IBC doesn't stop when you leave the RAI. Here are the best pre-show parties, happy hours and networking events around Amsterdam during IBC2026.
IBC returns to Amsterdam from September 11–14, 2026, bringing the international media, broadcast, production and technology communities back to the RAI.
But veterans of the show know that IBC doesn't really finish when you leave the exhibition floor (or start when you arrive for the first day). Amsterdam during IBC week is packed with drinks receptions, parties, meetups and networking events, and often it's these more informal/fun gatherings where some of the week's best conversations happen. There is usually a decent amount of beer and bitterballen on offer as well!
With just over a week to go, diaries are filling up quickly. We’ve picked out some of the events worth knowing about, and almost all are completely free to attend.
18:00–20:00 | Rosarium Amsterdam | Free registration
For anyone arriving in Amsterdam ahead of the show, Grass Valley is getting things started on Thursday evening.
The GV Forum and Networking Event brings together customers, partners and others from across the broadcast and media technology industry. Alongside networking, Grass Valley promises discussion around its technology strategy, product developments, industry trends and real-world customer deployments.
It's a more structured start to IBC week than some of the parties that follow, but potentially a useful one for anyone interested in broadcast infrastructure and live production.
Register for the GV Forum and Networking Event
19:00–23:30 | De Heeren van Aemstel | Tickets from €15
If you'd rather begin IBC with music than presentations, the Amsterdam Media & Entertainment Mixer returns with DJs in the ’Dam. This actually looks pretty decent!
Taking over De Heeren van Aemstel near Rembrandtplein, the event is bringing together people from broadcasting, streaming, media and technology for an evening of DJs, drinks and networking before IBC officially begins.
The organizers are deliberately positioning this as something less corporate than the traditional industry reception, with an open bar and industry figures taking turns behind the decks. Capacity is limited and tickets are being released in phases. Pace yourselves though: no need for a hangover on day 1!
16:00–18:00 | RAI Amsterdam, Stand 2.A47 | Free
If you don't want to travel anywhere after the first day, the amazing team at Rise is hosting networking drinks in partnership with Evertz directly on the IBC show floor.
It's an easy opportunity to catch up with people from across the industry before everyone disperses into Amsterdam for the evening. Rise has several networking activities planned across the weekend, including its Awards networking event on Saturday afternoon.
17:00–19:00 | The Traveller, Europaplein | Free registration
Another good Friday option is the IBC Pride Happy Hour, taking place at The Traveller immediately beside the RAI.
It's become one of the useful informal networking opportunities around IBC, bringing people from across the media technology community together for drinks after the first day of the show.
18:00–21:00 | De Hallen Studios | Free
One of Saturday night's larger creative-industry events takes place away from the RAI, as Adobe Color After Dark comes to Amsterdam for the first time.
Following events in Los Angeles and São Paulo, Color After Dark combines a relaxed industry mixer with hands-on access to creative technology from across the Adobe ecosystem.
The evening at De Hallen Studios will feature complimentary food and drinks, technology demonstrations and prize giveaways, alongside two live sessions looking at Adobe's latest Color Mode workflow.
Technology partners include AMD, AJA, ASUS, Atomos, Dell, Digital Anarchy, EIZO, Flanders Scientific, Godox, OWC and Suite, with the event aimed at editors, colorists, filmmakers, post-production professionals and the wider creative community.
Doors open at 18:00 and the event runs until 21:00. Admission is completely free, although advance registration is required and capacity is limited.
Register free for Adobe Color After Dark Amsterdam
18:00–23:00 | Arti et Amicitiae, Rokin | From $15
Also taking place on Saturday is the annual IBC Colorist Mixer, hosted by the good guys over at Colorist Society International and iColorist.
The event is specifically aimed at the color community and includes drinks, food, networking, prizes and its Color Quiz. This year's venue is Arti et Amicitiae, the historic artists' society on Rokin in central Amsterdam.
Unlike many of the events in this guide, this one isn't free: tickets range from $15 for entry from 19:00 to $30–40 for the earlier dinner options. If you are a colorist, though, the fee may be worthwhile.
16:00–17:00 | Diversified Cafe, Hall 3, Stand A.63 | Free
Sunday afternoon offers something more relaxed with the #GALSNGEAR Meetup at IBC.
Taking place at the Diversified Cafe inside the RAI, the one-hour gathering offers coffee, light snacks and informal networking, with attendees encouraged to bring a colleague and connect with other people from across the industry.
Register for the #GALSNGEAR Meetup
16:30–18:30 | Grass Valley, Hall 9, Stand 9.A01
The DPP is also holding its traditional Sunday afternoon drinks reception at IBC.
Taking place on the Grass Valley stand, the event brings together DPP members, friends and colleagues from across the media technology community for informal drinks and networking as the third day of IBC winds down.
Register for DPP Networking Drinks
One thing is already clear: IBC2026 won't be short of places to meet people once the formal meetings finish.
Many of these events require advance registration, and the off-site parties in particular have limited capacities. If there's somewhere you definitely want to attend, it's worth getting your name down before arriving in Amsterdam.
We'll continue updating this guide as more IBC2026 parties, networking events, mixers and happy hours are announced.
Hosting an IBC event we've missed? Get in touch with RedShark and we'll consider adding it to the list.