Micedition winter 2017 2018 lr

Winter 2017-2018 Cultivating Culture Amsterdam: the place to meet MICEdition

‘Amsterdam is exceptionally rich in culture.’

Axel Rüger Van Gogh Museum The largest collection of Van Gogh’s works in the world

iamsterdam.com/meetings

Foreword

Water, innovation and culture Amsterdam. The very name conjures up wide, leafy canals lined with stately brick facades, narrow cobbled streets bustling with lively and cosy cafés, and some of the world’s greatest museums sprinkled liberally around the city centre.

Contents

4 Amsterdam neighbourhoods:

De Pijp 6 Venues 11 Services 12 Amsterdam’s waterways 15 Where to eat 16 Hotels 20 Cultural institutions 24 KLM 25 RAI 26 Amsterdam neighbourhoods:

De Plantage 28 Worth a visit 34 MICE calendar 35 Your Amsterdam MICE partners

Published by: Amsterdam Marketing Project management: Daisy Waardenburg and Sandra Nakken Print: Joh. Enschedé Amsterdam Design adaption: Monique Willemse Designer: Arjen van den Houten and Kimberly Haster Text: Julia Gorodecky and Ann Doherty, with contributions from Catalina Iorga and Douglas Heingartner Cover photo: Koen Smilde, ice skating on the Museumplein Disclaimer

No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means – electronic, mechanical or photocopy – without prior permission from Amsterdam Marketing. All information provided in this publication was verified for accuracy at the time of printing.

Amsterdam Marketing is not liable for any misprints or errors. © November 2017

Beloved by tourists from all around the world, it is no wonder that Amsterdam is also a popular choice for business meetings. A stroll around the iconic Van Gogh collection during lunch break? No problem. Soaring arias by world-renowned singers at the opera after a day of meetings? Absolutely. A creative brainstorm among the lush foliage at the Hortus Botanicus gardens? Of course!

All of this – and much more – is at your fingertips in one of Europe’s most culture-laden cities.

This MICEdition takes a closer look at some of Amsterdam’s most unique features: its remarkable cultural heritage, and its position as the world’s most watery city. The old centre of Amsterdam, built upon the Amstel River and boasting more than 100 kilometres of canals, is a UNESCO World Heritage site as well as a hotbed of innovation in the area of climate change adaptation.

The city’s innovative past and present is lovingly displayed in the city’s museums and galleries, and Amsterdam boasts many state-of-the-art meeting spaces inside and within walking distance from various monumental buildings filled with cultural gems. To name just a few: the Hermitage Amsterdam with its Russian and Dutch masterpieces; the National Maritime Museum filled with treasures from the Dutch seafaring past; the Tropenmuseum with its exciting exhibits celebrating world cultures; the dazzling and innovative NEMO Science Museum; and the Rijks-, Van Gogh and Stedelijk museums with their renowned collections spanning many centuries and genres of creative mastery.

Two of Amsterdam’s diverse neighbourhoods are also profiled in this MICEdition: the lively and diverse De Pijp and the spacious, low-key and green De Plantage.

Let your gatherings be infused by the inspiration and creativity of generations of cultural geniuses in our gracious, water-filled city!

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De Pijp

Amsterdam neighbourhoods

The beating heart of the city You’ll never experience a dull moment in De Pijp (pronounced ‘duh pipe’ if you want to sound like a native). Historically termed as Amsterdam’s Latin Quarter due to the influx of students and artists in the 19th century, today’s De Pijp is a cultural melting pot with close to 150 different nationalities living side-by-side.

The culinary options are correspondingly rich, and the neighbourhood is full of trendy restaurants, lively cafés and Amsterdam’s most famous open-air market. Six days per week, at the crack of dawn, vendors arrive to set up their stalls at the Albert Cuypmarkt.

As the day progresses, people from all walks of life converge on the market to buy everything from flowers, veggies, cheese, pickled herring and fresh stroopwafels to textiles, jewellery, souvenirs, books and fossils.

If all of the bustle and excitement becomes too much, you can head into the soothing green oasis of the historic Sarphatipark. Grab a picnic from the market, settle down on a bench, and enjoy the tranquil view!

Here are some recommended destinations in case you find the choice all a bit overwhelming:

Meeting venues OKURA The five-star Hotel Okura Amsterdam is home to four Michelin-starred restaurants: the double-starred Ciel Bleu with elegant service and a spectacular view from the 23rd floor; the one-star Yamazato Restaurant with authentic Japanese cuisine; the one-star Teppanyaki Restaurant Sazanka where chefs prepare dishes on a hot griddle at your table; and Serre, where internationally inspired dishes are served with seasonal, fresh and local products. Hotel Okura also boasts one of the largest meeting facilities in the Netherlands, with a total of 19 meeting rooms and two foyers. okura.nl  24 HEINEKEN EXPERIENCE Housed inside Heineken’s historic brewery, this interactive museum will take you behindthe-scenes to learn about the exciting journey of one of Europe’s most beloved pilsners.

The Heineken Experience is among the city’s most popular attractions, with four floors of multimedia exhibits, historical brewing artefacts, a tasting bar and even a 4D adventure that allows visitors to discover what it’s like to be a bottle of Heineken! With five

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meeting rooms on the top floors, the brewery is also an exciting venue for meetings and events. heineken.com  24

To see & do IZAKAYA This classy restaurant combines traditional techniques with the innovative signature of top chef Hariprasad Shetty, known from London’s Michelin-starred Nobu restaurant. The restaurant’s ‘grazing’ menu involves ordering multiple small plates to share until guests are satiated. Izakaya is also famous for its Shochu cocktails: alcohol distilled from barley,

Izakaya

Heineken Experience

buckwheat and sweet potato, mixed with house-infused tonics. The interior – inspired by the traditional Japanese five elements of fire, earth, air, water and heaven – is as elegant and surprising as the menu. izakaya-restaurant.com  5, 24 170,172

CTASTE CTASTE takes the idea of a blind date to the next level by providing you with a unique dining experience in pitch-black darkness.

Specially-trained blind or visually-impaired servers will guide you to your table and make sure that you feel safe and comfortable during your stay. Since you won’t be able to see the meal prepared for you by the accomplished chefs, your senses of taste, sound and touch will kick in. Dinner, brunch, high tea and various tastings (think wine, beer, chocolate, champagne and ice cream!) are also possible. ctaste.nl  4 51, 53, 54 SARPHATIPARK The moment you enter the Sarphatipark, the bustle of De Pijp seems far behind. Designed in English landscape style, the park is full of romantic and picturesque vistas, bridges and fountains, with stately homes visible behind the trees. The park is named after Dr. Samuel

Sarphati, a 19th-century Portuguese-Jewish doctor with important accomplishments in the areas of education, public health and urban development (including the municipal collection of waste). Today, park caretakers encourage biodiversity with flowering herbs, berry bushes and wooded areas for insects, birds and other wildlife.  4, 24 VAN ’T SPIT Van ’t Spit is the new Amsterdam go-to for lovers of juicy, roasted chicken. The menu is short and simple: a half or whole chicken with various mouthwatering comfort-food sides (including organic fries, sweet potato puree and corn on the cob).

Drinks include cider, gin and tonics, and cocktails starring ginger beer. Each and every chicken served is antiobiotic-free and raised on Dutch soil in healthy and humane conditions. vantspit.nl  24

Sarphatipark

AMSTERDAM’S RIALTO THEATRE Housed in De Pijp Amsterdam’s Rialto Theatre is one of the leading independent cinemas, specialising in acclaimed world cinema and unique European art house film. There are three modern screening rooms and the Rialto Cafe is the perfect place to grab a pre-film drink or to analyse the film afterwards. www.rialtofilm.nl  4, 24

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congress venue

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food & drinks going out museum/attraction theatre accommodation bus tram subway ferry

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Venues

An inspirational setting for every event

Unique Venues of Amsterdam Unique Venues of Amsterdam is an association established in 2015 by seven unique venues situated in the heart of Amsterdam. By collaborating and committing to a qualitative set of requirements and criteria, these historic locations – often hidden gems – are able to guarantee the high level of quality and attention that professional events require.

