MICEdition Summer 2019

Summer 2019 Technology Amsterdam: the place to meet MICEdition

‘Theres a beautiful combination of history, business, culture and tech innovation.’

A’DAM Toren Skinny Bridge The Harbour Club © Philipp Benedikt

Neda Eneva ESOMAR Global Data, Research & Insights Association

iamsterdam.com/meetings

Foreword

Welcome to the Amsterdam Area!

Contents

4 Amsterdam neighbourhoods:

De Plantage 6 Services 8 New restaurants 10 Tech for the future-proof city 14 Hotels & Venues 20 Nice to know 22 RAI Amsterdam 23 KLM & Air France 24 Amsterdam neighbourhoods:

Oostelijke Eilanden 26 Hi-tech innovations for meetings

and events 29 Where to eat 30 Worth a visit 34 MICE Calendar 35 Your Amsterdam MICE Partners Published by: amsterdam&partners Project management: Marny Bressers, Laura van Batum and Laura Lubbers Print: Joh. Enschedé Amsterdam Design adaptation: Monique Willemse Designers: Arjen van den Houten and Bilal Guenaoui Text: Julia Gorodecky and Ann Doherty Cover photo: Het Scheepvaartmuseum (The National Maritime Museum), photo Edwin van Eis

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Amsterdam Area on behalf of amsterdam&partners, the organisation formerly known as Amsterdam Marketing.

This new name reflects and emphasises our new strategy, one where we focus on quality over quantity for companies, meetings and visitors to our city alike. As the new CEO of amsterdam&partners, I will guide our mission to host quality conferences that strengthen the Amsterdam Area by creating jobs for residents or contribute to sustainability and innovation. We welcome conventions and visitors, and I will ensure that our city continues to provide an exceptional quality of life for its residents. Furthermore, we are here to guide you; to connect knowledge, people and strong ideas; to make your meetings and conventions a success. In order to accomplish this mission, we work together with numerous partners and associations, thus reflecting our new name, amsterdam&partners.

In this issue we take a closer look at Amsterdam Science Park, the largest hub in Europe for science education, research and entrepreneurship. Amsterdam Science Park currently houses more than 120 cutting-edge research institutions and businesses and will soon be a new Artificial Intelligence hub.

We also take a look at the future of conference technology: holograms, Virtual- and Augmented Reality, chatbots and facial recognition that will diminish registration issues at larger events.

This MICEdition also spotlights two of Amsterdam’s most diverse neighbourhoods: De Plantage and the Oostelijke Eilanden. Both areas abound with unique meeting and dining venues that will fulfil your every desire. And we also cover some of the city’s choice summer cultural offerings: Rembrandt 2019, Cool Japan, World Press Photo and the Grachtenfestival.

Welcome to the Amsterdam Area!

Geerte Udo CEO amsterdam&partners

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&partners. All information provided in this publication was verified for accuracy at the time of printing. amsterdam&partners is not liable for any misprints or errors. © May 2019

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De Plantage

Amsterdam neighbourhoods

Cultural garden with an elegant touch Amsterdam’s De Plantage neighbourhood offers a breath of fresh air after the hustle and bustle of the city centre. The area teems with biological diversity: you can visit a 2,000-year-old agave cactus at the Hortus Botanicus gardens for a start, or stroll around an African savannah full of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles at the Artis Amsterdam Royal Zoo. De Plantage also boasts a wealth of cultural diversity, with plentiful performances of world-class theatre, ballet and opera. Top museums in the area include the Dutch branch of the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg and Rembrandt’s former home, which is celebrating the 350th anniversary of the master’s death this year with special exhibits.

Meeting Locations HERMITAGE AMSTERDAM The Hermitage Amsterdam is the perfect museum for those craving top-notch art but not the queues that go with the ‘Big Three’ on Museumplein (Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museum).

This Dutch branch of the St. Petersburg Hermitage museum houses Russian and Dutch masterpieces and binational cultural happenings. With a capacity for up to 350 people, the Auditorium in the museum’s garden wing can be hired for presentations, conferences, receptions and dinners alike, while three meeting rooms located next to it are suitable for smaller events. Combining culture, hospitality and gastronomy, the museum provides catering that is as topnotch as the art it displays, with formula or customised menus. Finally, treat your guests and complement your event with a private tour of one of the exhibitions. hermitage.nl 

Hermitage entrance photo Marie Charlotte Pezé

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HORTUS BOTANICUS Originally founded in 1638 as a herb garden for the city’s doctors and pharmacists, Amsterdam’s Hortus Botanicus is one of the world’s oldest botanical gardens. Home to over 4,000 different native and exotic trees and plants, it is a tranquil urban oasis and a unique spot for inspiring business meetings, brainstorming sessions or team-building events with a capacity for up to 40 people.

The serene Laranja meeting room boasts floor-to-ceiling windows that offer a beautiful view of the city and Hortus itself, while the spacious Oranjerie is the perfect dinner or reception venue, with French doors that open out onto a terrace so your event can take place inside or out. Various meeting packages can be organised, including ones with lunch or dinner. dehortus.nl  KIT ROYAL TROPICAL INSTITUTE Looking for an impressive, socially-responsible central location for your meeting or event?

The Royal Tropical Institute, based in a historic building at the edge of the Oosterpark, works on sustainable solutions for economically poor countries and increased access to healthcare worldwide. Its breathtaking Marble Hall accommodates 800 guests, and the elegant Queen Maxima Hall seats 453. Meetings of all sizes can be held in other wings of the building, and De Tropen restaurant – with a spacious private terrace overlooking the park – can also be rented. An extra perk: event profits go towards the Institute’s knowledge centre. kit.nl/conferences-and-events 

HYATT REGENCY AMSTERDAM Bordering the city’s trendy east neighbourhood, the five-star Hyatt Regency Amsterdam has been awarded for its sustainable ‘living’ décor, and offers botanical-inspired guestrooms, relaxing public spaces, and delicious Indonesian cuisine at its Mama Makan Restaurant. Botany and sustainability are also brought to life at meetings and events, with each one guaranteed to be a feast for the senses. From the homely and multi-functional foyer, to the Grand Ballroom overlooking the canal, or the inspiring and intimate Meeting Room C to the interconnecting options offered

by Meeting Room AB, there is a space for any and every occasion. And whether it’s for a breakfast breakout, a gala dinner or anything in between, the catering staff offer delicious fresh and seasonal menus. hyatt.com 

Hyatt Regency Amsterdam

To See & Do ROYAL THEATRE CARRÉ Having first opened its doors in 1887 as a circus theatre, the Royal Theatre Carré has branched out over the years to become one of the most diverse venues in town today.

