ID&T and Dutch Government Agree to Explore Future of Events

ID&T c.s., with Alliantie van Evenementenbouwers and Fieldlab Evenementen, spoke with the Dutch government about a sustainable future.

Earlier this month, ID&T, who has brought forth festivals including Mysteryland, Milkshake, and Decibel Outdoor, along with other event companies in The Netherlands, called the Dutch government to court following new COVID-19 measures that were put in place. Late last week, a stay was placed on the hearing as the Dutch government agreed to come to the table to discuss and work with the event companies with the intent to resolve the situation amicably.

Today, the conversation began between the two parties with ID&T being one of the parties representing the co-claimants. Centered around the health and safety of attendees, as well as other topics of note involving the live event industry, the discussion shined a light on everything from personal capacities to the uncertainty of the Delta variant.

We have agreed to investigate the practical feasibility. It is crucial for our industry to gain perspective on the future, in which we can organize events in a safe and responsible way in the short term and do so as well in the long term without measures.
Rosanne Janmaat, COO of ID&T

The Dutch Outbreak Management Team (OMT) provided experts who brought forth their insight to the discussion, which may lead to new measures put in place by the government. These include testing taking place no more than 24 hours before the end of the events instead of the 40 hours prior to the start, along with the need for vaccinated individuals taking a test prior to the start of the event as well. While the practical feasibility of these new measures is yet to be seen, the two parties will be remaining in contact and have another conversation scheduled for the future as well.

Further, the two parties also came to an agreement on how testing will take place. They will develop an airtight system for Testen voor Toegang (Testing for Access) to make live events possible and meet in the middle. Clarity on future measures was also of importance as well, with ID&T and others urging the government’s ministers to respond rapidly when making decisions.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.