CONNECT Amsterdam nr2.|Autumn

Connect Amsterdam AUTUMN 2021 | NR. 2

WELCOME BACK

FIRST INTERNATIONAL EVENTS IN THE RAI SINCE COVID-19 BACK IN BUSINESS

AMSTERDAM REOPENS AS CONFERENCE CITY

LET'S MAKE IT HAPPEN

Content 4 CURRENT

First international congress since corona Good news for the events industry Amsterdam reopens as conference city New talk show updates organisers Networking for the introvert or shy

10 NEWS FROM THE NETHERLANDS

Additional support for events sector New director for amsterdam&partners Unmute us - protest march of the festival and event sector

13 INNOVATION

RAI Amsterdam to offer customised stand construction Smart Data for healthier lives

17 RAI IN SOCIETY

Next step in the fight against food waste HeenenWeer Foundation expands in Amsterdam

20 THROWBACK On the wild side

22 HOTSPOTS

SIXT shared cars get a permanent place at the RAI Hotel stay in Amsterdam multicultural hotspot

BACK IN BUSINESS

It feels so good to bring people together again in the RAI. After being closed for a year and a half for multiday events, we finally opened our doors again to the general public on 8 September. And this time for the 36th edition of the KunstRAI. An event where visitors were inspired as usual by the exceptional works of art from more than 80 galleries. It was also nice that our first major event since Corona took place in the very place that we festively opened 60 years ago: The Europa Hall.

And that's how reopening the RAI for events feels now too. Festive. It's a celebration to see customers, suppliers, exhibitors, visitors and staff in the RAI again.

You can experience spontaneous meetings, real interaction and the energy that is released during live talks, just as you have in the past. Experiences that are easily lost during virtual meetings. We all missed this enormously.

September was a great opening month, with events that we facilitated and organised with the utmost care.

Think of The European Society For Paediatric Nephrology, a hybrid on-site and online meeting about kidney disease in children and adolescents.

Money20/20, the largest FinTech event in Europe and of course our own Greentech Live & Online, the global platform for horticultural professionals.

Our agenda shows you what is on our programme for the coming period. And that agenda is richly filled, with events relevant to various sectors in the Netherlands and far beyond. In short: we are back in business. And that feels great!

Maurits van der Sluis COO RAI Amsterdam

CURRENT

FIRST INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS IN THE RAI SINCE CORONA: "GREAT TO BE BACK".

By Jimmy Miltenburg - AT5

"You notice that, now that the Netherlands is opening up a bit again, people have an enormous backlog in their need for contact"

KILIAN WAWOE, ORGANISATIONAL PSYCHOLOGIST VU

The RAI has brought the first major international conference back to the city. Money20/20 means the return of thousands of foreign businesspeople in search of new ideas and networks.

Since the start of the pandemic, there has been nothing like the fair currently taking place in the RAI. Money20/20 is an event for people working in the field of financial technology. Although many steps have been taken in terms of digital communication and remote plan exchange, the return of the physical fair is very welcome according to president of the event Tracey Davies. "The thing is, you don't know who you don't know," she explains. "Look, you see people sitting here or they bump into each other. They meet acquaintances or new people and that's very difficult digitally."

RAI Director Paul Riemens is also beaming now that the halls are filled with thousands of people again. When Corona came along, people said 'Paul, stop it with those halls, it's not going to happen anymore'," he recalls. "But we came to the conclusion that the physical meeting is really very special and valuable. We put all our efforts into that." This has now resulted in the first three-day business event, with many more to follow.

The influx of people from all over the world confirms the research done

by Kilian Wawoe for the Free University of Amsterdam. Meeting each other is much more effective than meeting online. "When it comes to creativity and collaboration, getting new ideas, that's actually typically what you do at the RAI," says the organisational psychologist.

"Getting new plans is something you actually have to do without an agenda and just talk to people you don't know yet. A lot of new things come out of that." And the need has also grown in recent months, he says. "You notice that, now that the Netherlands has opened up a little, people have an enormous need for contact," research has shown. "So there lies a golden future for the RAI." The agenda of the event location is already pretty full, according to the director. The business exhibitions will return to the Europaplein in the coming months.

