HQ magazine No.34 Amsterdam supplement

HEADQUARTERS Destination Report Amsterdam is a special edition of HeadQuarters Magazine - September 2009 published by Meeting Media Company (Belgium) - www.hqmagazine.eu - press@meetingmedia.eu

FEELINGS FOR AMSTERDAM

> INTRODUCTION

AMSTERDAM, A CONGRESS DELIGHT AMSTERDAM. EVERYBODY KNOWS WHERE IT IS. NOT NECESSARILY FOR REASONS THAT THE LOCAL AUTHORITIES WOULD LIKE, BUT AT LEAST MOST PEOPLE CAN PLACE IT ON A MAP. SURPRISINGLY ENOUGH, IT WAS MY VERY FIRST TIME IN THE CAPITAL CITY OF THE NETHERLANDS. LIKE A CITIZEN OF THE WORLD, AND A FORTIORI OF EUROPE, I HAD PRECONCEIVED IDEAS ABOUT IT. OF COURSE AMSTERDAM IS ROCK’N’ROLL, OF COURSE AMSTERDAM IS BUSTLING, OF COURSE ITS CANALS ARE WONDERFUL, OF COURSE YOU FIND DIAMONDS ON THE STREETS. BUT AS AN ASSOCIATION CONGRESS DESTINATION, IT MIGHT WELL BE THE PLACE TO BE. REPORT RÉMI DÉVÉ

A really strong feeling to begin with. For a capital city, Amsterdam is possibly the most compact one. It seems everything can be done walking, no matter the many things that are for sure in your agenda. For a congress delegate, it’s a wonderful impression. Enough of the huge, impersonal metropolises: the trend is now to the more human-size capital, where you don’t have to commute

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from one place to another for ages. If you don’t feel like walking, just grab a bike or take the tram: you will easily find your way around. Just make sure you look left and right whenever you want to cross a street!

Given this compact size and ever-bustling life, a convention can be held in many unique locations in Amsterdam. Whether you wish to

organise a congress of 15,000 scientists or a smaller board meeting for IT specialists, you will find what you need for sure. It seems Amsterdam does have the edge when it comes to getting together to get things done.

Amsterdam RAI with its brand new Elicium (see pages 6 and 7), an early 20th-century movie theatre, a paddle steamer or a historic canal house, the possibilities seem just endless. It would even well be worth returning on a regular basis so each time you discover a new side of Amsterdam that you didn’t know existed before!

I won’t bore you with Amsterdam’s ICCA or UIA rankings for once, though the capital of the Netherlands has pride of place in them.

You simply have to go there and the work will be done. It’s simply just impossible not to be enthralled by the vibrant heart that you can feel beating everywhere. Add to that quick, easy access from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, which is considered to be one of

WHY AMSTERDAM?

Reinet Krijger , Koninklijk Hore

ca Nederland

‘Amsterdam is even more hospitable than ever.

Visitors are w elcomed by I amsterdam W elcome Teams and the entire tourism industry is mak ing extra, special effort to welcome cong ress delegates.’ the best in the world, railway stations and the motorway network network, hotels and restaurants that are never too far away, and up-to-date facilities and equipments, and you will wonder why you haven’t gone there earlier.

One quick note to finish this introduction.

Being the guest of Amsterdam Tourism & Convention Board, I was able to see the bigger picture. I amsterdam is not just a good branding, a formidable logo that’s basically everywhere to be found in the city and sometimes abroad, it’s an inspiring state of mind. The actors of local tourism have understood that only a common effort can bring a city to the next level. Business tourism has to work hand in hand with leisure

tourism for instance. Congress delegates can definitely benefit from it: because they will experience Amsterdam as a whole, they will get the feeling that they know the real Amsterdam. Just take my word for it.

CONTACT Amsterdam Tourism & Convention Board T: +31 (0)20 551 25 70 E: acb@atcb.nl W: www.iamsterdam.com/meetings

+ Accessible & compact: The city of Amsterdam is a national and international junction.