All 29 members of this association are unique and required to have a professional meeting and events department.

Furthermore, all locations offer ‘full service’ packages and participate in an effective collaboration. Finally, all locations are approved by the board of Unique Venues of Amsterdam under strict regulations.

The purpose of this association is to inform and assist national and international meeting planners and event managers looking to hold their event in the city of Amsterdam about the city’s possibilities, and the many unique venues they can choose from to hold their event or conference.

This association has the full support of Amsterdam Marketing, the city’s CVB, and holds the ‘I Amsterdam’ certificate.

Unique Venues of Amsterdam offers a special selection of 29 venues within Amsterdam, representing a diverse range of history, present-day use, business size and turnover. Unique Venues of Amsterdam demonstrates excellence in terms of quality, service and practices.

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T +31 (0)20 586 0710 E info@uniquevenuesofamsterdam.com I uniquevenuesofamsterdam.com

Venues Amsterdam Museum Association

Event venue: Rode Hoed

Host your event in one of Amsterdam’s best museums From historic splendour to cutting-edge contemporary art and architecture, the 44 museums of the OAM (Amsterdam Museum Association) provide the perfect MICE location for all tastes.

A unique historical venue in the heart of Amsterdam Rode Hoed, the Netherlands’ largest clandestine church, lies behind the façade of three stately, age-old canal houses that originally housed a hat shop. In the 17th century, a secret Remonstrant church was built in the garden and remained an active church until the 1950s.

Amsterdam is home to many of the world’s most famous museums. The city has more museums per square metre than any other destination, making it a real paradise for art-lovers. Uniting under the OAM, 44 of these worldrenowned museums are now open to the meeting’s industry. Together, they boast the world’s biggest collection of Van Gogh paintings, at the Van Gogh Museum, and beautiful works by Rembrandt, at the Rijksmuseum. Amsterdam Museum tells the story of the city, which is rounded out by the canal-house museums Van Loon, Willet-Holthuysen and Geelvinck Hinlopen. The Hermitage Amsterdam, meanwhile, has unique access to the Hermitage St Petersburg collection, while the Stedelijk is renowned for its modern art.

If you’re looking for an unforgettable Amsterdam experience during your MICE event, OAM offers the perfect solution. Surprise your delegates with the most stunning and unique location for a dinner or reception, the perfect combination of business and pleasure.

Whether you’re organising a meeting for a large or small group, OAM offers assistance in hosting an all-inclusive event in one of the city’s most beautiful locations. If this sounds like an appealing option, please do no hesitate to contact us and start planning your next trip to Amsterdam.

T +31 (0)24 711 1378 E service@amsterdammusea.org I amsterdammusea.org

One of the highest-profile debating centres in the Netherlands Today, Rode Hoed provides a platform for discussion and exploration, and unbiased public talks on social, political and historical themes and dilemmas.

A full-service events venue Rode Hoed receives no government funding, so by becoming a full-service events venue Rode Hoed is able to stream revenue from room rentals, catering, technology and ticket sales back into its cultural programme.

Therefore, by hosting an event or meeting at Rode Hoed, you also contribute to our social mission. With eight characteristic rooms, a capacity for up to 450 people, and perfectly accessible by foot, bicycle or boat, Rode Hoed is the ideal location for your international congress, board meeting or romantic dinner. And all with a canal view.

Amerpodia Rode Hoed is part of Amerpodia together with the unique and historical venues De Nieuwe Liefde, Compagnietheater and Felix Meritis. Four unique historical venues in the city of Amsterdam accessible by boat.

T +31 (0)20 589 1680 E zaalverhuur@rodehoed.nl I rodehoed.nl

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Venues

NEMO Science Museum Take your business partners and guests on a journey of discovery – from stars that are a billion years old, to distant planets and the emergence of human life itself – with NEMO’s new exhibition Life in the Universe. Offering numerous opportunities for corporate hospitality, you can hold an afterhours drinks party or buffet for 150 to 200 people amid the exhibition.

Additional entertainment You can also combine your event with additional entertainment and give your guests the opportunity to carry out scientific experiments in a laboratory, just like real researchers. Or book the Spaceship Earth demonstration, which uses a huge interactive globe to show you what astronauts experience when they orbit the earth.

A drinks party next to a meteorite Life in the Universe takes guests on a journey to the farthestflung corners of the universe, to planets that may or may not be capable of sustaining life. They will discover that they are made of the same tiny particles as those distant stars and planets. The exhibition also includes the oldest thing that they will ever see or touch: a 4.6-billion-year-old meteorite. It will certainly be an event to remember.

If you would like to join us on this journey of discovery, contact Rob van Esveld or Teun van der Meer for more information.

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T +31 (0)20 531 3150 E events@e-NEMO.nl I nemosciencemuseum.nl/venuehire

Venues The Royal Concertgebouw The centrally located Concertgebouw (Concert Hall) is an inspiring location for events, dinners and meetings. This breathtaking historical building has played host to many of the world’s most famous musicians, and it is this heritage that you will experience. With excellent parking facilities, two conference halls and ten break-out rooms to accommodate up to 2,500 guests, The Concertgebouw is the largest conference hall in midtown Amsterdam.

Sustainable events The Concertgebouw has developed a sustainable strategy that, over the next five years, will help it reduce its energy use by 40% and lower its food waste by 25%. We are also the first Concert Hall in the Netherlands with a BREEAM In-Use certification.

Sustainable caterers The Concertgebouw works with a variety of high-quality sustainable caterers who offer (seated or standing) dinners, lunches and snacks.

Technical suppliers We work with high-quality technical suppliers who can equip your meeting according to your needs. Most of our rooms are already equipped with a projector, screen and sound system.

We also offer free high-speed Wi-Fi. Room capacities 50-1,900 people – theatre style 100-550 people – seated dinner 1,000 people – reception/standing dinner 10 break-out rooms Please contact Laura Beenders or Roos van der Donk for further assistance

T +31 (0)20 573 0454 E sales@concertgebouw.nl I concertgebouw.nl/en

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Venues

Amsterdam Conference Centre Beurs van Berlage You plan to organise an event in Amsterdam and are looking for a unique event venue. A venue that inspires and motivates with preferably slightly more to offer than your average event venue. It’s very likely that we are just what you are looking for.

The Beurs van Berlage is actually one of Amsterdam’s most indemand conference venues. Originally designed as a trading exchange, following renovations in which no expense or effort were spared, the building has been transformed into an ideal venue for almost any event imaginable.

Consider, for example, a conference or symposium where you can welcome up to 1,300 guests. Thanks to our wide experience in hosting international events, we can provide excellent advice on appropriate rooms and arrangements.

Organising parties is one of our other specialities, possibly in combination with a delicious high-end dinner. We will work with you to guarantee your guests an evening they will not easily forget.

We understand that you want your event to be unique – the last thing you want is to be just the same as the rest. This is

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why we will be happy to discuss the design of your event with you and do everything in our power to achieve your ideas.

Add to that a series of practical advantages, such as the superb location and excellent accessibility and your dream event is closer to becoming a reality than ever.

You probably have a good picture of what we have to offer as an event centre. But perhaps you prefer things short and sweet? Here are the most important advantages listed again in brief: • Location • Accessibility • Expertise • Full service • Outstanding hotel service • Ample parking within walking distance • Extraordinary architecture T +31 (0)20 531 3355 E events@beursvanberlage.com I beursvanberlage.com

Services Finding the right venue

Taxicentrale Amsterdam

Amsterdam Marketing is dedicated to making your next meeting or convention in Amsterdam a success. It is your one-stop shop for invaluable planning resources in the city and its surrounding areas, offering professional and independent advice, creative ideas and free promotional materials. We offer no-cost, professional support backed by comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of the Amsterdam meetings, incentives, conferences and events (MICE) market.