CURRENT

GOOD NEWS FOR THE EVENTS INDUSTRY

An important decision by the government brings the entire Dutch event industry back in motion. From Saturday 25 September, a relaxation of Covid measures will be implemented to make events more accessible to the vast majority of the population. The social distancing measure will be lifted and a relaxation of the quarantine measure will be implemented for vaccinated travellers from very high-risk areas.

As RAI Amsterdam, we welcome the upcoming relaxation of measures for the entire event industry. COO Maurits van der Sluis: “A lot of energy has been put into ensuring events take place in a safe and responsible manner in these times. We have already gained the necessary experience in this area.

With this easing of measures, we can welcome more visitors, while maintaining our high safety standard.”

Adjustment quarantine measure

The most important measures that apply to events in the RAI as of 25 September are:

the use of the EU Digital Covid Certificate (DCC) for visitors to gain access to an event. Valid paper proof is also accepted.

This means that a visitor is fully vaccinated with an EU approved vaccine, or can show a valid negative test or proof of recovery. the performance of a health check (triage) at the door. the full visitor capacity at events in the RAI can be used at seated and non-seated events. The maximised capacity 75% at non-fixed seating events has been lifted as of Monday 27 September.

In addition to the relaxation of measures, the quarantine measure for travellers from very high-risk areas will be adjusted on Wednesday 22 September. This is especially important for international events in the Netherlands.

Travellers from very high-risk areas, such as the United Kingdom and the United States of America, who have been fully vaccinated with an EU-approved vaccine, will no longer have to be quarantined as of 22 September.

“The coming changes make multi-day international events at the RAI, which are relevant to a variety of industries worldwide, more accessible to an even wider audience. We look forward to experiencing the energy and real interaction at these live events. An experience that we all have missed very much," says Maurits van der Sluis.

CURRENT

AMSTERDAM REOPENS AS A CONFERENCE CITY Mayor of Amsterdam Femke Halsema and deputy mayor Victor Everhardt (Economic Affairs) kicked off the return of business events to the city at the RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre on Thursday August 26.

The mayor and deputy mayor were joined by RAI CEO Paul Riemens and Tracey Davies, President of Money 20/20, as they officially opened the 2021/2022 congress season in a press conference today. Welcoming multi-day international trade fairs and conferences back to Amsterdam, they clarified the latest measures with regard to business events and emphasised the impact business events such as Money20/20 have on their relevant sectors (FinTech and Health & Science).

“I am very excited that business events will take place in our city again,” said mayor Halsema. “We are ready to receive, organise and facilitate international events in the city and the RAI.” Mayor Halsema also put emphasis on the level of safety in Amsterdam concerning Covid: “Schiphol, our hotel chains, RAI Amsterdam. They all have the protocols in place. In the last year and a half RAI Amsterdam has become a Covid-expert and is Covid-proof”.

About Amsterdam’s position in the global event sector the mayor says: “Amsterdam has been an international city for a long time. We have a tradition in welcoming guests from all over the world. We are proud of international trades, innovation and intellect. I think Money20/20 and a lot of the activities of RAI Amsterdam and other venues in our city are in the forefront of transforming our city. These visitors help our city become more of an innovative, curious city that we are proud of”.

By Katelijn Wilhelmy Deputy mayor Everhardt continues: “Over the next four years, the municipality of Amsterdam will invest 3.7 million euros in attracting conferences that add value to our city. We aim to make Amsterdam one of the most important conference cities in Europe. Amsterdam is now ranked fourteenth on the list of most attractive congress destinations worldwide.

Congresses provide income, employment and training, while strengthening local economic sectors.”

Until 2019, conferences at RAI Amsterdam alone were generating an annual turnover of approximately €690 million and employment of 6.300 FTEs. In general, a turnover of 1 euro added value for RAI Amsterdam is 7 euros added value for the region. With the Amsterdam conference sector shut down for a year and a half, the region of Amsterdam missed a revenue of approximately one billion euros.

“In close contact with clients, exhibitors and other relations, we have found the right mix to ensure events can take place safely and responsibly,” added RAI CEO Paul Riemens. “We are ready to start up in September with various influential events for all sectors, including the financial of which Money 20/20 is a great example.”

Riemens continues: “Our focus in the last year and a half was not only to organise safe events within the RAI. It was, and is, on the whole value chain. We support our visitors, exhibitors, suppliers and organisers in the total customer journey.