The main airport is just 20 minutes from the city centre. Amsterdam’s compact city centre makes for outstanding public transport service; everything’s basically at walking distance! + Historic heart: The historic heart of the city remained beautifully intact to this day. But be sure it’s not just a preserved open-air museum! + Stable economic climate: The relationship between price and quality has passed official international testing with positive results. + Outstanding culture: The Netherlands’ capital city has been a centre of creativity for centuries. You will not get enough of its countless museums and cultural treasures. + Hub of knowledge: Amsterdam’s location on the edge of Europe positions the city as a central marketplace for free and efficient exchange... of ideas. + Dazzling nightlife: Amsterdam is home to a plethora of bars, nightclubs and cafés.

At nightime you will just have to take your pick! + Striking events: Some 30 to 40 festivals take place in Amsterdam each year, many of which attract world acclaim. + Superb surroundings: Many people think of the Netherlands as the land of tulips and windmills.

In just 15 minutes from the centre of Amsterdam you can experience these idyllic scenes. + Colourful people: People are what have made Amsterdam the unique city it is, one with a character that’s highly individual, spirited and young-at-heart. + Business with pleasure: The city ranks among the world’s top 10 most preferred conference locations.

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> A R T & C U LT U R E

Hermitage - Ossenpoort

AMSTERDAM IS ART, CULTURE AND HERITAGE! WHEN IT COMES TO CULTURE AND ART, AMSTERDAM IS SIMPLY AMAZING. A METROPOLIS AT THE SIZE OF A VILLAGE, THE CAPITAL OF THE NETHERLANDS HAS A LOT TO OFFER: SOME OF THE GREATEST WORKS OF ART IN THE WORLD AND NO LESS THAN 7,000 MONUMENTAL BUILDINGS. LIKE CAROLIEN GEHRELS SAYS IN HER MESSAGE, IT’S JUST PERFECT FOR CONGRESS DELEGATES LOOKING TO LINK WORK WITH CULTURAL EDIFICATION!

Amsterdam has been a centre of creativity and culture for centuries. Old, new, contemporary, avant-garde: the cultural pallet of the most discerning visitor will surely be satisfied. Everybody of course knows Van Gogh: in Amsterdam, its museum houses several of the artist’s masterpieces. If you’re more into 17th century Dutch Masters, the famous

Rijksmuseum proudly displays paintings of Rembrandt and Vermeer. If your heart leans towards contemporary art, it will be fulfilled by the newly renovated Stedelijk Museum (opening in 2010). Other cultural treasures include Anne Frank’s house, the baroque Royal Palace on Dam Square and the Rembrandt House - among others of course.

I was personally impressed by the Hermitage Amsterdam. A superbly renovated museum on the River Amstel in the heart of the city, it organizes exhibitions - evidently - but also concerts, lectures and courses. And guess what? It boasts a superb conference room that seats over 350 persons, as well as three conference rooms for up to 60 people. For a board

A MESSAGE FROM DEPUTY MAYOR CAROLIEN GEHRELS Amsterdam is famous for its world-class art and culture. Here, old and new mesh seamlessly together, exemplified by the modern art displayed in centuries-old buildings. The city’s many facilities, initiatives and study programmes, its night life, events and creative residents all contribute to its dynamism. In so doing, they help attract more talented artists and professionals to Amsterdam and to keep them here when they arrive.

When the Stedelijk Museum, the Rijksmuseum and the Filmmuseum re-open their doors in the near future, Amsterdam will have the highest concentration of art per square meter in the world. The Hermitage on the Amstel opened in June, and is already a must-see; not only due to its HEADQUARTERS 4

exquisite exhibits, but also because of its wonderful location and the beautiful architecture. Almost five million tourists visit our city each year, in part attracted by the cultural sector. The sector is therefore helping Amsterdam achieve its goal of being one of the top five cities in Europe.

