A living lab for connections and innovations
Welcome to the world of RAI Amsterdam, where ambition and innovation go hand in hand. As CEO I am proud of how we organise events that contribute to solving societal issues and have a positive economic impact nationally and internationally.
And now we are going a step further with a clear and ambitious vision to invigorate the RAI area and transform our environment into an even more innovative, modern and green meeting place. A location where clients, innovators and other stakeholders join forces to work on cutting-edged solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow. Bringing knowledge and expertise together is what the RAI does. We create space for our clients, knowledge institutions and businesses to meet and inspire each other. Now the RAI will offer an even better setting in the future,
one which features a wide range of inspiring meeting places, state-of-the-art buildings and facilities, and soothing green spaces.
It will also be a place where the dynamism of Amsterdam as a city converges and every meeting is an opportunity to create something new. I invite you to be part of our growing community as we create space for your ideas and ambitions to flourish and strive together for a more sustainable future.
We have a clear vision of what such a transformation will look like and have discussed it at length with the various involved parties, including Amsterdam council. Translating this vision into practice requires input from more stakeholders. The area development is about generating further added value for all stakeholders and we will engage with various clients to map out this development in the upcoming period.
These are exciting and positive times for us all. The area development is a prelude to a better RAI, benefiting our clients, our local neighborhood and the city of Amsterdam as a whole. As we approach this project in the same professional manner seen during the NorthSouth line development, keep an eye on this newsletter for the very latest details.
Paul Riemens CEO RAI Amsterdam
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The fabric of meetings Everything is connected
It was several years ago now that RAI Amsterdam staff were challenged in an internal event to each present their department at an exhibition stand.
Their assignment was to find ways to convey to colleagues what they were busy with on a typical working day. The Sales department used a tailor’s dummy dressed in a range of fabrics and outfits, illustrating the idea of offering a bespoke solution to every organiser. Regardless of the size of the event, the message was that Sales always finds the best fit.
This scene offers an appropriate metaphor on which to hang a take a tour of the latest developments and changes in the events industry. Together we represent a broad patchwork quilt of ideas and characters while also needing to respond to the same trends. Unity in diversity in a turbulent world you might say…
Connecting ecosystems and expertise: How RAI Amsterdam adds true value to events
As events become increasingly centred around knowledge, innovation, communities and ecosystems, we at RAI Amsterdam are investing heavily in our content networks. This applies equally to our own events and third-party exhibitions and conferences. Two RAI directors, Diddy Durant and Annette Bos,
who share commercial responsibility for these aspects, explain how they serve different markets and how these markets reinforce each other.
Hub in a partner network
Diddy Durant, Director of International Business Development: “As client needs change the RAI evolves with those needs. We form genuine partnerships with our clients, carefully examining together the event’s objectives and the profile of the attendees. Much of the added value we provide lies in our extensive network.”
Extensive network
One of the reasons the RAI has so many contacts is that we are also an event organiser ourselves. Director of Markets, Annette Bos
“We are in touch with many parties in the sectors in which we are active. This keeps us close to market developments, allows us to identify opportunities early, and enables us to connect relevant networks. The result is clear synergies and added value.”
HLTH Europe
Pain management with the help of virtual reality, deploying tech to meet the growing demand for healthcare, remote nursing… HLTH Europe saw healthcare professionals, companies and scientists address the question of how technology can best be used to make healthcare smarter. The innovative US healthcare innovation conference came to Europe for the first time from June 17 to 20 in RAI Amsterdam.
Rich Scarfo President of HLTH
“HLTH Europe is unique because we offer a complete programme as well as various opportunities for participants to connect.”
Marketing Director EMEA at GE Healthcare
“Here at HLTH we meet with different stakeholders than usual, as well as partners. Everyone is eager to build bridges.”
Jonathan Weiner CEO & founder of HLTH
Marlies Schijven Professor of Surgery (Amsterdam UMC-UvA) and surgeon at Amsterdam UMC
“I connected with people who keep me on my toes, who help me think differently. I was also able to initiate relationships that may be valuable in the future both for myself and for the research activities I carry out for UMC.”
“There is plenty of space here in Amsterdam to grow. One of the best things about this venue is the way it is set up. We can expand while the flow continues to be a great experience for delegates.”