Especially in these times, our organisation is focused on adding that value and making a difference not only in Amsterdam, but also internationally.”

CURRENT

NEW TALK SHOW BRINGS EVENTPRO'S UP TO DATE ON INDUSTRY ISSUES

By Norman Lenden RAI Talks is the new talk show of RAI Amsterdam and discusses current affairs relevant to organisers, exhibitors and stakeholders. The programme format is recorded in the RAI's own studio and can be viewed on www.rai.nl and also listened to as a podcast via Spotify and Apple podcast.

The first edition of RAI Talks discusses the current situation in the events sector. The event industry is reopening and travel has become more accessible with the EU Digital COVID Certificate (DCC). But what exactly does this mean for our industry? And what exactly can you expect as an organiser?

Event specialists Pieter Lubberts of Fieldlab Events, Sjoerd Weikamp, editor in chief of Eventbranche.nl and RAI colleague Bart van der Heijden look ahead to the developments in the event industry. They give their vision and offer tips for the future.

Do you have any ideas for a topical theme? Or would you like to take part in the discussion? Let us know via content@rai.nl.

RAI Talks is now available as a broadcast and podcast.

CURRENT

NETWORKING FOR THE INTROVERT OR SHY PARTICIPANT: EASY DOES IT.

By Sanne Jolles In the last 18 months, the world of trade fairs, congresses and other business events has been shaken to its foundations. Organisers, exhibitors, venues and other stakeholders had to reinvent themselves. This resulted in temporary or permanent new business models, different starting points and a flood of blog posts, white papers and articles discussing tips and tricks to do things differently.

We quickly became accustomed to terms such as hybrid, went all in on the "pivot" or the changeover, talked about the importance of data and looked at our target groups from a new angle. How could we continue to fascinate and facilitate them? And that's where something remarkable happened: in addition to the usual segmentations, attention was paid to visitors who had previously been underexposed: the introverted visitor and the shy visitor. Visitors who, it was soon said, would benefit the most from all online events and communities.

Because the visitor who needed time for himself and did not want too many distractions was now suddenly given all the peace and quiet he needed. And someone who finds it difficult to participate in network meetings, did not have to worry about that now. Concealed behind the laptop, attending online events and gaining knowledge, without worrying about all those necessary conversations with extrovert and confident industry colleagues, or waiting with clammy hands for your turn during the introduction round.

But is that really the case? If you look at it that way, of course it is. Introverts are quiet and thoughtful and get energy from being alone, whereas extroverts get energy from spontaneous conversations in company and are more focused on their surroundings.

And for someone who is shy, networking is really about working, not the net. We do it, but it takes a lot of energy.

Let's just sit back and follow sessions and take notes.

So online events and the online part of a hybrid meeting for the introverts from now on? I don't think so. But it is wise to check if you as an organiser offer enough options for all participants: facilitating a personal customer journey, also for the introvert and shy visitor.

As an expert by experience (and a researcher in the meetings industry) I would like to share my observations on participation and networking during online and physical events. What works and what doesn't? For all stakeholders, the online communities and participant overviews are perfect. You can see well in advance who is participating.

This makes it easy to see who you would like to contact, to think about the added value and to send out your message.

Making contact in peace. Delightful!

But also things like a chat during an online session are ideal.

After all, establishing contact starts with an initial comment.

Easy to participate in, low-threshold and immediately a nice overview of reactions and questions: so you can easily see what is going on and what you can add. Or not.

Also nice are all the meetings in which talking and asking questions is flexible: for example, by raising your hand. This way, you can calmly get an idea of a conversation or discussion and make a well-considered contribution. Written down on a piece of paper, if necessary.

CURRENT

What does not work: all forms of networking where you are immediately thrown in at the deep end. So immediately shoved at a virtual table, or speaking for three minutes with someone who fits your profile but you probably don't know, or a networking carousel. Preferably first in the waiting room, so that you can see where you end up. Easy does it.

And that was an eye-opener for me: precisely all networking opportunities that most resemble a physical meeting are enjoyable. Because in a room, you also look at the setting before you decide whether you want to join a conversation or not.

Oh yes, for me an online event is all about the content and speakers: what can I learn and who else is there. So hosts who sit alone in their room and shout that they are having a great time and that it is a real party...well, I don't need that.