Today’s programming aims to be as varied as possible, with both high- and lowbrow events, Dutch and international theatre and dance performances, musicals, concerts, boxing galas and variety shows, as well as some of the Netherlands’ most noteworthy cabarets. And at the end of each year, this historic venue on the banks of the Amstel river in the heart of Amsterdam returns to its roots with its annual World Christmas Circus. carre.nl  ARTIS AMSTERDAM ROYAL ZOO Since it opened its doors in 1838, 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 vegetation for the animals, Artis is a feast for the senses all 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 habitat for the elephants where they can frolic in a pool filled with canal water. And don’t miss the awardwinning Micropia, the world’s only museum focusing on the microscopic world. artis.nl; micropia.nl 

classical and modern operas and ballets, and the programme changes frequently. operaballet.nl  REMBRANDT HOUSE MUSEUM The renowned Dutch Golden Age master, Rembrandt van Rijn, lived in this house, located just off Waterlooplein, between 1629 and 1658. Now a museum dedicated to the artist’s life and work, the Rembrandt House Museum has been lovingly restored to its 17th-century glory thanks to an inventory from that time. Get a glimpse into the everyday life of Rembrandt as you walk the floors of his living quarters and studio, where he created many of his most famous paintings.

The museum contains more than 290 of his etchings as well as works by artists he has inspired. See page 30 for special exhibitions taking place this year to mark 350 years since his death. rembrandthuis.nl 

DUTCH NATIONAL OPERA & BALLET After you’ve strolled around the Waterlooplein flea market for a while, you could wander inside the large white circular waterfront building on that same square and treat yourself to a dazzling performance by the Dutch National Opera & Ballet. Both are known for exquisite and innovative performances of

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Services

An inspirational setting for every event

Plan a flawless event in Amsterdam So you’ve decided to hold your meeting, conference, convention, trade fair or other event in Amsterdam.

Great choice! You have a dazzling variety of venues and accommodations at your fingertips, ranging from straightforward to sophisticated and from trendy to classically elegant. amsterdam&partners However, having so many options can also be overwhelming.

That’s why amsterdam&partners offers a number of professional services to help domestic and international meeting planners make the perfect choice for your specific crowd, resulting in a flawlessly smooth event.

We all know that organising a good meeting, event or convention takes considerable time, effort and an eye for detail. The process often starts with a bid book – a solid foundation for planning your event that can help kick-off the decision-making process. Our Meetings & Conventions team has extensive experience in coordinating and guiding the entire bidding process, and they can connect you with other relevant contacts and help with letters of recommendation about what makes Amsterdam the ideal conference location.

Services Our team knows all of the top spots in the Amsterdam Area for global events. They will be delighted to provide you with free, professional and no-strings-attached advice, and will

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connect you with all of the right people and places.

Our website also provides a comprehensive overview to get you started. Our Venue Finder allows you to specify filters – including type and style of location, star classification and group size – to narrow your search. Our Service Finder lets you pinpoint the ideal service providers for your event, including audiovisual support, social programmes like guided tours and canal cruises, and professional event organisers.

Our site includes lists of the choicest Amsterdam locations, including fine-dining locations for groups in Amsterdam. We are also happy to promote your event on our convention calendar.

Promotional materials Our team creates and publishes various products each year that target the needs of event delegates, including MICE publications, promotional films and brochures. Our Amsterdam City Map is a handy, foldable map that provides an overview of the city’s various districts and public transport options. These promotional materials can be ordered from meetings@iamsterdam.com. And you can also order eyecatching I amsterdam merchandise for your events, including Amsterdam mugs, T-shirts, bags and umbrellas from iamsterdamgifts.com.

For more information and advice, please do not hesitate to contact us via e-mail: meetings@iamsterdam.com or visit our web page iamsterdam.com/en/business/meetings.

Services TCA – Taxicentrale Amsterdam TCA (Taxicentrale Amsterdam) is the largest taxi company in the Netherlands, with almost 60 years of experience.

Event transport from start to finish TCA is specialised in solving your mobility issues, especially during events. We have experience in various event sizes and guarantee that your guests will enjoy the best service possible from start to finish. That’s why TCA has been the contracted supplier of the RAI Amsterdam for many years.

Traffic control & special requests Are you expecting a large number of guests and do you need numerous taxis over a very short period of time? Or perhaps your event is scheduled to end at midnight? TCA can assist with organising the transport and guiding your guests to the taxis smoothly and effectively.

Emission-free fleet Just like for many companies, sustainability is important for TCA. We have a growing number of electric cars. Currently more than 17% of the available electric taxis in Amsterdam are driving for TCA and these are at your disposal for taxi and VIP services.

Ease of payment Payment can be done with cash or credit card or via the TCAapp in every TCA taxi. But perhaps you would like to ensure a hassle-free experience for your guests by arranging the payment beforehand. This can be done by arranging rides on an account, using vouchers or loyalty cards.

Let us demonstrate how TCA can make your transportation plans go seamlessly from start to finish.

Likewise we can offer you the TCA shuttle service and a discounted fixed-fee ride to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. No matter how exceptional your transportation request is, TCA will ensure everyone arrives safely in time.

VIP transportation Of course, all of our passengers receive the best service. But, when your guests need that extra bit of attention, we can offer you our VIP service with the best cars and private drivers.

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

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New restaurants

The hottest and most dazzling newcomers

Carstens Amsterdam Just a stone’s throw from Central Station, Carstens Amsterdam makes the link between farm and city by working almost exclusively with fresh, local and seasonal products. Renowned chef Maik Kuijpers was formerly head chef at the triple-star De Librije restaurant in Zwolle and knows how to make meals that sparkle.

