IBC Expands Area for 2006 Exhibit

IBC2006 is busting at the seams. Organizers say that due to continued demand, floor space for the exhibits has been expanded by 500 square meters.

The areas extended into Europa Foyer 1, near Hall 1, the area previously used as a food court. It links directly with the extended Mobile Zone to form the new major exhibition space known as "Hall 12." The additional space nearly clears the current waiting list, for the time being.

To compensate for the loss of the food court, the Onyx Lounge near the auditorium becomes a restaurant, and the RAI staff restaurant, in the lower passage, opposite IBC TV News, will be open to IBC visitors from Friday to Tuesday. In the courtyard next to the staff restaurant will be a barbecue area.

Previously, the Onyx Lounge was used for registration. However, since a majority of people now register online and receive badges in advance, IBC organizers said less space is needed for registration. A temporary pavilion for last-minute registrations will be located outside the Europa complex on the end of Hall 1.

Sony will also be building its own pavilion next to Hall 9 to house its outside exhibits. Organizers said they also hoped to link Grass Valley's outside exhibits with the company's main display in Hall 11.

These changes, plus the preliminary work for the new transport interchange on the North-South line, will result in further alterations to the outside exhibit areas and the traffic flows. Ultimately, taxis, trams and shuttle buses should become more easily and quickly accessible.