But: if this is how you want to keep the extrovert community in the loop, be my guest. I will wait for the next session.

It was an eye-opener for me: all online networking possibilities that most resemble a physical meeting are particularly pleasant. Because in a room, you look at the setting before you decide whether to join a conversation or not. So how do you make introverts and shy participants feel at home at your physical event?

Physical: keep it small for big results

Make sure there are enough spaces and moments in the planning where your visitor can withdraw for a while. By the way, you will be doing all types of visitors a favour: doing some work during a lost half hour, contacting home or dealing with something else privately is a plus for all visitors.

For the introvert, it means at least sorting out his thoughts and gaining energy for the next session, being able to withdraw for a while.

A shy visitor will also use the rest areas as an escape; a place where you don't have to make contact and where you can quietly recharge your batteries for the next conversation. A must-have for all participants. Think of living rooms, hotel lobbies, chair/plug socket/screen lamp/plant... a "home away from home".

For networking moments: make sure you have ways for all participants to easily facilitate that meeting. For example, instead of name badges, let your participants pin pictures that have something to do with someone's field of interest: car, apple, bicycle, binoculars.... a nice way to have a first sentence towards the other person and start the conversation.

Or think of "conversation pieces" that can provide an icebreaker for a conversation. Art in the room, for example, a small exhibition. Start a conversation about the new and unique objects you see. Alternatively, place idea walls where participants can post their responses to a specific statement. These can be about the industry, but also about general subjects. Keep it light-hearted and approachable. Such mini-breakouts instantly break down one large event into smaller settings: ideal for people who do not feel comfortable in a large group.

Every event, whether online, physical or in a hybrid combination, is especially successful when all visitors feel at home and there is an optimal climate to meet and learn from each other, in whatever form. I myself am looking forward to being able to do this again, especially in person, at a physical event. A bit exciting, but full of confidence.

See you there!

news from the Netherlands

NEWS FROM THE NETHERLANDS

135 MILLION EXTRA FOR SUPPORTING THE EVENTS SECTOR The cabinet is making more money available for entrepreneurs who have to cancel an event because of the corona measures. The existing Guarantee Scheme for Events, as you have been able to read in the first edition of CONNECT Amsterdam, will therefore be expanded on a number of points.

For example, the maximum subsidy amount will be increased from 80% to 100% of the costs incurred, the government will extend the deadline for submitting an application, and costs incurred by artists from outside the EU will also fall under the scheme.

In addition, the government is looking for a targeted solution for entrepreneurs who are in danger of falling between two stools. The extensions involve an amount of 135 million euro.

The subsidy ceiling of the guarantee scheme will be increased to EUR 450 million from EUR 385 million. The cost of providing targeted solutions is estimated at €80 million.

With the expansion of the guarantee scheme, the cabinet meets the demand for extra compensation for events. Pubs, nightclubs and discotheques can continue to make use of the existing corona support packages in the third quarter.

The European Commission still has to approve the proposed measures.

NEWS FROM THE NETHERLANDS

NEW DIRECTOR FOR AMSTERDAM&PARTNERS

Dennis Speet is the new Meetings & Conventions Director at amsterdam&partners. He will be implementing the multi-year strategic plan Amsterdam Congresstad 2021 - 2024. This strategy will ensure that Amsterdam becomes and remains an important, sustainable and innovative congress city in Europe.

Amsterdam will focus mainly on conferences in the Life Sciences & Health sector (such as the Cardiologist Congress in 2023), Tech, Sustainability, FinTech and the Creative Industry.

Dennis Speet, Director Meetings & Conventions: "I'm thrilled to be representing the Amsterdam Convention Bureau and, together with the team, the partners and everyone involved, to be able to put Amsterdam on the international map and bind congresses to us. Association congresses play an important role in bringing together convention visitors, companies, talents and research institutes to stimulate cooperation and innovation and share knowledge. I look forward to a successful collaboration."

UNMUTE US - PROTEST FROM THE FESTIVAL AND EVENTINDUSTRY

COVID-19 has hurt many industries, but the one that suffers the most is the festival and club scene. After all, they are still waiting for a reopening. Saturday 21 August and 11 September were therefore dedicated to 'Unmute Us!', a protest march organised in various Dutch cities in favour of opening up festivals and events.