Paloma Fuentes
What you need to know about the ICCA Ranking
And why Amsterdam is 18th on the list
Various trade associations publish rankings throughout the year. Whether it involves the most sustainable cities, those with the most start-ups or the places that are best to live in, Amsterdam can often be found in the Top 10. The latest rankings from the International Congress & Convention Association (ICCA) has Amsterdam in 18th position with 84 conferences. With Paris, Singapore and Lisbon at the top of the list, the survey covers some 332 cities.
There is some confusion about the significance of the ranking. Did Amsterdam only host 84 conferences in 2023? Of course not.
The ICCA ranking only includes congresses from associations and is based on a number of criteria, including a minimum of 50 participants per conference and the rotation of conference destinations between at least three countries.
A congress that takes place at the same venue every year is therefore not included in the ranking, nor does it involve (inter) national trade exhibitions or meetings and conferences from the corporate sector.
The ICCA ranking is the best benchmark for travelling association events so the RAI submits a list to be included every year. During 2023 we hosted conferences such as the European Society of Cardiology, the largest European congress which attracted 24,000 delegates. We also welcomed events like the World Congress on ADHD, the ISPE Europe Annual Congress, the International Conference on Emergency Medicine and Euretina 2023.
Together with B2B events by external organisers such as IBC, Cisco Live, Money20/20, the Plastics Recycling Show, Silicone Expo and our own titles, including Greentech, Aquatech and METSTRADE, we hosted a diverse mix of corporate and association events which brought together many visitors from a wide range of sectors.
Based on an interview by the Zuidas Accessibility Task Force for area management organisation Hello Zuidas.
More sustainable logistics and traffic in the Zuidas area
“In addition to organising successful events we are also striving to give back to the community.”
Wim Braakman, Traffic & Logistics Manager
RAI Amsterdam is working on various initiatives to stay ahead of the latest trends and innovations in the distribution and reduction of local traffic.
Wim Braakman shares his insights and ideas about the future of logistics and traffic in the Zuidas area.
Robots and AI set to revolutionise horticultural sector
We are on the cusp of a revolution on the road to a sustainable future, with technological developments stimulating major changes.
Held from 11 to 13 June in RAI Amsterdam, the 2024 edition of GreenTech focused on these developments with a spotlight on the contribution of Dutch horticultural innovations.
The Netherlands is a global pioneer in the field of greenhouses and companies worldwide use Dutch technologies for successful greenhouse horticulture.
Mariska Dreschler, horticulture director for GreenTech Global:
“In areas with little rain, such as North Africa and the Middle East, Dutch growers and innovations offer solutions to provide the population with local and sustainably produced vegetables and fruit. The Dutch are making an enormous contribution to food security and safety worldwide. GreenTech showcased many of these Dutch innovations and a wide range of developments in the horticultural sector.”
The Green Mile: a liveable Stadhouderskade for people, plants and animals
The Green Mile in Amsterdam is an initiative to transform the polluted Stadhouderskade into a green and healthy environment for people, plants and animals.
Started in 2020 by six organisations, including UN-Studio and the Rijksmuseum, the project focuses on environmental protection, social engagement and biodiversity. Green spaces and sustainable infrastructure are being introduced in co-creation with residents and local organisations.
Although the project is still ongoing, significant steps have already been taken. The Green Mile serves as an example of urban sustainability and underlines the importance of health, wellbeing and climate resilience in urban areas.
RAI Amsterdam processes outdated IT equipment sustainably with ARGO360
RAI Amsterdam aims to ensure its operations are sustainable by processing outdated IT and networking equipment in a responsible way. The IT department found an efficient solution in a partnership with ARGO360, a company specialised in the eco-friendly processing of these items.
Regular disposal of outdated IT equipment
RAI Amsterdam uses the services of ARGO360 to collect and process outdated IT equipment several times a year. As well as creating space, this also contributes to a better environment. Instead of simply throwing equipment out, the RAI ensures it is processed in a sustainable way.