Enjoy bread from Maarten the baker with ‘garden weed’ butter, Dutch oysters, North Sea crustaceans, local yellow beetroot, pork from Baambrugge, ravioli filled with local mushrooms and spinach, and speculaas cookies with Dutch eggnog for dessert. Exquisite wines from Limburg and Gelderland, and creative Dutch cocktails make for an unforgettable (and sustainable) dining experience. carstensbrasserie.nl Bougainville Restaurant Bougainville offers a fine, unique and sensory dining experience that feels far removed from its location in the beating heart of Amsterdam. Within one year of opening, the restaurant was awarded a Michelin star for its innovative blend of traditional and modern cuisine. Executive chef Tim Golsteijn developed

Postillon Hotel Amsterdam

Carstens Amsterdam

New restaurants & Michelin stars Amsterdam is twinkling with Michelin-starred dining options, as well as promising new restaurants that have their sights set on the heavens. With 16 Michelin-rated restaurants in Amsterdam carrying one (or two) of the coveted stars, the choices are as diverse as the city itself. Here are some of the most highly awarded epicurean venues, as well as those that are up-and-coming.

a passion for patisserie and top gastronomy at various internationally renowned restaurants in Amsterdam, and Wine Director Lendl Mijnhijmer was recently proclaimed the best sommelier in the Netherlands. The menu is based on traditional European cuisine with influences from Latin America and the Middle and Far East. restaurantbougainville.com Restaurant 212 Amsterdam’s first ‘no table’ restaurant, 212 is the dream of chefs Richard van Oostenbrugge and Thomas Groot, who previously worked together at the Bord’Eau restaurant. Michelinstar Restaurant 212 prides itself as having ‘fewer rules, and more adventure’ and this can be experienced in the duo’s creative, innovative dishes, often served with a surprising twist.

Guests are seated at the counter and are able to follow the chef’s every chop, whip, sauté and garnish. Five- and eight-course, as well as a la carte, menus are available.

212.amsterdam Capital C Amsterdam The Diamantbeurs on the Weesperplein used to be the heart of Amsterdam’s diamond trade.

Today, this iconic building again breathes creativity and entrepreneurship following its loving restoration and transformation into a centre for the creative industry. Opening in 2019, Capital C Amsterdam is where design, digital, media and art unite. Renowned catering company Debuut oversee all the food and beverage provisions in the building, including a restaurant in the magnificent 500m2, two-storey hall, as well as private dining in various rooms decorated by top designers. capitalc.amsterdam IJver Opening in Summer 2019 in a 100-year-old warehouse, IJver is the newest restaurant at NDSM, a former shipbuilding wharf located on the northern banks of the River IJ. Beer plays a leading role here, with 34 varieties on tap and some 100 more bottled choices. Two terraces – one inside and the other outside – ensure that you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner and signature beer cocktails in all seasons. Some dishes are prepared with beer, and the chef also recommends certain beer and food pairings. ijveramsterdam.nl

Amsterdam Central Station, IJ-side

Present your brand in the I amsterdam Store Match your brand with the city of Amsterdam The I amsterdam Store is a one-stop shop for both visitors and residents, offering a curated selection of local products, Dutch design, tickets, books and gifts.

But it’s more than just a shop: the I amsterdam Store is an information point where visitors find out what is happening in Amsterdam. With over 1,000 visitors per day and more than 50,000 people passing by, the store is the perfect starting point for your event or gathering.

The I amsterdam Store is situated in one of the biggest public transportation hubs of the Netherlands: Amsterdam Central Station. Due to its central location, the I amsterdam Store

is a unique way to first make acquaintance with the city of Amsterdam.

Whether you are hosting a big event and need a central place for people to register, are looking for a space for product placement, or want an iconic location to welcome a delegation, the store can function as an extension of your brand or a physical marketing tool, and be the linchpin between the city of Amsterdam and your brand.

E partner@iamsterdam.com I iamsterdam.com/en/i-amsterdam-store

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Design: Benthem Crouwel Architects Photo: Jannes Linders

Tech for the futureproof city Thanks to the support from the municipality, an expanding pool of homegrown and international talent, and successful partnerships between ambitious multinationals, innovative start-ups and leading researchers, Amsterdam is becoming a force to be reckoned with in the fields of technology and artificial intelligence. text Catalina Iorga

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The city of Amsterdam has great potential to become a leading hub for AI

There are more than 30 parks in Amsterdam. From cosy barbecues to vibrant festivals, these leafy spaces welcome more than nine million visitors each year. But the Dutch capital is also home to a different kind of park: Europe’s largest centre for science education, research and entrepreneurship for ICT, green business and advanced instrumentation. Since its 2010 opening, the 70-hectare Amsterdam Science Park has grown into a hub for more than 120 research institutions and businesses, which include innovative tech start-ups and scale-ups.

One of these is University of Amsterdam (UvA) spinoff Scyfer, which was acquired by Qualcomm – the global wireless industry’s largest chip provider – in 2017, thanks to an already fruitful partnership at the QUVA lab for deep vision.

Tapping into the AI Boom

Complementing Amsterdam Science Park’s roster of collaborations between cutting-edge researchers and corporate innovators, in March 2018 the UvA and City of Amsterdam announced their joint plan for a world-class hub in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). Expected to be fully operational by 2021, Amsterdam’s AI hub is tapping into the booming global AI market, which was worth nearly US$2.5 billion in 2017. As this figure is set to grow exponentially over the next

project.amsterdam – attracting top tech talent

For project.amsterdam (‘project: a’ for short), Amsterdambased, tech-driven companies Adyen, BTC.com, Dimebox, Effectory, Elsevier, Flow Traders, Mollie Payments, Optiver, Takeaway.com and Picnic presented StartupAmsterdam (project: a’s coordinator and the ultimate guide to Amsterdam’s booming start-up ecosystem) with ten ambitious projects that cover topics ranging from disrupting FinTech to groundbreaking AI. To achieve their goals, these companies need the finest software engineers and data scientists.

So top talent from around the world was invited to Amsterdam in May 2018. As well as attending The Next Web Conference – the international tech festival that connects international executives, top-tier investors and promising start-ups – they also interviewed with their preferred companies. Those techies that made a lasting impression got job offers. As Jan Joost Kalff, cofounder of Dimebox, put it: ‘project: a not only brings companies in contact with talent, but also solidifies Amsterdam’s status as a tech knowledge hub for many industries.’

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decade, the Dutch capital has its eye set on leveraging AI’s potential not only to improve people’s quality of life, but also to boost the city’s established sectors, ranging from life sciences to FinTech. ‘Amsterdam is known for its top-notch medical research in areas such as oncology, neurology and cardiology, but also as a thriving AI scene.

We want to create a business model that combines AI and health,’ says Jeroen Maas, Health Challenge Lead of the Amsterdam Economic Board, a public-private partnership working to turn the Amsterdam Area into one of the top three most innovative regions in Europe by 2025. Maas is also overseeing the development of another groundbreaking initiative: the AI Health Lab. ‘With this lab, we aim to convene healthcare providers, scientists, SMEs and corporates that have shared goals and a great willingness to cooperate,’ Maas explains.