RAI Amsterdam supports colleagues from the public events and festival sector and some 4,000 event organisers have since joined in. The protest march in Amsterdam on 21 August started and ended on the forecourt of the RAI.

Innovation

RAI AMSTERDAM IS GOING TO OFFER CUSTOM-MADE STANDS

INNOVATION

By Edwin Nunnink - Expovisie What was first seen as a potential extra source of income has now become an essential sustainability project. RAI is currently selecting chain partners to offer the majority of exhibitors in its complex a complete, cost-effective and sustainable stand.

Four manufacturers

RAI Amsterdam invited four manufacturers to set up two test stands. A basic model that is intended for adjoining system construction and a 'Complete' model, suitable for freestanding construction. The formats are not the most common in practice. The basic model is five metres wide and the detached model five metres deep. This was done to test the systems to their limits, explains Daan Dekker, Product Manager Design & Build at the RAI. This proved useful, as one of the basic stands has an annoying gap in the middle of the frieze frame. And for one of the complete stands, the stand wall is very easy to move. The man shaking the wall is Bart van der Heijden, Director Clients at RAI Amsterdam. For him, a wish he had cherished for years has come true with what is now known as the Future Vision Modular Stand Building 2030.

Additional revenue

Initially, the extra income for the RAI was the main motive. At present, some 10 percent of stand construction is ordered from the exhibition company; only the standard system stands. Providing part of the customised stand construction itself would be a new source of income for the RAI. The stormy developments in stand construction systems based on aluminium frames have considerably increased this potential. The current systems allow for more variation and customisation.

The appearance is also much more professional, and if desired the basic frame can be completely hidden from view. For stands up to 70 square metres, this is an excellent solution, according to the RAI. Van der Heijden thinks that currently 50 percent of the stand construction at RAI exhibitions can be realised in this way. Especially now that there is extra attention for cost-efficient exhibition participation and sustainability.

The latter means that Van der Heijden even reckons on a market potential of 70 percent by mid-2030.

Photo: Edwin Nunink

Important reason

Over the years, sustainability has become an increasingly important argument for the project. In addition, within the framework of area development, RAI Amsterdam wants to reform the entire logistics system in order to reduce the number of transport movements. Centralised modular stand construction helps to achieve both objectives.

Modular construction is in any case a sustainable solution because the stand components can be reused many times.

There is also little sawing and painting involved, which saves time and money. In addition, the stands are much more compact to transport.

Van der Heijden gives an example by way of illustration: for two large customised stands at an exhibition such as ISE, just as many lorries are needed as for the transport of all of Mets' system stands, which cover 70 percent of the exhibition floor space.

By offering this stand construction option from the RAI, even more sustainability benefits can be achieved. The transport of the stand components can then be combined for each exhibition. No more half-empty trucks from Poland to Amsterdam, Van der Heijden explains. We are even considering storing stand material in a storage area yet to be created under the RAI in order to limit transport movements even further. The possible installation of a large format printer in the exhibition complex could serve the same purpose.

INNOVATION

Supply chain cooperation

In all cases, the service remains with the manufacturers, stand builders and suppliers, Van der Heijden emphasises.

The aim of the project is not to remove these links from the chain. The knowledge and experience of these companies is essential to the success of this form of chain cooperation, and mutual competition remains an important driver of innovation.

The RAI will probably choose two brands from this first competition, also because the required volume will be too large for one supplier. It may be that more manufacturers will join the project at a later stage. After the system selection, there will also be a pitch to select the stand construction companies that will build the stands sold by the RAI.

Blind review

But first there is the assessment round. Spread over two days, exhibition organisers, installers, suppliers and RAI employees walk past the demonstration stand to write down their comments.

The judging is done blindly, although the expert will quickly realise which stand was built by which manufacturer. Nevertheless, this unique set-up brings out many differences in detail. Another special feature is that the opinions and insights from all disciplines are combined.

An installer, for example, will be looking primarily at the simplicity with which he can run pipes and cables and attach lights, for example. Fair organisers look at what best suits their exhibitors and at the image and power of communication. The RAI also takes a strategic view of the speed of construction, transport volume, soundness, price and sustainability in detail.