Almost 80 percent of Amsterdam’s residents claim to be interested in culture, and Amsterdammers visit more cultural institutions than the average Dutch citizen.

Nowhere else in the country are so many people active in the arts and culture.

The Mayor and Aldermen of Amsterdam place a high priority on art and culture, for all residents of Amsterdam. Art and culture bring individuals together. Cultural exchanges can help bridge differences and

provide a common feeling for what is good and beautiful. It is exactly this community that makes Amsterdam the wonderful city that it is. We consider art and culture to be one of our residents’ basic needs, and therefore work to build a unified city where everyone has the opportunity to develop his or her talents.

Amsterdam considers it the government’s responsibility to stimulate the arts and culture where it originates, and to protect the most vulnerable artistic and cultural expressions. Each year the Amsterdam City Council draws up a new artistic and cultural policy and sets suitable goals. This policy is then elaborated into an Arts Plan. The current Arts Plan 2009-2012 reserves subsidies for 140 institutions to enable

science center Nemo

Muziekgebouw aan het IJ Royal Palace on Dam Square

meeting, it might be the ideal place! Science center Nemo is another landmark building where adults can become kids again and where several nice rooms are perfectly suitable for conferences of all sorts.

CAN YOU KEEP UP? Marc Horsmans, business unit manager of Amsterdam Convention Board, confessed it himself: it’s just impossible to keep up with the array of cultural activities the city offers.

Simply count the number of festivals that take place each year - some 30 to 40! - and you will be pleasantly surprised. The Holland Festival showcases the very best in theatre, opera and ballet; the Canal Festival features classical music played on floating stages; the Amsterdam Fantastic Film Festival screens arthouse to mainstream masterpieces… These are of course just a sample of events that take place all year long.

them to carry out their programmes.

The City has allocated twelve million euros more for this plan period than it did during the last Art Plan period.

The Art Plan 2009-2012 lists four ambitions that the city wishes to realise: world class, city of beauty, laboratory and talent development.

1. World Class is the best that Amsterdam has to offer: the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, the IDFA, De Nederlandse Opera, Toneelgroep Amsterdam, the Dutch National Ballet, the Stedelijk Museum, the Holland Festival and our new Public Library.

2. City of Beauty means that we have to stimulate art where it is created. We therefore provide support to cultural

All of this wouldn’t be half as fun without the people living in Amsterdam. What I will always remember is their spontaneous willingness to help you out. Many times I obviously looked a bit dazed and confused looking for my way on the street, and before I even dared asking, a nice lady or a friendly guy was already ready to point me in the right direction! Known to be a tolerant - sometimes even a bit too tolerant - city, it’s quite unique because of its spirited people - a mindset also illustrated by the fact that most people speak more than one language. As a congress delegate, you’ll be able to feel instantly at ease, even part of the bigger picture. In addition to attending your conference, you’ll actually experience the city, which is sometimes what’s missing during this kind of events.

initiatives in all of the city’s neighbourhoods, not only in the centre.

3. Laboratory: the laboratory is a programme for stimulating experimentation and innovation. Institutions that push the boundaries of their discipline are pioneers for new developments in culture and the arts.

t and culture ‘We consider arr residents’ ou k to be one of d therefore wor basic needs, aned city where to build a unifithe opportunity everyone has or her talents’ to develop his

4. Talent Development has always been the foundation for Amsterdam’s position in the arts and culture. Art and culture are not a luxury, but a basic need for young people’s development, in that they contribute to their self-development and self-awareness.

Art and culture, creativity and innovation have always been the driving forces behind our city. They are vital to the development and maintenance of the city’s lifestyles and cultural identities Amsterdam is Art, Culture and Heritage!