Medical Opportunities

One of these ambitious players is Pacmed, which combines machine learning with medical expertise of institutions such as the renowned VU Medical Centre to develop decision support tools based on analysing anonymous care data. Handling such sensitive data also entails privacy concerns. And the rise of AI and machine learning is sometimes seen as a threat rather than an opportunity.

But according to Jim Stolze, cofounder of Aigency, the Dutch capital is on the right path. ‘It has great potential to become a leading hub for AI, but we have to make sure that students see an optimistic future, one in which their talent is of value. Although we should seriously consider concerns about issues such as massive job loss due to automation, I truly believe that we shouldn’t fear AI. We should shape it,’ says Stolze.

Kick-Starting Careers in AI

One way to shape the future of AI is through businessdevelopment programmes that help start-ups achieve their growth ambitions – something Amsterdam does exceptionally well, with 322 million raised by the city’s start-ups and scale-ups in 2017 alone. Rockstart, which mainly supports start-ups operating in areas such as smart energy and web & mobile, launched Europe’s AI-focused accelerator in April 2017. And to fuel the next tech generation, the Amsterdam School of Data Science – a collaboration between four of the city’s research and applied sciences universities – offers over 250 data-science driven bachelor’s, master’s, postgraduate and professional programmes, as well as the chance for students to work on data challenges with diverse companies such as Google, Air France KLM, and Ahold.

Jim Stolze. Photo: Frank Ruiter

These students will likely have their pick of future careers.

According to research platform Dealroom’s November 2017 report, 60,000 people worked at more than 1,000 of the Dutch capital’s tech companies, ranging from start-ups and scale-ups to tech-heavy media and finance companies such as Euronext and TMG, homegrown tech giants such as Booking.com, TomTom and Adyen, and foreign players with major local offices like Uber, Tesla and Amazon. Of these 60,000 tech roles, more than 10,000 were added in 2016 and 2017 – a job creation feat matched only by the hospitality sector.

The city’s tech hub reputation is also proving irresistible to foreign start-ups. For instance, the London-based iGeolise will be creating a tool for amsterdam&partners that makes locations searchable on travel time rather than distance.

This complements Amsterdam’s efforts to transparently use big data to grow as a responsible digital city – one that gives room to innovate ideas.

Aigency – helping multinationals experiment with AI and machine learning

‘The seed for Aigency was planted back in 1982, when my father gave me my first computer, a Commodore 64 and said, “It can’t do anything. You have to teach it yourself”. Looking back, this was almost prophetic advice,’ recalls Jim Stolze, cofounder of Aigency, the global network for AI professionals. After cofounding a digital advertising agency and initiating TEDxAmsterdam, Stolze fully immersed himself in AI and soon met Aigency cofounder Michiel Berger, a tech entrepreneur who had sold his online optimisation venture to ComScore. They were then joined by Eiso Vaandrager, a seasoned venture capitalist fuelling Aigency’s international ambitions. ‘Michiel describes us as “contractors for large AI renovations”,’ says Stolze.

‘Together with each client, we define the problem and parameters for the solution. Thanks to regularly rotating teams of the best specialists from our network, the outcome always exceeds our expectations.’

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

Claus Park Collection, where the fun of business begins Three event venues next to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol We proudly introduce you to the event venues of Claus Park Collection: Courtyard by Marriott Amsterdam Airport, Papa’s Beach House, and Claus. Ideally located in a wonderful park, just a stone’s throw away from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Amsterdam and Haarlem, this is sure to be your next stop for business events in the Amsterdam Area.

Courtyard by Marriott Amsterdam Airport The recently expanded Courtyard by Marriott Amsterdam Airport now features 260 spacious rooms with Marriott’s latest technical specifications. The meeting centre has doubled its capacity to a total of 10 meeting rooms, including an auditorium for up to 330 delegates. All meeting rooms are equipped with Clickshare system and Marriott’s Meeting Services App. Synergy between authenticity and innovation Together, Courtyard by Marriott Amsterdam Airport, Claus and Papa’s Beach House accommodate a broad range of business and leisure facilities. The Claus venue started in 1858 as a farm but is now an inspiring meeting location. The three meeting

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rooms, each marked by their own character and appearance, give every occasion a special touch. Papa’s Beach House – with its year-round breathtaking view – is an amazing place to escape the daily rat race and find some new inspiration with your people.

Why choose Claus Park Collection?

All venues are committed to creating creative, innovative experiences that bring people together. What’s more: they also have the wonderful Brazilian Barraca Rodizio Bar & Grill, 20 bowling lanes, a casino, escape rooms and free parking, all located in the same park.

Whether it be for a multi-day conference, workshop or company event, this unique combination of event venues brings any occasion to life.

T +31 (0)23 556 9011 E courtyard@claus.nl I courtyardamsterdamairport.com

Hotels & Venues W Amsterdam The epicentre of Amsterdam Mixing historical Dutch architectural elements with cutting-edge design right next to Dam Square, W Amsterdam is at the epicentre of this energetic and forward-thinking city.

Marvel at dazzling views from our spot between the Royal Palace and the UNESCO-listed Singel canal.

A fabulous retreat Let the elevator take you up to our rooftop for a check-in experience like no other. Relax in one of our 238 guest rooms and suites – each is a fabulous retreat that mixes historical details with contemporary features. Recharge in our W signature beds, complemented by touches of local design.

For the ultimate experience, check out one of our WOW or E-WOW suites.

Spectacular events Leave mild-mannered meetings behind! Right here in our 414m2 of event space, W Amsterdam features fully adaptable conference equipment that makes business beautiful, meetings memorable and special events spectacular.

Endless possibilities, creative in approach and innovative in

design, we’ll engage your attendees and participants, from conferences to soirees. Take your cocktail event to the next level with the exclusive use of our W Lounge. Enjoy our W Signature cocktails on our rooftop terraces with unlimited views on the city of canals.

Magnify your escape Indulge in one of our destination restaurants – The Duchess and MR PORTER – and taste signature sips at our rooftop W Lounge overlooking the Royal Palace and the city lights. Get exclusive access to a vibrant nightlife, dining, shopping and fashion scene with our signature Whatever/Whenever service, our in-the-know W Insiders and our W Happenings.

T +31 (0)20 811 2500 E events.wamsterdam@whotels.com I wamsterdam.com

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Hotels & Venues

Leonardo Royal Hotel Amsterdam Now We’re Talking!

There’s a new conversation-starter in town! In the up-and-coming Amstel neighbourhood, Leonardo Hotels’ new hotel-opening is causing a stir. It boasts 490 rooms, over 1,200m2 of conference space and a restaurant that comfortably seats more than 400 guests. Its innovative WhatsApp Voice Memo service for meeting planners is sure to make them say, ‘Now we’re talking’.