Practical solutions

Monique Slinger, Senior Buyer bij de RAI, laat enkele voorbeelden zien. Zo heeft één van de systemen een geïntegreerde clip om kabels in de standwand te bevestigen, tegenover de buurstand waarbij voor de bekabeling bij elke opbouw weer nieuwe tie-rips nodig zijn. Qua snelheid van opbouw heeft een klikbevestiging weer de voorkeur boven een bevestigingselement met schroefdraad.

Unusual is the combination lock that one of the manufacturers has fitted to the door of the storage facility. A practical solution for the keys that keep getting lost. English fair organisers have asked for a sight glass in the door, as is mandatory in the UK. And so in two days, many comments, requests and tips are collected. These not only help in forming a final opinion. The RAI also passes them on to the manufacturers who can use them to improve their products.

Exhibitor Services web shop

Ultimately, this process should lead to the RAI offering four stand solutions. All these system stands can be expanded with additional options. Exhibitors will be able to order their customised stands via the Exhibitor Services webshop of RAI Amsterdam. This is expected to be completed by midSeptember.

INNOVATION

SMART DATA FOR HEALTHIER LIVES RESULTS 2021

Building a strong brand and increasing awareness (top 3 ranking in Europe's LSH/AI list).

Further growth of the SHA community (1500 members).

90% of the community mapped and connected to the ecosystem. We reach more than 1000 active members.

Developed (MOU) partnerships and SHA Communication Taskforce, translated into at least one application to the Growth Fund and structural cooperation with all innovation hubs in the region.

Delivery of a toolbox that facilitates scaling up promising, scalable AIhealth initiatives.

Setting up a Helpdesk function for all questions.

By Yvonne Roos - Amsterdam Economic Board We believe that sensible applications of AI & Data sciences contribute to a healthier world and better medical care. That is why we are building a strong network that connects the Amsterdam life sciences & health sector with the data sciences & AI sector. And with that network, we join forces in the field of innovation, AI & data and work together towards a smart and healthier future.

What We have contributed our ecosystem and network to the collaboration with the City of Amsterdam and, together with the City of Amsterdam, we have established the Smart Health Amsterdam platform. Smart Health Amsterdam is the network for data and AI-based innovation in the Amsterdam life sciences and health sector. In this way, we are building a strong network in the Amsterdam life sciences and health sector in which we can combine our (regional) strengths for a healthier society.

How We build networks of leaders and innovators. We bring people together, formulate a joint strategy and start projects with enthusiastic people who want to work together towards a healthier future.

ACTIVITIES 2021

We organise around 30 different events, host the Zorginnovatie Award, the Ecosystem Awards and support Dutch Hacking Health hackatons.

Setting up a single access point for the region where external parties can go with all their questions in the field of Life Sciences & Health; for example, for cooperation in research.

Facilitating better cooperation between companies and knowledge institutions and where necessary the government.

Mapping and presenting legal and financial instruments, as well as the incubators and accelerators on the Smart Health Amsterdam (SHA) platform.

Invitation to cooperation Would you like to join Smart Health? Then go to the platform Smart Health Amsterdam (SHA)

RAI in society

RAI IN SOCIETY

NEXT STEP IN THE FIGHT AGAINST FOOD WASTE

By Stephanie Mathas When you walk through a hall of the RAI, you might not notice the battle that is being waged underground. It is the Basement Chefs who, from the kitchens of the RAI, are waging a battle against food wastage. This battle is also visible above the ground with the opening of a Too Good To Go collection point. Our chefs recently started offering various boxes of saved products via the Too Good To Go app. This Food-Waste Warrior app fights against food waste and the RAI joins in the fight. After ordering, customers can pick up the goodies at the RAI collection point. The pick-up point is located next to Entrance M. When business is booming, the Basement Chefs do everything they can to give leftover products a new purpose. Reuse where possible. Tightened up assortments to prevent food waste as much as possible. Donation of leftover meals to the Salvation Army. Linking leftover products to a new and valuable destination, such as the food bank. The Basement Chefs are constantly looking for possibilities in the fight against food waste. At the head of this mission is Rientz Mulder, who experiences the fight more as a way of doing business. "Preventing food waste is not a goal in itself. It is ingrained in the way we work. We are constantly looking at what we can do to prevent waste and we act accordingly," says Mulder.