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> AMSTERDAM RAI

AMSTERDAM RAI, THE CONGRESS CENTRE PAR EXCELLENCE

BEFORE ENTERING AMSTERDAM RAI ON A SUNNY DAY OF JULY, I THOUGHT: ‘GREAT, ANOTHER CONGRESS CENTRE THAT’S GOING TO PROMOTE ITSELF AS A ONE-OFKIND, ABSOLUTELY-NOWHERE-ELSE-TO-BEFOUND VENUE…’ I HAVE TO CONFESS: IT’S IN FACT TRUE, BUT RIGHTLY SO. NOT JUST BECAUSE IT’S IN AMSTERDAM OF COURSE, BUT ALSO BECAUSE RAI’S NEW EXPANSION, CALLED RAI ELICIUM, AND A BUNCH OF SUSTAINABLE GREEN INITIATIVES MAKE IT INDEED VERY SPECIAL.

I could not say it better than Director of Sales Ilko Tonen: ‘Amsterdam RAI is the perfect location for high-profile events in innovative surroundings, especially association congresses which are rightfully demanding.’

Here are, indeed, the main highlights of the facility.

AMSTERDAM RAI IS GOOD-LOOKING With its gentle curves, its purple carpeting and its wonderful view of the city, you feel instantly at ease within the walls of Amsterdam RAI. It’s not just because you can relax on its summer beach between sessions or rely on the airport check-in desks on flexible locations, it’s also because it has been rationally designed. It’s indeed impossible to get lost in it and its unique, elegant appearance, which extends from the overall structure, relevantly reflects Amsterdam’s passion for innovation.

AMSTERDAM RAI IS NEW Opening this very month, the brand-new RAI Elicium, an extension of the current facility, brings the whole meeting complex to a new

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level, as it has been designed to meet the requirements of the most demanding meeting planners. Before - and the RAI people honestly acknowlege it - the venue lacked a proper place to hold gala dinners or simply big events of any kind. Now the high-quality building can be used as a luxurious exhibition area, but it is also suitable for large dinners, conferences and parties. Its pillar-free, ultra-flexible space which can be divided into several rooms

RAI ELICIUM, THE HARD FACTS Total floor surface: 3,400 m2 Maximum capacity (theatre-style): 2,072 pax 4 congress rooms for up to 100 people and 20 meeting rooms for up to 60 people AMSTERDAM RAI, THE HARD FACTS 12 exhibition halls Total conference capacity: 200 separate rooms Capacity for conferences: from 10 to 30,000 pax Total surface: 250,000 m2

> AMSTERDAM RAI

AMSTERDAM RAI IS SUSTAINABLE footprint of any event is as minimal as possible. One example speaks louder than words: only 30% of the energy the venue needs has to be purchased, the rest of it being ‘produced’ by tthe facility itself!

AMSTE AMSTERDAM RAI IS FUN IIt’s too rare in the m meetings industry t go unnoticed. So to that Amsterdam

CONTACT Amsterdam RAI Europaplein - 1078 GZ Amsterdam tel: +31 (0)20 549 17 22 raimarketing@rai.nl www.rai.nl www.rai-elicium.nl

© OTTI Fotografie

© OTTI Fotografie

The sustainability of the building is one of the main features that makes Technical Manager Wilco van den Born, who gave me a tour of the facility, particularly proud. In addition ed as a Green Globe to have been recognized y, Amsterdam RAI Benchmarked Company, itiative of won the Sustainable Initiative ne in the Year award last June te London for its corporate deed sustainability policy. Indeed everything has been carefully planned out so that the carbon

RAI gets all the attention it deserves, its marketing team has created a mascot that guides the visitor to its website. Her name?

Elise. Elise is pretty, she’s fun and she epitomises the modern, innovative and exclusive nature of the RAI Elicium, while at the same time enhancing the ‘likeability’ of the RAI as a whole. In short, no more boring websites, where it’s impossible to find the information you need: just follow Elise’s steps and you will be likely to find even more than what you were looking for!