A stay to remember The most talked-about hotel in Amsterdam has gone above-andbeyond to make its guests feel welcome. Its credo ‘Now We’re Talking’ transcends its great facilities: from conversation-starting staff to chefs acting as storytellers, the hotel’s mission is to make it a stay to remember.

The 900m2 Ballroom serves as a canvas: the 6m-high ceilings and abundant natural daylight make it a fantastic space for large congresses, car launches and social events for up to 600 people.

With a healthcare certification, an experienced events team and top-notch technical equipment, it is dedicated to making its attendees talk about the event for years to come.

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Chef Frank Broenink says, ‘I believe a great dish is a story on a plate. We tell these Food Stories by preparing great products right in front of guests, and by using technical culinary innovations and show elements such as dry ice, nitrogen, powders and bubbles. Not only in our restaurant, but during meeting breaks as well.’ Forget classic Dutch stroopwafels; think rosemary and caramel or energy-boosting vegetable sorbets instead.

Convenient location The four-star hotel is located directly next to the Overamstel metro station. Thanks to its convenient location and connection to two metro lines, you can reach Amsterdam Central Station and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol within just a few minutes. Business travellers will also benefit from the direct metro connection to the RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre.

T +31 (0)20 250 0140 E events.royalamsterdam@leonardo-hotels.com I leonardo-hotels.com/leonardo-royal-hotel-amsterdam

Hotels & Venues Unique Venues of Amsterdam

KIT Royal Tropical Institute

Unique Venues of Amsterdam is an association of 34 firstclass event venues, all situated in the city centre. United by our exceptional locations, architecture and professional organisations, we are the one-stop shop to finding the perfect venue of your choice.

Our venue Our monumental building is unique in many ways. It has all sorts of rooms, suitable for large and smaller events. You can discover beautiful ornaments throughout the building, which covers close to 44,000m2! We are centrally located, right at the edge of Oosterpark.

To make the life of national and international meeting planners easier, we have joined forces and created a very userfriendly online platform: uniquevenuesofamsterdam.com We look forward to welcoming you in one of our beautiful venues!

Our members are Amsterdam Conference Centre Beurs van Berlage ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo Conference center The Bazel Compagnietheater De Kromhouthal De Nieuwe Liefde DeLaMar Theater Desmet Studio’s Amsterdam De Duif Church Dutch National Opera & Ballet Eye Filmmuseum Felix Meritis Hermitage Amsterdam Het Sieraad Het West-Indisch Huis Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam House Bartolotti Internationaal Theater Amsterdam

KIT Royal Tropical Institute Koninklijke Industrieele Groote Club Level Eleven Melkweg Muziekgebouw aan ’t IJ NEMO Science Museum Olympic Stadium Amsterdam Passenger Terminal Amsterdam Portuguese Synagogue Posthoorn Church Rode Hoed The National Maritime Museum The Royal Concertgebouw TOBACCO Theater Van Gogh Museum Westergasfabriek Conference & Event Venue

E info@uniquevenuesofamsterdam.nl I uniquevenuesofamsterdam.com

Our story We are part of the knowledge institute, KIT Royal Tropical Institute. With worldwide projects, we are working towards a sustainable future, and the profits from your event contribute to these meaningful projects. That’s good for you, and good for the world. This sustainable mindset is further reflected in our catering and overall approach.

Our capacity Our biggest pride is the Marble Hall (800p.) and we can honestly tell you – there is nothing like it. Those who have actually walked through the hall know that this is no exaggeration. Secondly, our Queen Máxima Hall (453p.) is a classic, impressive and great place to exchange knowledge.

Needless to say, all the necessary AV-equipment is available. We have many other beautiful rooms (10p.-120p.) suitable for breakouts or meetings.

T +31 (0)20 568 8504 E events@kit.nl I kit.nl/conferences-events

Photo: Twycer

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Hotels & Venues

The Royal Concertgebouw A world-famous historical venue for your event The centrally located Royal Concertgebouw (Concert Hall) is an inspiring location for events, dinners and meetings.

The breathtaking historical building has played host to many of the world’s most famous musicians, and this heritage informs your experience. With excellent parking facilities, two conference halls and up to seven breakout rooms to accommodate up to 2,500 guests, the Royal Concertgebouw is the largest conference hall in midtown Amsterdam.

Sustainable events The Royal Concertgebouw has developed a sustainable strategy that will help it reduce its footprint and lower energy use by 40% within the next five years.

SummerConcerts powered by the BankGiro Loterij The SummerConcerts take place during the months of July and August. The programme includes splendid classical concerts, swinging jazz, pop music and famous artists from the Netherlands and beyond.

You can find the programme at: concertgebouw.nl/en/ summerconcerts-powered-by-bankgiro-loterij

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Catering The Royal Concertgebouw works with a variety of different high-quality caterers, who can offer catering possibilities such as dinners, lunches and snacks.

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

Theatre style: 50-1,900 people Sit-down dinner: 100-550 people Reception / standing dinner: 1,000 people 7 breakout rooms Free high-speed Wi-Fi Please call Laura Beenders or Roos van der Donk for further assistance.

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

Hotels & Venues DeLaMar Theater

Beurs van Berlage

Thanks to its gorgeous halls and foyers, DeLaMar Theater is one of the most remarkable and inspiring event locations in Amsterdam’s city centre.

Planning to organise an event in Amsterdam and 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.

Our historic building, with its modern appearance, offers a wealth of possibilities for small and large events alike. For example, organise your conference or symposium in one of our theatre halls and enjoy their perfect acoustics and stateof-the-art technology. Or opt for our open and bright foyers that boast a magnificent view of Amsterdam.

Hospitality We strive to be the most hospitable theatre in the Netherlands. How will you notice this at the theatre?

Our staff – be they technical, catering or cleaning – exceed expectations and think ahead. As a result, you won’t need to worry about a thing. Our people are always scored with the highest possible grades during event evaluations.

Want to view our unique location and discuss the possibilities? Call us or send us an email for a viewing of our location, no strings attached.

Capacity Theatre style: 100-950 Reception: 950 Cabaret: 96 Private dinner: 150

T +31 (0)20 555 2680 E events@delamar.nl I delamar.nl/en/business

The hottest and most dazzling Ideal venue The Beurs van Berlage is actually one ofnewcomers Amsterdam’s most in-demand conference venues. Originally designed as a stock exchange, the building has undergone renovations in which no expense or effort were spared, and has been transformed into the 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.