Thanks to the cooperation with Too Good To Go, a way has been found to prevent wastage. By now, 2500 boxes of leftover food have found a new destination thanks to this collaboration. Mulder: "The boxes are assembled from leftover stocks that can no longer be used in the RAI's business due to the Corona situation. Via the Too Good To Go app, the stocks will be offered in appealing boxes and sold at an attractive price." The initiative has just started and is already being gratefully used. The reactions are enthusiastic and, with a satisfaction score of 4.87 on a scale of 5, we are investigating how this app can be used further. "Organisers who would like to make leftover food from their own event in the RAI available locally via the application are welcome to enquire at the RAI about the possibilities," says Mulder.

RAI IN SOCIETY

HEENENWEER FOUNDATION EXPANDS IN AMSTERDAM Those who live in the Pijp and Rivierenbuurt area have probably seen them before. Small bright green electric cars in which volunteers from the neighbourhood drive people who have difficulty walking back and forth for short trips.

The HeenenWeer Foundation, the social mobility service for disabled residents, is extending its services to the Old South care area. For just €1, disabled residents can book a ride to, for example, the supermarket, the doctor or a neighbourhood friend.

Mia and Titia, founders of the HeenenWeer Foundation, experienced a lack of accessible mobility options for people with mobility problems when it came to short trips. They therefore decided 4 years ago to set up the HeenenWeer Foundation for this purpose. By now, they have been able to make more than 20,000 rides possible. They also emphasise the social value of the service: 'We offer mobility in a low-threshold way, so that people who are less able-bodied can still continue to do their daily things.

Thanks to the rides, we help our neighbours to live at home independently for longer, to maintain social contacts and to be an active part of the neighbourhood.

Due to corona, the foundation was unable to operate for some time because the HeenenWeer cars were not prepared for a pandemic. In the past few months, residents with a temporary larger HeenenWeer car were able to go to the RAI for vaccinations, for example. The original cars have now been fitted with the necessary safety measures, allowing them to be driven again in accordance with the corona guidelines. We hope eventually to be able to provide this service to all district care areas in the city; everyone deserves to be part of and enjoy their own living environment. Even if you're less mobile,' say Titia and Mia. The foundation was set up for and by the neighbourhood.

The drivers are volunteers from the neighbourhood and the parking facilities are made possible by neighbourhood partners. Together with d'Oude Raai, RAI Amsterdam facilitates the parking of the cars from HeenenWeer de Pijp and Rivierenbuurt. In addition, more and more parties in the neighbourhood are getting up to help finance the cars.

However, we can still use some help with this. We have set up a crowdfunding campaign for this purpose, hoping to raise a contribution towards the cost of the cars. If any neighbours or residents of Amsterdam would like to help, you can do so via this link. We know better than anyone that every euro counts,' Titia and Mia say.

#THROWBACK

ON THE WILD SIDE

By Joost van Eupen

Nowadays, animals are handled with care on the exhibition floor or as part of an event. This has not always been the case. In its long history, RAI Amsterdam has regularly found that when working with animals you can be faced with surprises.

Pigeons After the horses of Jumping Amsterdam and the dogs of the various dog shows, pigeons are the animals that are probably most frequently seen in the RAI. They are not always welcome. In 2008, for example, in order to raise money for the Emma Children's Hospital, an attempt was made to build the world's largest champagne tower in the Park Hall. This seems to have succeeded.

But when it was announced that the pigeons in the Park Hall would be shot because they posed a danger to the tower, there was a commotion. Various animal lovers argued vehemently against this and questions were even asked in Parliament.

While a more animal-friendly solution had been devised eight years earlier during the PAN. Of course, it could not be that pigeons defecated on the exhibited works of art. So the help of a falconer was called in who walked through the halls twice a day with buzzards and falcons and chased away the pigeons.

The RAI as a cowshed In 1999 when the LandbouwRAI still existed, a stable with eighty Holstein cows was built in the RAI, a world first at an agricultural exhibition. In this barn, two milking robots were demonstrated that milked the cows three times a day without the intervention of a farmer. The animals had to get used to the interest of the public, which could watch the barn from the stands.

#THROWBACK

Camels, elephants, horses and a python The festive opening of the Park Hall in 1993 was marked by a special performance of the opera Aïda. It was to be an enormous spectacle, with 850 extras and 350 musicians, as well as three camels, two elephants, six horses and a python.

Because most of these animals are not very good at walking up and down stairs, the seating was arranged at ground level and no raised stage was built.

