#01 Welcomeatthe RAI!

FESPAGlobalPrintExpo

Creativesector,12–15October2021

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Physical meetings are here to stay

Our review of the year 2021 took place via a Teams meeting with Paul Riemens (CEO) and Maurits van der Sluis (COO). “Mostly closed, that’s about all we can say” is how they spontaneously reply to our question of how things have been As understandable as this response – and as factually correct – we soon discover that a lot has still been happening during a year dominated by the pandemic Despite the mandatory closure of the largest venue in the Netherlands for three quarters of the year, the RAI worked tirelessly to move and reschedule events, make the venue COVID-proof, build the organisation and its future, and deploy its people, tools and facilities to support the city from a social perspective The limited period that the venue was open in the autumn conrmed that the need for people to have physical meetings has remained strong even after this unprecedented period. In-person meetings are inextricably linked to nding inspiration, exchanging knowledge, doing business and sharing emotions With that light at the end of the tunnel, 2022 began with a phase of recovery and the restoration of events to their rightful place

The year 2021 started with doors rmly shut and a slimmed-down organisation. Take us to that moment, if you will, Paul.

"At the start of the year, the RAI was closed for events That had already been the case for nine months, with a brief interlude in the autumn of 2020 when we were able to open our doors We formed a crisis organisation that focused on four tracks: a fast reopening of the RAI, accelerated development of new revenue models, nancial continuity and a further modernisation of the venue into an attractive multifunctional location In concrete terms, these issues were translated into the development of COVID protocols, a focus on cash management, savings and a reorganisation, early renancing, accessing COVID-related support schemes, the maximum use of digital and hybrid events, and the further development of our premises and the RAI’s logistics concept.”

"We had already implemented a far-reaching reorganisation during 2020 that safeguarded our specialist knowledge,” Maurits continues “This involved a deliberate choice to expand our exible team of organisation partners and seconded sta At the start of 2021 we were simultaneously postponing events and working on the further development of new processes. In addition, many departments were actively providing resources to the city and the GGD municipal health service. We facilitated all aspects of COVID testing and this was further expanded in 2021 with the provision of vaccination areas The RAI eventually became the largest vaccination venue in the Netherlands ”

How did the continued postponement of events aect the organisation?

Paul: “The uncertainty combined with the continuously shifting horizon sapped a great deal of energy I especially remember the moment it was announced that public events such as festivals, concerts, sporting events and business events would be starting again on 1 July But not exhibitions and conferences Our employees found this rather unfair and the RAI then sat down with other venues and the trade associations to obtain a status that would designate exhibitions and conferences as ow-through events The doors were nally unlocked in September ”

Maurits: " We really thought we’d be opening before the summer and I don’t think anyone saw almost an entire second year of COVID coming The doors were rst slightly opened in summer This allowed us to gain experience with smaller groups within our COVID-proof concept The Stage is Yours! and practice and optimise our scripts. The RAI was nally fully opened in September and we had never put on so many events in such a short time. Unfortunately, we had to close again on 18 December although this was not due to any lack of safety related to COVID-19 All the adaptations and precautionary measures we had taken made our events safe and responsible "

What did you learn personally from the short period in which the RAI was open?

Paul: "We became even more convinced of our vision that physical meetings cannot be replaced by PC screens and online connections Society yearns for inspirational locations, times and contacts They are fuel for our mind and wellbeing While the RAI provides this location, we don’t do so alone but together with the organisers and other stakeholders who serve the related communities It’s our home that accommodates organisers and exhibitors and facilitates these meetings. Moreover, our people take the initiative and create opportunities for the new experiences and meetings of tomorrow That makes me proud!”

Maurits: "When we reopened in September it initially seemed virtually impossible to put on so many large events in four months We succeeded although were unfortunately not able to keep all clients happy Sometimes we had to postpone an event to another date yet again or move them to another location in the RAI. We tried to distribute the nuisance as evenly as possible and thankfully also received a lot of support and positive feedback."

What were the experiences of the exhibitors and visitors attending a business event after such a long time?

Maurits: “It was a unique moment to see so many enthusiastic people meeting again, happy and upbeat, sometimes even visibly emotional to talk again in person. This was the impression of our organisers, exhibitors and visitors, and we felt it too Everyone agreed that the feeling was back Yes, with fewer people, but the vibe was still there I knew then that it would never disappear ”

Looking back at 2021, what would you like to say to RAI employees?

Paul: "I would truly like to thank them for their perseverance and the way they supported each other at a time when this was needed most. We managed to maintain our creativity and, despite the concerns about job losses and an future, incredible levels of engagement This was also seen in the reorganisation, for which we must again pay our sincere compliments to the works council ”

Maurits: "I couldn’t agree more Our exibility and endurance were put to the test, but in a very dierent way than we’d have expected several years ago. To a certain extent we also got the chance to take our distance and reect. From the employees’ perspective we are now entering an interesting and educational period ”

It’s now March 2022 The rst quarter was lost for events but the RAI has reopened How do you look ahead?

Paul: "We are working hard to recover The new organisation is fully involved in the long list of events that are coming to the RAI These include large-scale events such as Intertrac and Amsterdam Drone Week which we will be welcoming in just a few weeks. Then we will be busy non-stop until mid-July. It is hard work, but we are very much looking forward to it ”