Taxicentrale Amsterdam (TCA) is the oldest and largest taxi company in the Netherlands. With almost 60 years of experience, TCA is specialised in solving your transport needs, especially during events. That’s why TCA has been RAI Amsterdam’s contracted supplier for many years. No matter how exceptional your request, TCA will ensure that everyone arrives on time.

Finding a venue & suppliers One of our most helpful tools is the venue finder, which you can find at iamsterdam.com/venuefinder. It will help you find the ideal location for your special event, whatever the size. Narrow your search down by group size, star classification or location. Not familiar with Amsterdam?

The map feature will help you to pinpoint the location of each venue in relation to everything else. Tailor your search and, in return, you’ll get a complete description of each venue or service that meets your needs, with the contact information so you can get in touch easily.

Traffic control & Hosts Is your event scheduled to end at midnight? Are you expecting a large number of guests? If you need numerous taxis over a very short period of time, TCA can help with organising the transport and guiding your guests to the taxis.

Loyalty cards & vouchers It is possible to pay with cash or credit card or to use the TCA-app in every TCA taxi. And if you wish to pay for your guests’ fares, TCA provides solutions by arranging an account, or via loyalty cards or vouchers.

Once we’ve helped you pick the perfect place, we can help you perfect the rest of your event as well via our service finder at iamsterdam.com/servicefinder.

Looking for event services? iamsterdam.com/servicefinder Save your favourites in a PDF or link and share it with your co-planners for their feedback.

Looking for an event space?

Start your search online at iamsterdam.com/venuefinder I iamsterdam.com/servicefinder I iamsterdam.com/venuefinder

T +31 (0)20 650 6506 E sales@tcataxi.nl I tcataxi.nl/events

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photo: Siebe Swart

Amsterdam’s waterways Amsterdam’s relationship with water through the ages.

From Muddy Swamp to Watery Metropolis With more than 100 kilometres of canals, a stately river, 90 islands and 1,500 bridges, Amsterdam has more water than any other city in the world. In 2010, the city was placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in order to preserve its unique watery heritage.

Location, location, location In the mid-13th century, a dam was constructed on the Amstel River, thus transforming the adjacent sodden wetlands into the city of Amstelredamme, or Amsterdam. Clever urban planners with lofty visions were clearly involved, as the chosen location for the new city was challenging to say the least. In the coming period, as the population swelled, networks of canals were dug for both water management and defence.

In 1602, the founding of the Dutch East India Trading company (VOC) spurred a massive boom in maritime trade. During the Golden Age in the 17th century, the city became a crucial hub for goods such as spices, silks, silver, porcelain, wine, tea, cocoa and

grains. Amsterdam’s three most famous canals – the Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht and Herengracht – were dug during this period, and merchandise from around the world arriving by ship to the harbour was delivered via smaller barges to the massive warehouses lining the canals.

Simultaneously, traders used their newly-generated wealth to construct the opulent houses that still line the city’s canals today. With their characteristic gables, diverse styles, and elevated entrances for flood protection, these canal houses are certainly some of the most beautiful buildings in the world. Another important monument, the Royal Palace on Dam Square in the heart of Amsterdam, was built around 1650 by driving 13,650 piles into the soft river ground.

From trade to recreation In the 20th century, amid significant protest, almost half of Amsterdam’s waterways were filled in to build roads. The canals simultaneously took on a more

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Amsterdam’s two major universities have recently developed a joint programme called Amsterdam Water Science that pairs natural and social sciences in order to address pressing problems like how to deal with climate extremes.

recreational function, and they are usually packed with canal boats, party barges, rowboats, pedal boats, canoes, kayaks and even stand up paddle boards. For a visitor to Amsterdam, a canal cruise is an unforgettable experience, as the city is even more visually stunning from water level. You can choose from a wide range of trips, including moonlight cruises, pancake cruises, bubbles cruises, and a cruise that stops at all of the major museums.

Amsterdam’s deliveries now mainly happen on land – by truck, and more and more often by electric vehicles and bicycles – but the city’s small, crowded roads are causing some companies and start-ups to reconsider the waterways. DHL for example has set up a ‘floating service centre’ in order to avoid the inevitable traffic jams in the centre, and the city council is planning to stimulate the environmentally-friendly transport of goods over the canals. As a mind-boggling 25 percent of the city’s surface is composed of waterways, this is a logical next step.

The other good news within the framework of global sustainability is that recent laws have resulted in Amsterdammers currently enjoying the cleanest water in the city’s history. The canals are sewage-free, and they are flushed out with water from the huge IJsselmeer lake three times per week. Today, some 20 different species of fish and crabs call the canals home, and water birds including herons, ducks, coots, gulls and cormorants can be seen fishing for their dinner.

Locals have also decreed the water fit for swimming, and on steamy summer days the Amstel and some of the city’s outlying canals are full of kids and adults alike.

Keeping afloat The Dutch are global experts when it comes to living under sea level, and Amsterdam’s leading water scientists have long grappled with the challenge of how to reclaim land while avoiding flooding. Amsterdam’s two major universities have recently developed a joint programme called Amsterdam Water Science that pairs natural and social sciences in order to address pressing problems like how to deal with climate extremes. One important pilot includes the development of a climate adaptation programme for the Port of Amsterdam.

Amsterdam’s historic and water-rich landscape is obviously the perfect place to learn for the future.

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Where to eat

Group dining Meals are often the highlights of conferences and other larger events. Delegates get a chance to relax and have a conversation with each other while also enjoying plenty of good fare. A nice bottle of wine encourages extra gezelligheid (Dutch-style conviviality), too. However, meals often also present one of the trickiest event-planning challenges – where to fit all those people!

Here are some of our favourite spots that are accustomed to catering to a crowd. Pick your place, make your reservation, and let them take care of the rest.

KONINKLIJKE INDUSTRIEELE GROOTE CLUB - DINNER LOCATION The ‘Koninklijke Industrieele Groote Club’ (Royal Industrial Groote Club) is a business club and society located in the monumental and historic ‘Industria’ building on Dam Square, overlooking the Royal Palace.

Designed in 1912 by architect Foeke Kuipers, Industria still features original details from the 1920s. The Koninklijke Industrieele Groote Club has the capacity to host private functions and corporate events in its various banquet rooms, all of which boast natural daylight and offer stunning views overlooking the centre of Amsterdam (groups up to 150 pax). igc.nl  IJ-KANTINE Located on the NDSM harbour, the IJ-Kantine is a striking brasserie with a sprawling terrace that enables guests to take in the breathtaking view of the IJ in all its glory. Enjoy extravagant dishes such as wild seabass, half-lobster, and

Fashion’s Restaurant & Bar

potato cannelloni. The restaurant is a great location for groups – there’s even a private room available for gatherings of up to 60 people. You can customise the experience with a special menu, walking dinner or buffet, and our team are happy to take any special requests (groups up to 60 pax). ijkantine.nl  BAZAR AMSTERDAM Located on the Albert Cuyp market in the sought-after neighbourhood of De Pijp, the bustling Bazar Amsterdam serves dishes of North African and Middle Eastern origin.

With its world music, exotic lamps and colourful décor, you really do feel like you’re being transported to another country. The restaurant’s first floor has a range of seating options; groups of up to 12 people can order from the a la carte menu, and there is a special menu available for groups of 13 people or more (groups up to 30 pax). hotelbazar.nl 

Pick your place FASHION’S RESTAURANT & BAR Fashion’s Restaurant & Bar is located in the WestCord Fashion Hotel Amsterdam, just 10 minutes from the city centre by tram, and across from the World Fashion Centre.