© OTTI Fotografie

Opening this very month, the brand-new RAI Elicium, an extension of the current facility, brings the whole meeting complex to a new level

accommodates up to 2,072 people. Simply put: anything’s possible! Add to that the imminent construction of a new Marriott hotel in the direct surroundings and the seven conference hotels that already exist at walking distance and you will ask: where do I sign?

CASE STUDY: EUROANAESTHESIA 2011 The Euroanaesthesia congress, the annual meeting of the European Society of Anaesthesiology (ESA), will take place in Amsterdam RAI from 11 to 14 June 2011.

Executive Director Michel De Bisschop explains why they chose Amsterdam RAI… and why Amsterdam is such an appealing city for congress delegates.

HQ: Could you give a short description of your event?

Michel De Bisschop: The ESA organises European Anaesthesiology Congresses throughout Europe. These Congresses are attended by members and non-members representing more than 65 countries from around the world. The European Anaesthesiology Congresses are organised with active participation of the National Societies, and

joint meetings are held with them on occasion. It usually gathers more than 5,000 participants and 100 exhibitors, offering refresher courses, workshops and symposia in all different fields of anaesthesiology, intensive care and emergency medicine.

HQ: Why did you choose the RAI to hold your event?

Michel De Bisschop: Amsterdam RAI has been refurbished, its atmosphere is pleasant elegant and modern and many halls and rooms have day light - which is not necessarily the case in congress centres of this size. The RAI has also been recently extended with the Elicium building, offering more rooms of large capacity, which is perfect for a big event like ours. Amsterdam RAI is also close to the airport and easily accessible by public

transportation, which makes it easy for delegates to commute between the congress, their hotel and the city centre for instance.

HQ: According to you, what are the main assets of the destination?

Michel De Bisschop: Amsterdam is centrally located in Europe and easily accessible Schiphol airport being one of the largest and most modern in Europe - and public transportation is very efficient. The hotel capacity is around 18,000 rooms which is more than enough for our event. The Convention Bureau is also very active and helpful. And of course, the history of the city is very rich - for social programmes, Amsterdam is just wonderful! www.euroanesthesia.org HEADQUARTERS 7

> I N N OVAT I O N & C R E AT I V I T Y

INNOVATION AND CREATIVITY IN Novotel Amsterdam City

Koepelkerk of the Renaissance Amsterdam Hotel

PTA - Main deck

LUCKY FOR ME, THIS REPORT IS NOT JUST A MERE CATALOGUE OF MEETING FACILITIES, SPECIAL VENUES, AND HOTELS THE PEOPLE OF THE AMSTERDAM TOURISM & CONVENTION BOARD WANT TO HIGHLIGHT. INSTEAD, THEY WOULD LIKE TO ADOPT A MORE THEMATIC APPROACH TO PROMOTE AMSTERDAM AS A CONGRESS DESTINATION. INDEED, INNOVATION AND CREATIVITY CONSTITUTE THE BASIC DRIVING FORCE BEHIND EVERYTHING HAPPENING IN THE DUTCH CAPITAL. IT’S THIS PARTICULAR FORCE THAT MAKES IT SO SPECIAL - AND THAT SERVES BEST THE SPECIFIC NEEDS OF THE MEETING PLANNER. When it comes to finding a unique place to get together or an outstanding social programme after a hard day’s work at a conference, Amsterdam provides an array of possibilities that will make you speechless. This derives from the very fact that the Amsterdammers have always had a thing for innovation and creativity. Not only does the city attract prominent academics and has become an attractive meeting place for those involved in science and research, thanks to its two universities and several laboratories, but it also generates knowledge of all kinds and everyday so.

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Let me first mention the rightfully named Creative Amsterdam. Initiated in 2007, the programme aims to stimulate creative industries in the seven industries of the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area. Based on the idea that creative players can not always find each other, Creative Amsterdam’s goal is to promote, among other things of course, the attractiveness of the region for international creative talent. When you think about it, this is exactly what association congresses are about - exchange of ideas, sharing of knowledge in a stimulating environment!