True story But the best story of all took place in the winter of 1961-1962. The Spanish circus Circo Americano was being built in the RAI. Pierre Sleven, RAI project manager and later deputy director, thought he would join his colleague Wil Neijman, then director of the RAI Convention Centre, in taking a look at the construction work.

However, on arrival in the Europa Hall they were met by a young lion that had apparently escaped. The animal came straight at them. Sleven shouted: 'Run Wil, this is serious!

The two gentlemen ran the entire length of the Europa hall to escape the lion.

It seems that Pierre Sleven has since become less enthusiastic about circuses and other events with wild animals.

The elephants and camels will have been visible and the first ten rows will have seen something of the spectacle, but the rest of the audience saw nothing and walked out.

hotspots

HOTSPOTS

SIXT SHARE CARS GET PERMANENT PLACE IN RAI AMSTERDAM

SIXT and RAI Amsterdam are expanding their partnership, with fixed spaces for SIXT share cars. Since January 2017, SIXT has had a successful branch in the plinth of RAI Amsterdam to provide rental cars for local residents and visitors. This is now joined by shared cars.

Since June 2020, the 100% electric SIXT share cars can be found throughout Amsterdam. Users of these cars can pick up and drop off not only in Amsterdam, but also in Rotterdam and The Hague.

Finding, opening and starting the car is done via the SIXT app. Users only pay for the minutes they use the car. Two SIXT share cars will be permanently available in the RAI's P4 car park from 15 May 2021.

These electric cars are charged by means of solar panels on the roof of the garage. Entry and exit take place automatically based on the license plate.

Due to the growing popularity of SIXT share, the availability of the cars is becoming increasingly important. Therefore, SIXT will offer continuous availability at strategically placed locations in Amsterdam, starting with RAI Amsterdam. Karen van den Boom, Director SIXT Benelux explains: "More and more Amsterdammers are discovering the convenience of our shared cars. Our most important task is therefore to ensure that people do not miss out when they want to use SIXT share. The permanent presence of our cars at RAI Amsterdam ensures that a shared car is always available when the user wants one. The RAI is the perfect location for this.

"We are pleased to expand our cooperation with SIXT and to be able to offer residents and visitors car sharing. It is even nicer that we can do this in a sustainable way by using our solar panels to charge these cars". Pamela Peetoom, Business Development Manager, RAI Amsterdam

HOTSPOTS

HOTEL STAY IN AMSTERDAM MULTICULTURAL HOTSPOT: NHOW AMSTERDAM RAI

By Nathalie Huibers - nhow Amsterdam RAI

nhow Amsterdam RAI is the place to stay this autumn. The hotel can rightly be called the multicultural hotspot of our capital. Moreover, you can reach the city centre by metro within 10 minutes.

The hotel rooms have a unique design, inspired by six points of the compass (South, East, North, South-West, Southeast and Northwest) and provide guests with a world trip in their own country. Escape to the Far East or rather to the warm South? The hotel has 650 luxurious rooms with themes from all corners of the world and a beautiful view of the city and its surroundings. Thanks to the floorto-ceiling windows, state-of-the-art facilities, a delightful bathroom and a culinary experience that will leave you speechless.

Culinary delights in a higher sphere can be enjoyed with a full, fresh breakfast on the 17th floor with an amazing panoramic view of the Venice of the North. Successful stay guaranteed! In the other rooms of the hotel, influences from various parts of the world create an exciting mix of colours and patterns. After a day's work, enjoy a drink at the bar or let off steam in the new fitness room with state-of-theart Technogym equipment and views over the park.

COLOPHON www.rai.nl welcome@rai.nl Twitter.com/RAI_Amsterdam Linkedin.com/raiamsterdam Facebook.com/AmsterdamRai Instagram.com/raiamsterdam Publisher: RAI Amsterdam Concept & design: RAI Amsterdam Chief editorial officer: Norman Lenden Editors: Joost van Eupen, Astrid Nap, Amber Celikkol, Nils Vonder, Katelijn Wilhelmy.

Contributors: Pamela Peetoom, Stephanie Mathas.

Nathalie Huibers, Edwin Nunnink, Yvonne Roos, Jimmy Miltenburg.

Source: AT5, Expovisie, Amsterdam Economic Board

SEE YOU SOON IN AMSTERDAM