Follow the marble catwalk inside to Fashion’s Restaurant & Bar, where you will dine amid mannequins and fashionable denim prints. Guests are offered a wide choice of international cuisine with a French base, and the bar serves a selection of sandwiches, salads and snacks. If the weather is nice, you can enjoy our outdoor terrace. Afterwards, you can have cocktails in the sleek SKYY Bar on the 10th floor, which also serves fine wines, luxury snacks and a fantastic view over Amsterdam (groups up to 120 pax). westcordhotels.nl/hotel/fashion-hotel-amsterdam

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HotelsEvents Choose from boutique gems to high-capacity conference centres; historical sites to new designer chic

Hotel Jakarta Amsterdam Opening in March 2018, Hotel Jakarta Amsterdam is a unique and energy-neutral hotel with Indonesian influences located on Java Island in Amsterdam. The hotel structure combines wood, concrete, steel and glass features, giving it a sustainable and industrial character. The most unique aspect of the hotel is a subtropical indoor garden that has been created in cooperation with Hortus Botanicus, and the Royal Tropical Institute will oversee the hotel’s cultural content. What’s more, we follow BREEAM guidelines to be as sustainable as possible.

Hotel Jakarta Amsterdam has 200 boutique style rooms, most of which have a balcony overlooking the River IJ on one side and trendy Amsterdam North on the other.

The hotel offers impeccable facilities for all your business needs.

We provide 250m2 of meeting space suitable for a variety of events. The space can be divided into three different rooms and offers stunning views of the subtropical gardens, whilst on the other side, the glass wall provides natural daylight and views over the River IJ.

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The spacious restaurant, with its open kitchen, serves modern fusion dishes and features a seafood bar and waterside terrace.

Our exclusive sky bar Malabar is located on the top floor and offers panoramic views over Amsterdam. The mezzanine, which has a DJ booth, can also be rented for private events. Between the meeting area and the restaurant, you will find a lounge that can be used for private dinners, small events or as a break-out room for meetings.

The hotel also houses an artisanal bakery, a wellness centre, indoor pool and underground parking.

Hotel Jakarta Amsterdam is part of WestCord Hotels, a Dutch family business with 15 hotels in the Netherlands. It is the newest addition to the hotel group and the fourth hotel in Amsterdam.

T +31 (0)20 236 0000 E jakarta@westcordhotels.nl I hoteljakarta.nl

Hotels Hotel & Event Centre Vinkeveen

Hotel Okura Amsterdam

The recently opened Event Centre Vinkeveen, next to Apollo Hotel Vinkeveen-Amsterdam, is the perfect location to organise your meeting or event. The Event Centre Vinkeveen has its own entrance with a reception area, a 300m2 private terrace with views over the Vinkeveense Plassen (Vinkeveen Lakes), and free parking for 170 cars. The ground floor is an impressive area measuring 400m2. Using 10-metre-high trusses for light and sound, the spotlight literally shines on each product, and is even large enough to have cars placed inside. Due to the multi-functional walls, the ballroom can be divided into three separate rooms. On the first floor, you’ll find several coffee bars, two boardrooms and nine meeting rooms. With over 1,300m2 of meeting space, a memorable event is guaranteed.

Hotel Okura Amsterdam offers the most complete conference solution in Amsterdam, featuring multi-purpose, Green Globe-certified facilities on one floor for up to 2,500 delegates. Our dedicated services and renowned culinary offerings have made us a master of hospitality for over 45 years, ensuring successful events at the highest service level.

Apollo Hotel Vinkeveen-Amsterdam A 12-minute car journey from Amsterdam via the A2 highway, Apollo Hotel Vinkeveen-Amsterdam has 86 super-deluxe rooms, and offers a combination of green surroundings with a view over the Vinkeveense Plassen (Vinkeveen Lakes) and the private harbour.

The Wellbeing Meeting Package After noticing an increased interest in health and wellness among our guests, we were inspired to incorporate these elements into our meeting and events programmes. The result is an exciting Wellbeing Meeting Package, enabling you to recharge your energy levels in between meetings by carrying out soothing body-and-mind activities that have been compiled by our professional trainers at Nagomi Health.

Kick off your day with a yoga session, run through Amsterdam or start your meeting with a revitalising workout using Okura’s resistance bands. Healthy, nutritious meals and refreshments are, of course, also offered.

The Harbour Club Vinkeveen The Harbour Club is known for the best sushi and grill dishes.

Enjoy traditional dishes with a playful twist time after time.

Our chefs have a passion for food, and only use the best ingredients: something you will taste in every dish and every bite.

The Wellbeing Meeting Package is completely adaptable to your wishes and needs. Contact our dedicated events team to plan your next event.

T +31 (0)20 570 5722 E info.vinkeveen@apollohotels.nl I apollohotels.nl

T +31 (0)20 678 7790 E events@okura.nl I okura.nl

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Hotels

Dutch Design Hotel Artemis Social behavior and norms; widely accepted traditions and other matters developed by society; literature; architecture; paintings; and theatre. These are all captured in one term: Culture – the natural result of a fortuitous union of circumstances, and an important reason why people visit a country.

and Dudok. All in a hotel ideally located between Amsterdam’s city centre and Schiphol Airport. With 256 comfortable design rooms, 11 multifunctional meeting rooms, a restaurant with a waterside terrace and D&A exhibition.

When searching for genuine gems within the cultural history of a country, people often turn to the great and varied source of literature available. Yet, they can easily forget that the same experiences can be found right in front of them.

Design your own meeting Dutch Design Hotel Artemis is the ideal place to hold a unique event. And with our special ‘Meetings By Design’ programme, we can make you a tailor-made offer that perfectly meets your wishes and demands.

Take Dutch Design Hotel Artemis, for example – a venue where culture almost feels like a verb. Where a whole art movement reaches its full potential, and provides boundless amounts of inspiration. Where a visit is akin to a truly captivating design or art exhibition, and where creativity is stimulated by the extraordinary creations of Dutch designers such as Rietveld

T +31 (0)20 714 1090 E banquets@aeonplazahotels.com I artemisamsterdam.com

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Hotels Bilderberg Garden Hotel & Restaurant De Kersentuin

Floor17 – Ramada Apollo Amsterdam Centre

Experience the many facets of Amsterdam from the elegant Garden Hotel. The hotel is ideally located in the museum district within walking distance of chic stores, restaurants and Museum Square, which is home to the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and the Stedelijk Museum. What’s more, the Zuidas / WTC and RAI are also nearby. The hotel itself offers exceptional personal service after an exciting day in the city: Relax in one of the 124 stylish rooms, enjoy a glass of wine in the bar or lounge, and have a delicious meal in restaurant De Kersentuin.

Make this year’s winter one to remember, and meet 85 metres above the ground at Floor17. Successful meetings, inspiring brainstorm sessions and relaxing training courses are guaranteed with such wonderful views of Amsterdam and the surrounding area. Combine your meeting with an exceptional lunch or dinner. Challenge your colleagues or business relations for a battle curling while enjoying the amazing view over Amsterdam on the Rooftop Terrace.

The perfect way to unwind in between your meetings or appointments. Completely decorated in winter atmosphere, the rooftop terrace is the ideal location for your private event even during winter.

De Kersentuin has a famous history that spans more than 30 years. Stefan van Sprang, the two-starred Michelin chef of restaurant Aan de Poel, is De Kersentuin’s Signature Chef.

His motto: “High-level casual dining with a healthy serving of flair”. The kitchen of De Kersentuin is in the capable hands of chef Patrick Kessler, who not only creates culinary delights, but also simplified versions of several of Aan de Poel’s signature dishes. Wander around in the cosmopolitan atmosphere and let yourself be amazed by the chef’s creations.

Floor17 is located on the 17th floor of the Ramada Apollo Amsterdam Centre, right next to the city’s Rembrandtpark and the A10 ring road. The hotel boasts 446 rooms and 300 indoor parking spaces, and is just a 15-minute tram ride away from the city centre. What’s more, the Schiphol shuttle service will bring your international guests to the hotel within 20 minutes.