Unforgettable evening Another of our specialities is organising parties, possibly in combination with a delicious high-end dinner. We will work with you to guarantee that your guests will have an evening they won’t easily forget.

T +31 (0)20 531 3355 E events@beursvanberlage.com I beursvanberlage.com

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Nice to Events know

Knowledge Mile Boasting more students than any other area of the city, Amsterdam’s Knowledge Mile is known for its universities and institutions of higher learning. It is also home to some of the city's top cultural sites, including the Hermitage Amsterdam, the Rembrandt House Museum and the Portuguese Synagogue.

In De Plantage project, 20 cultural institutions in the vicinity of the Knowledge Mile have joined together with their academic neighbours for a two-way collaboration. Students, lecturers and researchers have immersed themselves in the area’s cultural offerings, and in return are providing fresh perspective on themes including outreach, communication and sustainable entrepreneurship. Collaborative projects to date include shared waste collection as well as the use of social media to bring more visitors to this intelligent and inspiring destination.

North-South metro line (Noord/Zuidlijn) The long-awaited Noord/Zuidlijn (North-South metro line) was finally opened on 22 July 2018 to great fanfare. A ten-kilometre route passing under central Amsterdam, the new line transports passengers between the North and South of the city in just 15 minutes. It is anticipated that some 14 million passengers will use the service each year.

In keeping with the city’s artistic temperament, a series of public artworks festoon the new metro stations. Central Station boasts a piece made of 100,000 dried tulips as well as a massive video projection called The Weather Engine; film noir-style photographs decorate the Europaplein stop; and at Station Noord passengers wait upon floor drawings inspired by the threatened biodiversity in the surrounding area. Some 10,000 of the archaeological treasures discovered during the dig – including coins, weapons, clothing and tableware – are displayed in glass cases at the Rokin stop.

Safe and sound in Amsterdam Statistically, Amsterdam is one of the world’s safest cities, ranking first in Europe and sixth globally. Municipal enforcement officers (handhavers) in blue uniforms are a common sight in busy public spaces. These officers help tourists and locals with directions and questions, and monitor parking, littering, nuisance behaviour and other petty offences.

They have a quick line to the police for more serious crimes.

The Dutch capital also receives top scores in the digital security category: how freely city residents can use the Internet without fear of privacy violations or identity theft, and how prepared a city is when it comes to handling digital threats such as cyber-attacks and computer viruses.

As in all major cities, visitors to Amsterdam should watch out for pickpockets in busy places and on public transport. Secure your wallet and mobile phones, and leave valuables in your hotel. Purchasing and using soft drugs such as cannabis is only permitted in coffeeshops, and buying hard drugs such as ecstasy (MDMA), heroin and cocaine is illegal. Visitors are advised to ignore street dealers, as they can become aggressive and often sell fake or unsafe drugs.

And finally, although the canals in Amsterdam are beautiful, they can also be dangerous if you fall in and can't climb out.

So please mind your step!

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New ambassador for international congresses in Amsterdam The new Meetings & Conventions Director from amsterdam&partners, Claudia Wehmeijer, took up the role of independent ambassador and first-point-ofcontact for international conference organisers in January 2019.

Amsterdam is known around the world as a hub for health and artificial intelligence (AI), and the Meetings & Conventions department has a special focus on drawing congresses on these themes to the city. “Amsterdam has a very dense and innovative life sciences and health community,” says Wehmeijer.

“We have internationally renowned universities, academic hospitals and research institutions, so we can easily add impact and value to association conferences. It is one of our objectives to work together to facilitate, advise and support associations and meeting planners. Furthermore, we have the means and know-how to involve both residents and visitors.”

A prime example is AIDS 2018, a unique multi-day international conference last August (2018) that offered a platform for scientists, researchers, public-health workers, patient organisations, the business community, the municipality, the government and the media. amsterdam&partners created an impactful city dressing campaign with a strong visual concept at Schiphol Airport, throughout the whole of Amsterdam, and at the RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre. In addition to that, there were more than 25 initiatives for and by Amsterdammers, such as a Tour d’Amour bike-tour and a pop-up AIDS expo. Partners, MICE-partners, local institutions – all parties involved connected to enhance the impact before, during and after the conference. It is fair to say that nobody in Amsterdam could have missed AIDS 2018. amsterdam&partners was also instrumental in bringing about another exciting development in the world of congresses: the signing of a three-year cooperation contract between RAI Amsterdam and its partners with the International Broadcasting Convention (IBC). At this prestigious annual event, companies from all over the world gather to show their inventive products to almost 60,000 visitors. “With innovative cooperation from our MICE-partners, we were able to expand the capacity and meet the needs of IBC,” says Wehmeijer, “and in doing so, keep IBC at Amsterdam. What a partnership!”

I amsterdam Magazine amsterdam&partners published a new magazine for visitors: I amsterdam Magazine. This magazine, which replaces A-Mag, is the city’s go-to guide with insider tips covering music, theatre, clubbing, exhibitions, LGBT, festivals, dining out and other happenings around town. Editor-in-Chief Bart van Oosterhout says: ’I amsterdam Magazine aims to take you further off the beaten path, guiding visitors through Amsterdam’s diverse neighbourhoods and to the rich experiences that can be found beyond the famous canals of the city centre.’

I amsterdam Magazine is published four times a year to cover each season in the city. With a circulation of 70,000, I amsterdam Magazine can be provided upon request to all delegates to a conference. There is also free in-room distribution for luxury hotels.

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RAI Events Amsterdam

Inspiring people

RAI Amsterdam RAI Amsterdam tests facial recognition for a friendly and efficient reception As an organiser you are always looking for ways to improve the visitor experience. Facial recognition is a technique that offers great opportunities to enhance the reception of event visitors. RAI Amsterdam recently conducted a large-scale live test at Horecava, the largest Dutch tradeshow for the hospitality and catering industry. Some 1,250 visitors chose to access the exhibition via the new technology.

An addition, not a replacement The facial recognition solution we tested can be added to any visitor registration system – a deliberate choice on our part. You can bring your own registration system and let us expand it with facial recognition. Visitors upload a photo when registering, which is immediately digitised in code by the system. Depending on the exact setup, the photo is either stored or destroyed. Upon arrival at the entrance, the visitors’ faces are scanned by a camera, digitised, compared to the code in the system and recognised. After the visitor confirms their identity, a badge is printed by the system.

