one who keeps Cheqroom's vision and our customers' needs in sync. She loves bringing new features to life and telling the world about the magic of how Cheqroom keeps work in motion.

Whether she is behind the scenes crafting a new strategy or in front of the camera sharing our customers' stories, her mission is to turn equipment operations into a superpower, one story at a time.

FAQ

  • We've got you covered! You can register directly on the official IBC website and use our VIP code, IBC8156, to get a free Exhibit Pass. It’s the easiest way to unlock all IBC has to offer.

  • While equipment is scattered throughout, you can't miss the major camera and gear brands typically found in Halls 12 and 13. But for the most innovative solutions in equipment management and asset operations, you'll want to head straight to Hall 11. That's where you'll find us, along with other forward-thinking tech that's changing how productions get things done.

  • Absolutely. The IBC Relaxation Zone is a great spot for a quick breather, and the IABM Lounge is perfect for striking up conversations with other professionals. But let's be real, the best conversations often happen spontaneously over a cup of coffee.

  • September 11-14, 2026 at RAI Amsterdam. Note: it runs Friday through Monday, so plan your travel carefully. We will have a team at the booth all four days at Hall 11 Stand A32.