Garden Hotel has three meeting rooms, making it the perfect location for all your business meetings for up to 150 people.

The Maître B’, your personal service partner, is ready to answer all your questions and help with whatever you need.

T +31 (0)20 570 5600 E garden@bilderberg.nl I bilderberg.nl/en/amsterdam/garden-hotel

T +31 (0)20 207 0000 E info@floor17.nl I floor17.nl

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Choose from boutique gems to high-capacity Amsterdam’s conference venerable and vibrant art, music centres; historical and theatre scene.sites to new designer chic

Rembrant, Self-Portrait, 1660

Cultural institutions

Cultivating Culture Through the Ages Amsterdam has a pleasantly split personality: innovative and cosmopolitan, while simultaneously steeped in a rich and diverse cultural history. The spirits of renowned painters, photographers, architects, singers, ballerinas and royalty are palpable in the city’s monumental museums, cobbled streets and gabled facades; yet at the same time, business visitors experience the height of modern comfort and technology in their hotels and meeting rooms.

Let’s take a stroll back through history to visit some of the city’s most noteworthy cultural institutions.

At the end of the 18th century, Tsar Peter arrived incognito in Amsterdam to learn about the Dutch shipbuilding industry. Centuries later, his special relationship with the city resulted in the founding of a Dutch branch of the St Petersburg Hermitage museum. A 17th-century building stretched along the banks of the majestic Amstel River, the Hermitage Amsterdam houses Russian and Dutch masterpieces and binational cultural happenings. The current exhibition – Dutch Masters from the Hermitage: Treasures of the Tsars (until 27 May 2018) – is the ‘homecoming’ of 63 Golden Age paintings that were acquired centuries ago by the Russian Hermitage. The Hermitage Amsterdam’s meeting rooms – ranging from small and cosy, to a lofty church hall – are all equipped with the latest technology, and the museum hosts a bar, restaurant and sunny courtyard café.

Stepping into the magnificent glass-roofed courtyard of the National Maritime Museum (the Scheepvaartmuseum) is like stepping back in time.

Built in 1656 by the Dutch navy as an arsenal for sails, ropes, weapons and ammunition, the museum now houses one of the world’s largest maritime collections. There are galleries full of ancient maps and nautical instruments, ship models, seascapes, maritime films and an interactive Voyage at Sea experience. A replica of the Dutch East India Company ship The Amsterdam is moored alongside, and open for exploration. There are numerous locales for meetings within the museum, as well as the possibility of a seafaring event aboard the historic steamboat Christiaan Brunings.

Just across the way, the NEMO Science Museum rises from the water to grace the skyline of Amsterdam’s eastern docklands. Designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano, this striking copper-green building is built atop the IJ-tunnel, using the tunnel’s curvature as its foundation, and the 22-metre-high public piazza provides panoramic views of the city. Inside, people of all ages can revel in five floors packed with interactive science and technology exhibitions, demonstrations, films, workshops and performances. NEMO is also a mind-expanding choice for business events, and there are multiple spaces available for gatherings of every size.

The Rijksmuseum is world famous, not only due to its vast collection of iconic art reflecting more than 800 years of Dutch and international history, but also for its beloved Renaissance- and Gothic-style brick building designed by renowned Dutch architect P.J.H. Cuypers. The museum opened to the public in 1885, and was renovated, expanded and reopened to much MICEdition Winter 2017-2018 21

Amsterdam is the ideal destination for those hoping to avoid sterile business events lacking a historical and cultural context.

fanfare with its dazzling, glassy new Philips Wing in 2014. The most quintessential of Dutch experiences can be had by walking or biking (to the tune of street musicians) through the sublime passageway that cuts through the heart of the museum.

The galleries inside the Rijksmuseum reveal one Old Master blockbuster after another, including iconic works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Bruegel, Bosch and Frans Hals. In total, the museum houses more than 8,000 works of art, including the lesser-known but equally astonishing collections of doll’s houses, costumes, weapons and ship models. Don’t miss the impressive multi-storied Cuypers library, one of the world’s most important collections of books about art.

Just a stone’s throw away, an entire building has been devoted to the genius of Vincent van Gogh, as well as those who inspired him and vice versa. The airy modern Van Gogh Museum houses more than 200 of the artist’s paintings, as well as hundreds of his drawings and letters. Current exhibits include The Dutch in Paris 1789–1914. Van Spaendonck, Jongkind, Van Gogh, Van Dongen, Mondrian (until 7 Jan 2018), which allows visitors to discover Paris through the eyes of Dutch artists, as well as select works by contemporary Chinese artist Zeng Fanzhi who has been inspired by Van Gogh. The museum also offers exciting venues for the business visitor, including an intimate boardroom with views over Museumplein and larger conference rooms. What better break from a session in one of the museum’s meeting spaces than soaking in the energy of Van Gogh’s ‘Sunflowers’, ‘Irises’ or ‘Almond Blossoms’?

Just a few more steps across the vast grassy Museumplein, and you will enter the era of 20th-century modern and contemporary art and design in the Stedelijk Museum. Housed in a building that seamlessly marries old with new – a smooth, curvy futuristic wing dubbed ‘the bathtub’ was added to the original Neo-Renaissance-style museum building in 2012 – the Stedelijk houses groundbreaking works by artists ranging from Cézanne, Chagall, Kandinsky 22 MICEdition Winter 2017-2018

and De Kooning to Matisse, Mondrian, Picasso and Warhol. Major movements including Bauhaus, the Amsterdam School, De Stijl, CoBrA, abstract expressionism, pop art, minimal art and conceptual art are represented in the museum’s collection of approximately 90,000 objects. The Stedeljk now includes a range of venues for all kinds of events, each with its own special vibe.

If you’re in the mood for arias and pirouettes, head over to the ‘Muziektheater’. This remarkable building, located at the mouth of the Amstel River in the heart of old Amsterdam, houses the Dutch National Opera & Ballet. The national opera is renowned for its high-quality, innovative performances, which often include transformed classics as well as little-known or brand-new works. The ballet troupe is famous around the world for its elegant renditions of diverse oeuvres, with breathtaking choreography, costumes and decor, and brilliant orchestration.

Last, but by no means least, the Tropenmuseum is full of stories about universal themes including life, death, marriage, music, body art, conflict and slavery.

Its galleries present art, household and religious objects, photos, music, film and interactive displays that temporarily transport the visitor to Asia, Oceania, Africa and Latin America. The museum is the public face of the Royal Tropical Institute, and they share a palatial brick building bordering the tranquil green Oosterpark. There are numerous venues for meetings and events of all sizes, including the spectacular Marble Hall with its grand staircase and balconies, a beautiful wooden-arched theatre, and smaller elegant meeting rooms with park views.

Amsterdam is the ideal destination for those hoping to avoid sterile business events lacking a historical and cultural context. With meeting rooms situated in some of the world’s most impressive museums, amid inspiring and unique collections, your discussions are bound to be richer, deeper and more creative.

Venues highlighted in bold are also meeting venues.

Tropenmuseum

NEMO Science Museum

National Meritime Museum

KLM Events

AIR FRANCE KLM Global Meetings & Events Your global meetings partner for airline travel

Unique discounted fares with AIR FRANCE and KLM • free tickets for event planners • discounts & benefits for event attendees • discounts valid from 5 days before to 5 days after the event

I klm.com I klmtakescare.com I globalmeetings.airfranceklm.com

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AIR FRANCE KLM Global Meetings & Events is the travel solution for your event! The program offers benefits for event organisers: after registering your event in just a few clicks, you can earn free tickets with AIR FRANCE KLM’s reward program and get access to promotional material for your website.

Moreover, there are benefits for your event attendees. These include attractive discounts of up to 15 per cent on a wide range of public fares with AIR FRANCE, KLM and their partner airlines with an AIR FRANCE or KLM flight number. Discounts are valid for a period of 5 days before and after the event.