Benefits for visitors and organisers The system offers visitors a much more relaxed entry to the exhibition as they don’t need any registration details. All they have to do is show their face, receive their personal badge and continue on. Registration is faster, more efficient and more customer-friendly. Having a large part of the visitors entering the event this way requires fewer host(esse)s, resulting in cost-savings for your event.

Synergy with other systems Printing a photo of the individual on a badge supports fraud prevention, as badges can no longer be switched around. Moreover, the collected data is pure – you know that the person using the badge is the person who registered for the event. Furthermore, the system enables personalised data to be printed on the badge, allowing you to provide visitors with specific suggestions for stand visits based on their preferences.

T +31 (0)20 549 1722 E welcome@rai.nl I rai.nl

If you would like to know how facial recognition could be used for your event, please feel free to contact us. We will be happy to share our knowledge and experience.

KLM & Air France Unique benefits & discounted fares for event organisers and attendees Air France and KLM Global Meetings & Events is the travel solution for your convention, conference or seminar! The programme offers benefits for event organisers as well as your event attendees.

KLM & Air France Your global meetings partner for airline travel

Event organisers: Enjoy free tickets and a personalised communication kit Register your event with just a few clicks and enjoy a number of benefits, such as earning free tickets with Air France and KLM’s reward programme, having access to a personalised online communication kit with promotion material for your website, and being able to offer exclusive benefits and discounts to your event attendees.

Event attendees: Enjoy exclusive discounts and earn miles at the same time Event attendees enjoy attractive discounts of up to 15% 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 seven days before and after the event. What’s more, attendees will also earn Miles with Flying Blue, Air France and KLM’s frequent flyer programme. For more information or to register, visit globalmeetings.airfranceklm.com or contact globalmeetings@airfrance.fr.

The Netherlands, your MICE destination With KLM and its large network and hub Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, 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 SkyTeam Alliance KLM is part of a network that connects around 1,052 destinations in 179 countries.

Important information: • The offer is valid for a minimum of 10 participants with a return flight.

• Individual travel (maximum eight passengers in a booking).

• The programme is valid for individual passengers. Requests for groups will need to be made via the Air France - KLM group desk.

• Discounted fares are valid for a period of seven days before and seven days after the event.

• Registration to be made up to two months before the event date.

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

• The organiser will receive a communication kit including a link with an event ID code.

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

Oostelijke Eilanden

Amsterdam neighbourhoods

When water and modern architecture meet In the 19th century, Amsterdam’s Oostelijke Eilanden (Eastern Islands) were renowned for their shipyards handling the bustling trade with the Dutch East Indies. Today, the area’s maritime heritage is juxtaposed with a dynamic blend of cutting-edge new buildings and lovingly refurbished warehouses along the banks of the River IJ. Soak in the vibe of this unique neighbourhood, bustling with delightful local hotspots that include a windmill serving home-brewed beer and a hodgepodge of boutiques and eateries along the Czaar Peterstraat. Two of Amsterdam’s most important music venues can also be found here: the Muziekgebouw aan ’t IJ for contemporary and classical, and the Bimhuis for jazz.

Meeting locations HOTEL JAKARTA Two worlds coalesce at this unique, sustainable four-star hotel along the River IJ in central Amsterdam. Vested at the spot where ships historically set sail for Jakarta, the hotel – with its decidedly Indonesian ambience – is a green oasis thanks to its subtropical indoor garden with palm trees. The meeting rooms – Bandung, Yogyakarta and Surabaya – are named after Javanese cities, and they offer fantastic water and skyline vistas on one side and luscious garden views on the other.

Dining options include traditional Indonesian cuisine and seafood on the waterside terrace, and cocktails and Asian bites at Malabar, the exclusive rooftop skybar. hoteljakarta.amsterdam  DOUBLETREE BY HILTON AMSTERDAM CENTRAL STATION This DoubleTree by Hilton hotel is located in the heart of the historic city, just a few minutes’ stroll from Central Station. All meeting rooms are located on the same floor, and visitors can expect excellent personal assistance, user-friendly equipment, natural daylight and breathtaking views. Group events can be planned in the SkyLounge, which provides bites, meals, cocktails and 360-degree views of Amsterdam and the River IJ. The cravings of every meeting delegate can be fulfilled without leaving the hotel: from cappuccino

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and pastries at the lobby-level Starbucks to scrumptious dinners at the Eastwood Beer & Grill. doubletree3.hilton.com  LLOYD HOTEL This unique design hotel offers a creative space for every meeting: from a quiet private nook to sit with your board of trustees, to an unconventional room for an out-of-the-box brainstorm session, and a larger arena for more sizeable gatherings. Choices include the Office, which channels the elegance of the 1920s with its original parquet flooring, oak-panelled walls and brass chandeliers (seating 130); the high-ceilinged Piano Room, with its red spiral staircase (seating 25); and the Art Deco-style Tower Rooms (seating 10). The hotel kitchen provides various catering arrangements as well as delicious coffee, specialty teas and cookies,

Lloyd Hotel

and there is an excellent restaurant on the ground floor. lloyd.nl  PAKHUIS DE ZWIJGER Pakhuis de Zwijger is a unique debate centre and dynamic platform for creation and innovation in Amsterdam. The monumental building along the banks of the River IJ, formerly a refrigerated warehouse, is renowned for the traffic bridge that transects the building and leads to Java Island. The Pakhuis has meeting spaces of various sizes to accommodate anywhere from 50 to 900 people. Superior technical facilities – sound, theatre lighting and projection – are available in all meeting rooms, and the kitchen caters breakfast, lunch, cocktails and dinner based on local and sustainable ingredients. dezwijger.nl 

To See & Do

allows visitors to experience the energy captured from wind, water and the sun through wind turbines, a water cascade and sundials.

And of course, the museum’s interior – with an exhibition on life in the universe, hands-on chemistry experiments and a chain reaction spectacle with rolling office chairs, popping balloons and toppling dominoes – is also worth a visit! nemosciencemuseum.nl 

BROUWERIJ ’T IJ This small but famous brewery is located in a former bathhouse next to the largest wooden windmill in the Netherlands. Since 1985, Brouwerij ’t IJ has been brewing a standard selection of organic beers as well as seasonal and special occasion beers, many of them featuring the iconic ostrich on the label. Some of the most popular are Natte (meaning ‘wet’, a smooth dark malt), Struis (‘ostrich’, a barley with chocolate and fruit tones) and Zatte (‘intoxicated’, a full-bodied golden brew). The brewery offers guided tours and tastings, and you can enjoy your beer on the spacious terrace in the shadow of the windmill. brouwerijhetij.nl 

MUZIEKGEBOUW Looking for an unforgettable evening of contemporary music in a dazzling setting?

