Calling all Zuidas

Calling all Zuidas: MEET THE ROYAL INDUSTRIEELE GROOTE CLUB IN APRIL

RICHARD FRANCKE

REMCO POT

Occupying a magnifi cent historic building on Dam Square, the Royal Industrieele Groote Club is Amsterdam’s premier business and social club. Members are part of a varied group of public and corporate professionals who along with their guests enjoy entry to an annual programme of more than 200 lecture and activities – many of which feature speakers who are leaders in their fi eld and public or business profession.

AMSTERDAM’S PREMIER BUSINESS AND SOCIAL CLUB According to Richard Francke, director of the Royal Industrieele Groote Club, it currently has some 1,500 private and corporate members, all with their own pursuits and interests at the Club: ‘The Club and its employees host more than 200 activities a year. That includes lectures, culinary events, debates

‘I regularly use the Club Restaurant for lunch or dinner and we recently organized an event for our clients. I also like to visit the many Club activities.’ Michael Nitz, Business Development Director, Drooms Benelux

‘As corporate members of the Royal IGC, we’ve made frequent use of the Club since the opening of the Noord/Zuid route. It’s an impressive venue for our international clients. My colleagues also attend small and large gatherings there, such as recently the presentation of the Baby Innovation Award in the Grand Hall.’ Paul Riemens, CEO, RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre

and member receptions. Every year, we put together a packed calendar. Members and their guests can also enjoy lunch and dinner at our private à la carte restaurant.’

STATELY SPACES Both members and non-members are permitted to use the Club’s stately rooms, adds Richard. ‘We have eight characteristic spaces, each off ering an exceptional view of Rokin, the Royal Palace or the National Monument on Dam Square. These rooms can also be hired for private functions, ranging from a book presentation, exclusive dinner or staff party to a wedding or anniversary reception. Our enthusiastic and professional team is always ready to treat you to an unforgettable day. Whatever the occasion, the historic Club guarantees a unique experience. Corporate members also enjoy special rates on room hire.’

ROYAL INDUSTRIEELE GROOTE CLUB CORPORATE MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS • Room hire free the first three times, thereaft er at a 50% discount • More than 200 lectures, debates and culinary events annually • Bring guests to Club events • Private à la carte restaurant with lunch and dinner service • Worldwide entry to more than 300 sister clubs • Less than 7 minutes from Zuidas by metro (Noord/Zuid route) • Two cardholders per company • Open to members every business day

ROYAL INDUSTRIEELE GROOTE CLUB Dam 27, Amsterdam www.igc.nl

ZUIDAS INTRODUCTORY GATHERING Interested in corporate membership? Come to a special Zuidas introductory gathering on Monday 6 April 2020. Welcome between 6-6:30pm, followed by a presentation, guided tour and dinner. Please register with Richard Francke, Royal IGC director, via r.francke@igc.nl. If you have any questions, get in touch with Remco Pot, Royal IGC board member in charge of new member recruitment, via r.pot@rai.nl or 06-26434599.

HELLO ZUIDAS MEMBERS MEETING (Members only)

In November Zef Hemel spoke at the Hello Zuidas year-end meeting in Circl, where he presented his vision for the future of Amsterdam. The mayor had asked him to elaborate on this vision in terms of solutions for the crowded historic city centre. Hemel said he sees great potential in the area around RAI and Europaplein.

The year kicked off with the opening of an iconic building in Zuidas: nhow Amsterdam RAI. The new hotel wants to create a social and multicultural meeting place for business travellers, tourists and Amsterdam locals. This ambition aligns well with aims to alleviate crowding in the city’s historic centre, by attracting people to visit and stay in Zuidas. Apart from nhow there are two other big players drawing visitors to Europaplein: the RAI Convention Centre and MBO College Zuid. Together with Paul Riemens (CEO of RAI), Hermann Spatt (general manager of nhow Amsterdam RAI) and Sonja Hoogendoorn (board president at MBO College Zuid) we’d like to get input from Hello Zuidas members on these players’ plans for the future of Europaplein. What is the potential of new amenities for city visitors and residents? And how do members envision the future of Europaplein?

On Monday 23 March, we’ll dive into a discussion of the opportunities this presents. There will also be a guided tour of the impressive new hotel for those who are interested.

Date 23 March 2020

Guided tour (optional / places limited) 3:00 – 3:30pm 3:15 – 3:45pm Doors open 3:30 – 4:00pm Main programme 4:00 – 5:00pm Drinks 5:00 – 6:00pm

Location nhow Amsterdam RAI, Europaboulevard 2B

Register by email to servicepoint@hellozuidas.com (Please note this event is open to Hello Zuidas members only.)