Attendees will also earn miles with Flying Blue, AIR FRANCE KLM’s frequent flyer program. For more information or to register your event, please visit airfranceklm-globalmeetings.com or contact globalmeetings@airfrance.fr.

Additional information: • Minimum of 10 participants with a return flight.

• Individual travel (max. 8 passengers in 1 booking).

• Registration up to 2 months before the event date.

• Discounted fares valid from 5 days before to 5 days after the event.

• Booking tool link, Air France & KLM Global Meetings logo and Official Carriers logo are to be included on the event website and event publications.

• The organiser will receive a communications kit including a link with an Event ID code.

The program is for individual passengers. Groups will have to be requested via the AIRFRANCE KLM group desk.

The Netherlands as MICE destination With KLM and its large network and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol hub, the Nether­lands has a great deal to offer international exhibition and conference visitors.

The KLM Group flies directly to Amsterdam from more than 185 airports worldwide, offering direct connec­tions to most of the world’s major regions.

As a member of the SkyTeam alli­ance, KLM is part of a network that connects around 1,052 destinations in 179 countries.

RAI Amsterdam

Winter Events at Zuidpool Amsterdam RAI Amsterdam supports various partner initiatives to create an infrastructure that physically accentuates a vibrant link between the surrounding environment and the RAI to enhance the overall experience.

Now, with the winter season upon us, you’ll find Zuidpool (South Pole), located between RAI Amsterdam and the Beatrixpark. Zuidpool is a winter wonder world for events that can be combined with your meeting, conference or exhibition in RAI Amsterdam. At Zuidpool you can enjoy the authentic winter vibe while enjoying an unforgettable culinary experience. Both the indoor and outdoor areas (alpine house, ski-hut, winter house) are decorated in harmony with the season, including heaters on the terraces and a fire pit to keep you warm on chilly evenings. From mid-October, Zuidpool will become a bookingsonly venue for events, parties, conferences, Christmas dinners and New-Year’s receptions.

For more information, please visit zuid-pool.nl or rai.nl

T +31 (0)20 549 1212 E corcom@rai.nl I rai.nl/en

Inspiring people

De Plantage

Amsterdam neighbourhoods

Leafy boulevards, cultural highlights and giraffes In comparison with De Pijp, the vibe in De Plantage neighbourhood to the east of the city is pretty laid-back. Spacious, stately and streets lined with trees, De Plantage is home to several Amsterdam natural and cultural gems: the ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo, the Hortus Botanicus gardens, the Royal Theater Carré, the Dutch National Opera & Ballet, and the Rembrandthuis (Rembrandt House) to name a few.

The neighbourhood also has a dark past, as the location of the former Jewish Quarter.

Of the 120,000 Jews living in Amsterdam prior to the Second World War, only 28,000 survived. Their history is preserved at several important sites in De Plantage, including the Jewish Historical Museum, the Resistance Museum, and the Portuguese Synagogue.

Here are some sites in De Plantage that should not be missed:

Meeting venues HERMITAGE AMSTERDAM The Hermitage is the perfect museum for those craving a shot of top-notch art but reluctant to join the lines to enter the ‘Big Three’ on Museumplein (the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh and Stedelijk). This Dutch branch of the St. Petersburg Hermitage museum houses Russian and Dutch masterpieces and binational cultural happenings. The current exhibition – Dutch Masters from the Hermitage: Treasures of the Tsars (until 27 May 2018) – is the ‘homecoming’ of 63 Golden Age paintings that were acquired centuries ago by the Russian Hermitage. hermitage.nl  9 51, 53, 54

Hortus Botanicus

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HORTUS BOTANICUS The Hortus Botanicus is a tranquil urban oasis, with over 4,000 different native and exotic trees and plants growing in its gardens and greenhouses. Originally founded in 1638 to serve as an herb garden for the city’s doctors and pharmacists, the Hortus is one of the world’s oldest botanical gardens. The Three Climate greenhouse features three different zones: dry scrubland, desert and jungle.

The Butterfly Greenhouse is bound to charm, with hundreds of butterflies of all shapes and sizes fluttering around. Also, don’t miss the carnivorous plant collection, the garden’s 154-year-old water lily named Victoria, or the agave cactus dating back to the Roman era. dehortus.nl  9 51, 53, 54 ARTIS Since it opened its doors in 1838, the ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo has combined cultural heritage with fascinating animals in a beautiful natural setting. Home to some 750 animal species, more than 300 sorts of trees, and luscious gardens that include not just ornamental plants but also tasty vegetables for the animals, ARTIS is a feast for the senses the entire year round. The zoo prides itself in creating natural living environments for its residents, including an African savannah with wildebeest, zebras and gazelles, and a newlyexpanded habitat for the elephants where

Artis

they can frolic in a pool filled with canal water.

And don’t miss the award-winning Micropia, the world’s only museum focusing on the microscopic world. Artis is also the perfect place for a spectacular business event: you can organise a dinner party in the underwater world of the Aquarium, or rent the Robben Hall to dance by the sea lions. artis.nl, micropia.nl  9 22, 48 ROYAL THEATRE CARRE Royal Theatre Carré first opened its doors in 1887 as a circus theatre. Over the years, Carré has branched out to become one of the most diverse venues in town. For 127 years, Carré has been welcoming visitors to its historic venue in the heart of Amsterdam.

The programming aims to be as diverse as possible, seeing Carré putting on both high- and lowbrow events, both Dutch and international theatre and dance performances, musicals, concerts, boxing galas and variety

shows, as well as some of the Netherlands’ most noteworthy cabaret. And at the end of each year, the venue returns to its roots with the annual World Christmas Circus. carre.nl/en  51, 53, 54 9

The museum also houses a children’s museum where young visitors can learn a bit of Hebrew and bake kosher bread. And while you’re in the area, stop by the extraordinary Portuguese Synagogue. This cavernous building has a perfectly preserved 17th-century interior, and the atmosphere is magical when lit by hundreds of candles. jck.nl/en  9 51, 53, 54

To see & do JEWISH QUARTER Immerse yourself in Jewish history with a visit to Amsterdam’s Jewish Quarter in De Plantage’s neighbourhood. The Jewish Historical Museum is a must-see, and its extensive collection of artefacts, films and multimedia presentations will give you an idea of Dutch Jewish life, both current and historical.



DUTCH NATIONAL OPERA & BALLET After you’ve knocked around the Waterlooplein flea market for a while, you could stroll inside the large white circular waterfront building on that same square and treat yourself to a dazzling performance by the Dutch National

 

Dutch National Opera & Ballet photo: Edwin Walvisch

Opera & Ballet. Both are known for exquisite and innovative performances of classical and modern operas and ballets, and the programme changes frequently. operaballet.nl/en  51, 53, 54 9

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 congress venue food & drinks going out museum/attraction theatre accommodation bus tram subway ferry

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Worth a visit Social programmes during your stay: canals, shops, diamonds and your event in a museum

Stromma Netherlands Host your event with the best view of Amsterdam!

With the historic canal belt as a background and our staff’s personal service, every event will be a success. Experience Amsterdam from its most spectacular perspective: the water!

Step on board and be dazzled by the breathtaking sights.

Winding canals, picturesque warehouses and lovely bridges – it’s no wonder the canal ring is a World Heritage Site! In honour of the city and its history, we have the most sustainable fleet in town. Our ships are clean and silent, so both you and future generations can enjoy Amsterdam to the utmost. We are proud to hold the Golden Green Key, the international eco-label for sustainability and corporate social responsibility.

Stromma Netherlands creates lifelong memories on the Amsterdam canals, so get ready for an event to remember!

As your local MICE partner, we offer a wide range of programmes in and around Amsterdam: • Event transfer: from venue to hotel or restaurant, we transfer groups of up to 1,000 guests via the historic network of canals.