That surely explains why Amsterdam is

AMSTERDAM YOUNG SCIENTIST AWARD (AYSA) The AYSA is an incentive prize that is awarded to promising young scientists who present their research during an international congress in Amsterdam. The award comes with a sum of 5,000 euros. The money is intended to be spent on (scientific) research or on attending congresses. All associations may apply to obtain the AYSA. More information: www.iamsterdam.com/meetings

becoming more successful in attracting conventions or events in the creative sector…

ART ON THE WATER Last year in HQ, we already had a clue about Amsterdammers’ passion for creativity when we wrote about Amsterdam Art City. The basic idea was to make the city brim over with cultural attractions and remarkable exhibitions to visit. In addition to high-quality

> I N N OVAT I O N & C R E AT I V I T Y

AMSTERDAM 2010 IN AMSTERDAM: WATER SENSATIONS The lifeblood of Amsterdam has long been its aquatic locale, close as it is to the North Sea and built on myriad canals. In 2010, Amsterdam Water Sensations will be offering many cultural and touristic events displaying how citizens of Amsterdam live their lives on the waterside to the fullest. Festivals such as SAIL Amsterdam, museums, shipping companies and hotels will join forces.

The festivities will revolve around four ‘water themes’: + Waterfun: Discover Amsterdam and its centuries-old ties with water: e.g. major events such as SAIL Amsterdam 2010, special interest boat tours, kite surfing and many other active sports. + Culture & design: Art exhibitions will be displayed on the waterside or around the

Hans Vugts, Hotel Casa 40 0

cultural programmes e and the opening of the m Hermitage Amsterdam and the Stedelijk Museum, museums have promoted their conference facilities to delegates. Why not ome indeed organize a welcome reception in front of Rembrandt’s mbrandt’s Nightwatch or a board dinner near Anastacia at the Hermitage Amsterdam? This collective effort, which seems nowhere else to be found in any other European capital, made Amsterdam a one-of-kind destination for congress delegates.

In the same line of ideas, the theme year of 2010 will be ‘Water Sensations’. Going back to the roots of Amsterdam, a large number of events on and around the city’s many waterways will be organised. Extra attention will also be paid to Amsterdam’s permanent attractions associated with water in the Metropolitan Area of Amsterdam (see above).

These water sensations will definitely give the

‘In terms of Amsterdam’saccommodation, from 5-star offer is vast, budget or inpalaces to hotels. Beca dependent of the city thuse of the size or a Bed & B ere’s a hotel found in eve reakfast to be Your place tory area. always close sleep is by.’

Mövenpick Hotel Amsterdam City Centre, in which I was lucky enough to stay, and its next-door neighbour, the Passenger Terminal Amsterdam (PTA), pride of place.

Maybe one of the best accessible hotels in Amsterdam, the Mövenpick is located in the area known as the Eastern Docklands and enjoys a wonderful view of the entire city and of the water in general. Its biggest meeting room accommodates up to 500 people. But what makes the hotel truly unique is its intensive collaboration with the adjacent PTA that offers a total of 3,000 m2 of conference space.

LAURELS AND HOTELS Because it’s not a habit for Amsterdammers

river IJ, the city lake, along with music festivals. It will be also a good time to discover Amsterdam’s innovative architectural city line alongside the canals and the waterside. + Innovation and water management: Having conquered their land from the sea, the metropolitan area of Amsterdam is known for its unique relation with water. + Sustainability: Environmental awareness is big in the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area, offering more and more environmentallyfriendly touristic facilities. Find out what Amsterdam is doing to ensure the pureness of drinking water. The traditional canal boats are replaced by eco-friendly ones, hotel households are becoming ‘green’ and top restaurants are selling ‘earth water’, contributing to sustainable water systems in several parts in the world. www.amsterdamwatersensations.com

t rest on their laurels, the few to h hotels I visited either relaunched a have been completely refurand b bished - as if to fit perfectly this id idea of creativity and innovation!