“The IT department found a removal channel that processes the outdated IT (network) equipment in a proper way. We are always given feedback about the disposal of the items as well,”
Robert Hattink System & Network consultant
Sustainable and certified ARGO360, the company responsible for the processing of RAI Amsterdam’s outdated IT equipment, recently received the Platinum certification from Ecovadis, an internationally recognised authority in the field of sustainability assessments. The Platinum status puts ARGO360 at the top of the most sustainable companies worldwide, a performance that highlights the company’s dedication to environmentally friendly and ethical business.
our other sustainable initiatives
RAI Amsterdam named Best International Venue at annual EN Awards
The jury highlighted our green initiatives and engagement with the local community.
Our main projects in this field are Heartwarming Amsterdam, which supports local producers, and our plant-based F&B menus that reduce the RAI’s CO2 footprint. The EN Awards recognition underlines RAI Amsterdam’s efforts to promote sustainability and innovation in the events industry.
with our specialists about the role of catering in increasing the sustainability of events
RAI Amsterdam books impressive results in 2023
A revenue increase of 28% and the welcoming of some 1.5 million visitors is backed up by a remarkable performance in terms of sustainability.
The complex nearly halved its gas consumption and reduced its total energy use by 20 percent, resulting in lower CO2 emissions. Our sustainability initiatives are part of RAI Amsterdam’s efforts to ensure a greener future and more social engagement, making us a frontrunner in the Greater Amsterdam region.
27 October 2024 marks the start of the 750th anniversary year of the City of Amsterdam. This will be celebrated in a spectacular way for twelve months right up to the actual 750th birthday on 27 October 2025.
Major events include an opening concert in the Ziggo Dome arena on 27 October 2024, a huge party spanning some 15 kilometres of a car-free A10 ring road on 21 June 2025, SAIL Amsterdam (which will be held in the Dutch capital for the tenth time in the summer of 2025), and numerous other events throughout the city.
Take a look at the not-to-be-missed events during this festive year and remember to jot them down in your calendar! Amsterdam is 750
Business meetings in the Netherlands Trends and developments in the meetings and conference market
From international conference delegates to meeting business partners, over four million visitors travel to the Netherlands from abroad each year for business purposes. This accounts for more than a quarter of all international visitors to the country. A new study by Dutch tourist board NBTC entitled ‘Business meetings in the Netherlands: trends and developments in the meetings and conference market’ provides the most recent key figures on this vital travel market.
As the name suggest, the publication offers insights into trends and developments within the global business travel market, international conferences stats, and data on national and international business trips to the Netherlands. NBTC also highlights the impact and legacy of conferences held in the country.
Hotspots
Discover Amsterdam from above
LuminAir
LuminAir is a sky bar with a great terrace, designed to reflect the sky above and offer visitors an unforgettable experience. Sip creative cocktails while taking in breathtaking views and discovering Amsterdam in a luminous ambiance.
Hasta La Vista, Baby!
A sky-high venue from which to enjoy a Spanish casual fine dining experience, Hasta La Vista, Baby! is situated on the 19th floor. Offering a spectacular panorama over the vibrant Zuidas district, this is the perfect place for an intimate dinner with killer views.
Restaurant Selva
Located on the 24th floor of nhow Amsterdam RAI hotel, Restaurant Selva features a lavish interior that pays homage to the Amazon rainforest and serves up a treat for all the senses.
Bar Bistro Bureau
From bar bistro to work space, from salads and sandwiches to delicious dinners, Bar Bistro Bureau has it all. This cool venue is situated on the roof of the B.creative Start-up hub in the Slotervaart district of Amsterdam west.
700 Years of Mokum
As we’ve seen, Amsterdam will start yearlong celebrations of its 750th anniversary on October 27 under the banner Mokum 750. For international readers, the nickname Mokum is Amsterdammers romanticised equivalent of New York’s Big Apple.
Looking back on previous milestones moments for the Dutch capital, Amsterdam celebrated its 700th anniversary in 1975 with the event Mokum 700 at the RAI. From June 24 to 29, visitors toured a nostalgic miniature city complete with replicas of old Amsterdam facades and iconic locations like the Amsterdam Historical Museum and Rembrandt House. Some 80 companies and institutions joined in, including the city’s transport company GVB and the fire brigade, while the Concertgebouw Orchestra paid musical tribute to the Mokum we all love.