T +31(0)20 217 0500 E info@stromma.nl I stromma.com/amsterdam

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• Event locations: our boats are excellent event locations, with options ranging from floating board meetings to conferences on the water for up to 500 guests.

• Network activities: wine tasting, lunch or a dinner cruise: we offer the perfect combination of sightseeing, relaxing and networking.

• Excursions: visit state-of-the-art attraction A’DAM LOOKOUT, the Dutch country side or the traditional village Volendam on one of our guided tours.

Worth a visit Smidtje Canal Cruises & Events Private boat tours for groups Rent a private luxury fair boat at Smidtje Canal Cruises & Events for a unique and inspiring experience! Specialising in canal cruises, we have a diverse range of boats: open, classic, luxury saloon, and design. Our fleet spans a variety of sizes, and all our boats are silent and electrically powered. We also offer bespoke embark and disembark locations. Choose from a wide selection of standard catering packages, such as meeting specials, breakfast, lunch, drinks, cocktail receptions, buffets and luxury dinners.

If you have specific preferences, just let us know: we’re more than happy to arrange everything.

Visit our website, smidtje.com, for details about our prices and packages. To request a free quotation, contact our team on +31 (0)20 670 6067. (For groups of 2 to 2,000 people.)

Amsterdam Circle Line – Single Ticket Canal Cruises Step aboard our luxury semi-open boats for a unique 90-minute cruise (€16) or 24-hour Hop-on-Hop-off cruise (€20) along all of Amsterdam’s historic sites. Embark and disembark at seven famous touristic locations in the city centre, including the Golden Bend, Anne Frank’s House, the Flower Market, Stopera City Hall, Central Station, and the Museum and Red Light districts. And enjoy an audio tour (available in six languages), live guide and heated seats while on board. Buy your tickets on the yellow and black boats (located at the waterside by Amstel 1) or via amsterdamcircleline.com.

T +31 (0)20 670 6067 I smidtje.com I amsterdamcircleline.com

Exquise Amsterdam: The Ultimate Culinary Cruise Canal cruise company Rederij De Nederlanden has teamed up with caterer Maison Van den Boer to provide the ultimate culinary cruise: Exquise Amsterdam. Set against the stunning backdrop of Amsterdam’s canals, old city centre and Amstel River, Exquise Amsterdam offers private dining on board a classic canal boat for an experience that is intimate, exclusive, extraordinary and exciting.

Rederij de Nederlanden uses its very best boats for its exclusive Exquise Amsterdam cruises. With a fleet of 11 boats and an enthusiastic, customer-oriented team, we guarantee quality, creativity and reliability. Guests can choose between a four-course sit-down dinner, or a standup, walking dinner served at several cocktail tables.

Outstanding cuisine With over 110 years of experience in food service, Maison van den Boer holds a leading position in the world of hospitality. Attention to detail is key, which is why we place great emphasis and high standard on everything we do, from the styling and planning to the impeccable service and delicious cuisine.

With a professional chef cooking on board, skilled waiters serving your choice of menus and world-class wines, and the backdrop of Amsterdam gliding by, Exquise Amsterdam promises to be an unforgettable experience for events of up to 120 guests. Any day of the week, anytime of the year.

T +31 (0)20 820 4501 E info@exquiseamsterdam.com I exquiseamsterdam.com (live chat option available online)

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Worth a visit

Gassan Diamonds Amsterdam has been known as the “City of Diamonds” for over 425 years. In the greenest corner of Amsterdam – known as “de Plantage” – you will find Gassan Diamonds. This formerly steam-driven diamond factory, originally built in 1879, is the oldest diamond factory in Amsterdam.

Each day, Gassan Diamonds offers free diamond tours in many languages led by one of its expert guides. Visitors can watch diamond polishers at work and learn about the factors that determine the quality of diamonds and their related value.

Gassan Diamonds can provide special business-to-business activities for both small and large groups: • Organise your meeting in the oldest diamond factory of Amsterdam.

• Add a lovely lunch or cocktail to complete your programme.

• Celebrate with the Diamond and Champagne Surprise Cocktail, where one glass of Champagne hides a genuine brilliant-cut diamond and the rest a synthetic stone.

Once everyone has enjoyed the Champagne, a diamond expert will check each stone to find the lucky winner of the real diamond. It’s an exciting promotion that adds a sophisticated incentive for travel participants.

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• Groups can listen to a watch expert give a special lecture about the Haute Horlogerie, during which an exclusive collection of watches are shown. Lectures about specific brands are also available.

• Gassan Diamonds specialises in providing tailor-made gifts of outstanding quality. Gassan Diamonds not only offers products but services such as anniversary programmes and after-sales service.

• Organise an event in the Uilenburger Synagogue, an icon in the old Jewish neighbourhood of Uilenburg, located next to Gassan Diamonds.

• Organise team-building events for the employees of your company.

Get to Gassan Diamonds the Dutch way: rent a bike, take a canal cruise or visit by tourist bus. Parking facilities for buses and a mooring site for canal boats are available. Gassan Diamonds is open seven days a week from 9:00 to 17:00.

T +31 (0)20 622 5533 E info@gassandiamonds.com I gassan.com

Worth a visit Batavia Stad Amsterdam Fashion Outlet This charming, reconstructed 17th-century village is a shopping Valhalla for anyone looking for quality basics or to make a statement with their outfit. More than 250 high-end brands like Hugo Boss, Michael Kors, Tommy Hilfiger and Denham will inspire you with the latest trends, must-have pieces and more. Beyond filling the gaps in your wardrobe, you can also indulge in jewellery, chocolate and even innovative cookware. Tired of shopping? Relax and soak in the cosy ‘Batavia vibe’ at one of the hip cafés and pleasant restaurants.

363 Days of Shopping Batavia Stad Amsterdam Fashion Outlet is open 363 days a year and seven days a week, 10:00-18:00 on weekdays and 10:00-20:00 on weekends and bank holidays.

Visitors from outside the EU can shop tax-free, and international guests can use China UnionPay. Visit us from Amsterdam or anywhere in the Netherlands The Fashion Outlet is easy to reach by car or bus on the A6, while a daily Shopping Shuttle offers direct, fast and reasonably priced transport from Amsterdam. Batavia Stad Amsterdam Fashion Outlet is also reachable by public transport: hop on the train to Lelystad Station, and then take bus number 3 or a taxi.

Amsterdam Light Festival The sixth edition of Amsterdam Light Festival sees 40 artworks and installations by national and international artists, designers and architects – including Chinese artist Ai Weiwei – light up Amsterdam’s city centre. This year’s theme is ‘Existential’, which aims to encourage visitors to think in a positive way about what unites people and what role light plays in this.

Curated by Lennart Booij, Amsterdam Light Festival can be viewed in two ways – on boats via the dynamic Water Colors route along Amsterdam’s famous canals, or via your own route by foot/by bike. For the first time, artworks will also be shown at Marineterrein Amsterdam*, an outdoor exhibition area within walking distance from Amsterdam Central Station.

Water Colors is open daily. Several canal cruise companies offer tours of the route, and most depart from Central Station. Prices differ per company. *Marineterrein Amsterdam is open from 14 December 2017 until 7 January 2018. The artworks are lit from 17:00-22:00 (until 20:00 on New Year’s Eve). Groups can book a guided tour along 20 of the objects.

What else?

Batavia Stad offers full-service, customisable packages and benefits to partners and their guests. For more information, visit www.bataviastad.com/trade.

T +31(0)320 292 900 E sales.nl@viaoutlets.com I stad.com

30 November 2017-21 January 2018 Artworks are lit from 17:00 until 23:00 amsterdamlightfestival.com/en

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Worth a visit

Gold! Collected by Sophia Lopez Suasso Gold! Watches and Jewellery collected by Sophia Lopez Suasso features 130 exquisite items once owned by a unique collector in Amsterdam: Sophia Lopez Suasso-de Bruijn.