Sit Situated right next to Amsterdam RA RAI, Novotel Amsterdam City has jus just experienced a total make-over.

Sym Symbolizing a kind of openness, it is harmoniously designed: its meeting space accommodates up to 1,000 people. In a totally different style, the Renaissance Amsterdam Hotel completed a top-to-bottom renovation in 2008. Its main highlight is definitely its elegant 17th century one-of-a-kind convention centre in the Renaissance Koepelkerk - a beautiful chapel for up to 700 delegates - connected to the hotel.

For a complete list of hotels, special venues and other meeting facilities: www.iamsterdam.com/meetings For more information on Creative Amsterdam: www.aimsterdam.nl

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> SERVICES

A WEALTH OF SERVICES THERE’S ABSOLUTELY NO CHANCE THAT YOU WON’T FIND ANY HELP WHEN ORGANIZING YOUR CONFERENCE IN AMSTERDAM. FROM PCO’S TO DMC’S, FROM PROFESSIONAL CATERERS TO HIGH-STANDARD IT SPECIALISTS, EVERYBODY IS THERE TO MAKE YOUR EVENT A RESOUNDING SUCCESS!

PCO’S If your conference requires elements for which you don’t have the resources, time or expertise, hiring a PCO may be useful for you. If you and/or your organizing committee need a partner to offer advice and act as a link to suppliers and service providers, a PCO can achieve this: +A ATP, The Advanced Travel Partner +C CAOS +C Congress Care +C Congrex Holland BV +E Eurocongress International + MCI Amsterdam Office + The Congress Organisation of the AMC

DMC’S D sterdam Taxi Centrale Am Richard Olling, d

Oudekerk

s develope ‘Amsterdam ha lly dedicated to fu ch er a taxi bran lity and custom quality, reliabi tion to regulated service. In addi be provided rates, taxis will anytime in anywhere and d surroundings Amsterdam aninutes.’ within 5 - 7 m

If you find the countless options of ssuppliers, venues and social prog grammes in Amsterdam overwhelming to evaluate, hiring a DMC may be very useful and time-saving.

With their creative input, you are sure to come up with imaginative,

memorable events. In addition, they will relieve you of logistical headaches in the process: + Amsterdam Events Company + Incentive Europe + ITB Holland + KeyDM + Kuoni Benelux, Incoming Services + Partners & SAM + Amsterdam Quality Bookings + Krasevents

BOAT COMPANIES The romantic, winsome canals of Amsterdam are one of the most popular attractions for visitors. One of the best ways to discover the city is from the water: + Rederij Lovers + Cruise with us + Canal Company + Rederij ‘t Smidtje + Amsterdam Boats

For a comprehensive list of services, please visit www.iamsterdam.com/meetings

SUGGESTED CONFERENCE HOTELS* SUGGES

Java

+ Amsterdam Marriott Hotel 392 rooms - 11 meeting rooms + Bilderberg Garden Hotel 124 rooms – 3 meeting rooms + Crowne Plaza Amsterdam City Centre 270 rooms - 7 meeting rooms + Crowne Plaza Amsterdam Schiphol 242 rooms - 19 meeting rooms + Dorint Hotel Amsterdam Airport 442 rooms - 15 meeting rooms + Dutch Design Hotel Artemis Amsterdam 256 rooms - 11 meeting rooms + Eden Amsterdam American Hotel 175 rooms - 9 meeting rooms + Eden Rembrandt Square Hotel Amsterdam 166 rooms - 5 meeting rooms + Golden Tulip Apollo Amsterdam 223 rooms - 5 meeting rooms + Grand Hotel Amrâth Amsterdam 165 rooms - 8 meeting rooms + Hilton Amsterdam Airport Schiphol Hotel 280 rooms - 19 meeting rooms + Hilton Amsterdam Hotel 271 rooms - 21 meeting rooms + Holiday Inn Amsterdam 264 rooms - 12 meeting rooms

+ Holiday Inn Amsterdam-Schiphol 342 rooms - 25 meeting rooms + Hotel Amsterdam Restaurant De Roode Leeuw 79 rooms - 2 meeting rooms + Hotel Arena 116 rooms - 4 meeting rooms + Hotel de l’Europe 100 rooms - 5 meeting rooms + Hotel Casa 400 400 rooms - 11 meeting rooms + Hotel Novotel Amsterdam City 611 rooms - 17 meeting rooms + Hotel Okura Amsterdam 301 rooms - 17 meeting rooms + Hotel Pulitzer 230 rooms - 9 meeting rooms + InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam 79 rooms - 6 meeting rooms + Lloyd Hotel & Cultural Embassy 117 rooms - 12 meeting rooms + Mercure Hotel Amsterdam aan de Amstel 368 rooms - 17 meeting rooms + Mövenpick Hotel Amsterdam City Centre 408 rooms - 12 meeting rooms + NH Amsterdam Centre 230 rooms - 10 meeting rooms

+ NH Barbizon Palace 270 rooms - 11 meeting rooms + NH City Centre Amsterdam 209 rooms - 2 meeting rooms + NH Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky 468 rooms - 22 meeting rooms + NH Schiphol Airport 419 rooms - 15 meeting rooms + Park Hotel Amsterdam 189 rooms - 9 meeting rooms + Park Plaza Victoria 306 rooms - 12 meeting rooms + Radisson Blu Hotel Amsterdam Airport 279 rooms - 15 meeting rooms + Renaissance Amsterdam Hotel 408 rooms - 26 meeting rooms + Sheraton Amsterdam Airport Hotel & Conference Center 406 rooms -29 meeting rooms + Sofitel Amsterdam the Grand 233 rooms - 19 meeting rooms + The Dylan Amsterdam 41 rooms - 5 meeting rooms + The Toren Amsterdam 38 rooms - 1 meeting room + Tulip Inn Amsterdam Art 130 rooms - 9 meeting rooms * these hotels have significantly contributed to city promotion

I AMSTERDAM CONGRESS CARD The Amsterdam Tourism & Convention Board offers a unique opportunity to enhance delegates’ experience of the city and its services by introducing the I amsterdam Congress Card. During your stay in Amsterdam you might want to meet new contacts in the city centre, spend time exploring the city’s culture or need Internet access to catch up with your emails. All these services are combined to enhance the convenience of

visiting the city and are built into one special card.

The I amsterdam Congress ures: Card includes the following features: n ticket > 96 hours public transportation > 50 Minutes WiFi access > Service for online restaurant reservation > Free admission to one museum and in addition an Amsterdam canal cruise

Visit www.iamsterdam.com/meetings for more information or e-mail acb@atcb.nl

Hosted meeting planner programme 21 and 22 January 2010

2010

www.iamsterdam.com

Interested? E-mail acb@atcb.nl

THE MORE INTENSE THE EXPERIENCE THE MORE PRECIOUS THE MEMORY Where you see it, is how you see it. Here you see everything at its most beautiful, your experience is intense. Whether it’s a gala diner, a party, an exhibition, a presentation, an awards ceremony or a convention, our enormous ballroom with spellbinding LED lighting will make it an unforgettable experience. With our panoramic views and delicious catering, the RAI Elicium also adds unprecedented allure and elegance to all your meetings and trainings. Sustainability comes first! For example our hypermodern renewable energy system stores excess heat and cold in the floors for later use.

I’d love to give you a tour at www.rai-elicium.nl www.r

Amsterdam RAI Convention Centre | raimarketing@rai.nl | +31 20 549 17 22 | www.rai.nl