Nineteenth-century watches by famous makers such as Patek Philippe star alongside gem-encrusted brooches and ingenious snuff boxes. The collection is now managed by Amsterdam Museum, and to accompany this exhibition, the museum has organised a programme of activities.

Sophia Lopez Suasso-de Bruijn Sophia Adriana de Bruijn (1816-1890), daughter of a merchant in Amsterdam, married Lord Augustus Pieter Lopez Suasso, scion of a Portuguese Jewish family, in 1860. In addition to the watches and jewellery they bought on their frequent travels around Europe, the couple also acquired bronze sculptures, medals and coins, books and costumes.

After Augustus died in 1877, Sophia continued to collect, and in 1888, she even purchased the entire contents of the Museum Broeker House for 25,000 guilders. She had by then already established in her will that her own house on Kloveniersburgwal should be dedicated as a museum after her death. However, as

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it proved unsuitable for that purpose, the city of Amsterdam, to whom she had left her estate, built a new museum to accommodate her collection. This became Amsterdam’s famous Stedelijk Museum, an institution which her bequest helped create. In fact, it was popularly called Suasso Museum, a fitting tribute to this 19th-century collector.

Superb collection Sophia had a weakness for fabulous watches in the most fantastic forms, such as animals, flowers, fruit and musical instruments. Each has a hidden switch to reveal the actual watch. Almost all the watches and jewellery are made of gold, decorated with diamonds, gems and enamel. The show features watches from Switzerland, snuff boxes from France and carved cameos from Italy.

10 November 2017-2 April 2018 Cromhouthuis, Herengracht 368 cromhouthuis.nl/en

Worth a visit Dutch masters from the Hermitage: Treasures of the tsars For the first time ever, the Hermitage Amsterdam has organised a show of Dutch Masters from the renowned St Petersburg collection. The Nieuwe Keizersgracht wing will showcase one of the greatest treasures of the State Hermitage: the world’s leading collection of Dutch Golden Age paintings outside the Netherlands. No fewer than 63 works by 50 different artists are being brought to Amsterdam for a unique exhibition that will celebrate the paintings first (brief) ‘home-coming’ in 350 years.

Until 27 May 2018 Hermitage Amsterdam, Amstel 51 hermitage.nl/en

Willem Claesz. Heda, Breakfast with crab, 1648 © State Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg

We have a dream We Have a Dream is an exhibition about three worldrenowned figures who profoundly influenced the course of the 20th century: Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela. They were ordinary people who led extraordinary movements against racial discrimination and social injustice. All three became role models around the world, but they also drew fierce criticism and opposition – two were even assassinated because of their ideas and activism.

Experience their world, the injustice and the hope, the great moments in history, and their personal journeys. Discover how one person’s ideals can change the world. What were the turning points in their lives? How did they make a difference and why are we still inspired by them today? And who are the people working to make the world a better place now? We Have a Dream is a treasure trove of audio and visual exhibits, and features iconic objects that were owned by each of these great leaders.

Until 4 February 2018 De Nieuwe Kerk Amsterdam, Dam Square nieuwekerk.nl/en

photo: Evert Elzinga

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MICE calendar

A selection of upcoming conferences

28-30 Nov 2017 WindEurope 2017 Conference & Exhibition RAI Amsterdam 19-20 Feb 2018 Insight Innovation Exchange Europe Beurs van Berlage 21-23 Feb 2018 2nd International Conference on Mechatronics Systems and Control Engineering (ICMSCE 2018) Location t.b.a.

10-12 Apr 2018 7th International Conference on Brain and Neurological Disorders Location t.b.a.

2-4 May 2018 23rd International Forum on Quality and Safety in Health Care RAI Amsterdam

8-11 May 2018 31st Meeting of the European Musculo-Skeletal Oncology Society (EMSOS) NH Krasnapolsky 9-11 May 2018 International Academic Multi-disciplinary Research Conference in Amsterdam Radison Blu 16-18 May 2018 10th International Conference on Bioinformatics and Biomedical Technology (ICBBT 2018) Location t.b.a.

24-26 May 2018 International Congress of the European Society of Endocrine Surgeons (ESES) KIT-Royal Institute Jun 2018 22nd International Worskhop on Vascular Anomalies (ISSVA) Location t.b.a.

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Jun 2018 22nd IFP World Congress of Psychotherapy (IFP) Location t.b.a.

14-16 Jun 2018 25th World Congress on Neurology & Neuroscience Location t.b.a.

30 Jun-3 Jul 2018 25 Biennial Congress of the European Association for Cancer Research (EACR 25) RAI Amsterdam 30 Jun-3 Jul 2018 Congress of the International Society for Human and Animal Mycology RAI Amsterdam 1-5 Jul 2018 International Conference on Software Testing and Analysis (ISSTA) Location t.b.a.

2-6 Jul 2018 20th Congress of the International Society for Human and Animal Mycology (ISHAM) Location t.b.a.

8-13 Jul 2018 International Symposium on Homogeneous Catalysis Beurs van Berlage 10-13 Jul 2018 13th Conference of the International Society for ThirdSector Research (ISTR) Location t.b.a.

23-27 Jul 2018 22nd International Conference on AIDS RAI Amsterdam

Your Amsterdam MICE Partners

MICE partners Amsterdam offers a wide selection of hotels and venues in every style and price class.

In addition, the city is known for connecting parties to help you form the partnerships you need to make your conference or other event the best event possible. Here you will find a round-up of some of Amsterdam Marketing’s most important MICE partners – a comprehensive mix of hotels and venues eager to work with you to make your event, and the rest of your stay, successful.

Make your next event succesful

Find even more partners in the online venue finder at iamsterdam.com/venuefinder.

Hotel (venue) Bilderberg Garden Hotel (p.19) Double Tree by Hilton Amsterdam Dutch Design Hotel Artemis (p.18) EHM Hotel Amsterdam Apollo NH City Centre Amsterdam Hilton Amsterdam Hilton Schiphol Airport Holiday Inn Seaport Beach IJmuiden Hotel Casa Hotel de l’Europe NH Collection Amsterdam

Barbizon Palace Hotel Okura Amsterdam (p.4,17) InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam (p.26) Kimpton DeWitt Amsterdam Marriott Hotel Amsterdam Mercure Hotel Amsterdam City Mövenpick Hotel NH Collection Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky

W Amsterdam Park Hotel Park Plaza Victoria Hotel Postillion Hotel Amsterdam Ramada Apollo Amsterdam Centre (p.19) Renaissance Amsterdam Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam Tropenhotel Westcord Fashion Hotel Amsterdam Andaz Amsterdam Hyatt Regency Amsterdam Venue Amsterdam Conference Centre Beurs van Berlage (p.10) Cobra Museum De Bazel De Rode Hoed (p.7) DeLaMar Theater EYE Filmmuseum Gassan Diamonds (p.30) Heineken Experience (p.4)

Het Concertgebouw (p.9) Het Scheepvaartmuseum KIT Meeting & Events Koninklijke Industrieele Groote Club (IGC) (p.15) Muziekgebouw aan ‘t IJ Natura Artis Magistra (p.27) NEMO Science Museum (p.8) Passenger Terminal Amsterdam RAI Amsterdam (p.25) Rembrandt Tower Boardroom Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam Taets Art and Event Park Theater De Meervaart Tuschinski Theater Van Gogh Museum Westergasfabriek Excursion/entertainment Stromma (previously known as Canal Company) (p.28) Cruise with Us De Bijenkorf

Holland Casino Amsterdam House of Bols Pathé Cinemas Rederij de Nederlanden (p.29) Rederij ‘t Smidtje (p.29) Restaurant d’Vijff Vlieghen DMC ITB Holland KrasEvents PCO CAOS Congress Care MCI Amsterdam Meetinglinq Other services ACS Audiovisual Solutions GVB Amsterdam (public transport) Momice (eventmanagement) Taxicentrale Amsterdam (TCA) (p.11)

Het Scheepvaartmuseum (The National Maritime Museum)