Book your seats at the Muziekgebouw, which profiles itself as ‘Amsterdam’s concert hall of the 21st century’. Since 2005, this dazzling glass structure beside the River IJ has delighted local and international audiences with innovative and inspired classical, jazz, electronic pop and world music performances. The 4’33 Grand Café (its name is a reference to a piano composition by John Cage that consists of 4 minutes and 33 seconds of silence) provides light breakfasts, healthy lunches, high tea and three-course preconcert dinners. muziekgebouw.nl 

NEMO SCIENCE MUSEUM The copper-green futuristic building of NEMO Science Museum, designed by architect Renzo Piano, rises from the water above Amsterdam’s eastern docklands. Its enormous, stepped roof piazza draws crowds on warm summer days with its stunning wide vistas of the Amsterdam skyline, and the outdoor Energetica exhibition

NEMO Science Museum Photo: Roel Baeckaert

CZAAR PETERSTRAAT Previously one of Amsterdam’s edgier streets, the Czaar Peterstraat has recently become one of the hippest and most innovative streets in the city. Located just across from the Brouwerij ’t IJ, the street bursts with an enchanting mix of boutiques, concept stores, cafés and restaurants.

Visit the CP113 concept store, Dreamboat Design Studio & Store and NJAG for beautiful clothes, jewellery, books and toys, Dubbelgroen for all of your gardening necessities, Fromagerie Kef for the most delectable cheese from small French producers, and the Instock Café Restaurant where food surplus is transformed into delicious meals. 

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Hi-tech innovations for meetings and events Remember the days of face-to-face meetings around a table, with handwritten notes scribbled on paper or flip charts? In recent years, laptops, smartphones and tablets for beaming presentations and sharing notes, live streaming, video conferencing and interactive smartboards have revolutionised meetings and events.

And as technology has its own unstoppable momentum, there are even more mind-boggling and groundbreaking meeting and event developments on the horizon. Here is a short overview so that you can start to imagine your perfect futuristic meeting or event!

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Holograms – three-dimensional images created through photographic projection – are slated to become the hottest new trend at congresses and larger events, as technological innovations bring their price down. The possibilities are endless: speakers from across the world can be beamed in by hologram, ‘flying’ virtual arrows can direct delegates to meeting rooms or toilets, and projected holograms in meeting spaces will enable models and designs to be analysed down to the smallest detail.

Virtual Reality (VR) is set to become more and more indispensable in making live meetings more interactive – and eventually for creating events that are entirely virtual. Congresses can offer interactive displays, virtual information booths and VR tours for delegates. Special goggles can transform a meeting room into a virtual environment where delegates interact with each other in the form of digital avatars.

Event gamification is becoming increasingly popular: icebreakers, networking and sponsor promotion can all be presented in an innovative way.

Another promising new development is Augmented Reality (AR), which adds extra information and virtual objects to real-world situations in real time. Imagine for example a QR code, which provides extra information about an item when the attached barcode is scanned. This technology can be taken much further: for example, enriching the content of conference catalogues,

providing step-by-step navigation of a venue, or interactive booths, signs, banners and displays.

AR could also change the face of face-to-face networking: imagine if the professional qualifications of each delegate were floating nearby in the air!

Chatbots, like the well-known Siri and Alexa programmes, will also play an increasingly prominent role in future meetings and events. These automated programmes, which use artificial intelligence to engage in conversations with their users, can also be personalised in order to answer questions, conduct polls and gather feedback at events.

Finally, facial recognition will revolutionise registration processes at large events so that delegates can skip the long lines without jeopardising safety standards. This new technology – currently in use in airports and at major concerts – makes it possible for attendees who have pre-uploaded their information and photo to be scanned and cleared for entry in a matter of seconds. A complementary application of facial recognition technology called ‘emotional analytics’ allows the emotional impact of a particular event to be scanned, with no need for feedback forms or questionnaires.

Although these new developments may seem like science-fiction at the moment, our bet is that within a few years they’ll as familiar as the good old paper and pen!

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Group & private dining In this edition we profile the crème de la crème of Amsterdam dining.

Restaurants that glisten with perfection: from the attentiveness of the staff to the sublimity of the ambience, and from the excellence of the ingredients to the calibre of the wine selection.

We have sought out restaurants that can maintain these refined qualities while accommodating larger groups. We are convinced that you will find these exclusive and scrumptious locations to be the perfect backdrop for toasting a day of successful meetings!

VUURTORENEILAND Fine dining on Amsterdam’s most rugged and exotic location, reachable only by boat!

Vuurtoreneiland features Amsterdam’s only fire tower, a historic fort and a glass restaurant.

The five-course meals are prepared with quality local and regional products over an open fire. Groups of up to eight are welcome for evening dining. All-day meetings in the fort – including pick-up by private boat in picturesque Durgerdam and an extensive lunch – can be arranged for up to 12. Larger groups (up to 35) can hire the entire location for an exclusive experience. vuurtoreneiland.nl  DE KOP VAN OOST The newest spot in the hip and happening east of Amsterdam for lunch, snacks, dinner and cocktails, with an iconic view of the only windmill in central Amsterdam. The menu is classic with a modern twist and changes with the seasons: dishes based, for example, on Norwegian cod, grain-fed beef and venison as well as vegetarian mains featuring cauliflower or parsnip. Groups of up to 25 people can dine semi-privately on the balcony

De Kop van Oost

overlooking the dining room and the watery surroundings. dekopvanoost.com  LARS AMSTERDAM The secret of success behind Lars Amsterdam is that it offers a fine-dining experience while making you feel as comfortable as you would in your own living room. The threeor four-course menu, prepared under the guidance of top chef Lars Scharp, features top-quality ingredients and changes weekly.

The service is impeccable, and the water views over Amsterdam’s bustling Houthavens are spectacular. Groups of up to 70 can dine privately in the restaurant, and there is a separate area for more intimate groups of up to 20 people. larsamsterdam.nl  SPECTRUM Located on the ground floor of the canalside Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam, with views onto the lush courtyard garden, the two Michelin-star Spectrum creates a vibe of elite country dining in the heart of the city.

Dining at Spectrum is the ultimate experience

Where to eat

Group & private dining

in fine dining: the chefs aim to elicit ‘joy, goosebumps and a stillness in time’ through their vibrant cuisine that merges familiar tastes with innovative flavours and textures. Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam itself also offers private dining areas with unique tailormade menus compiled by Spectrum’s executive chef Sidney Schutte that match your personal wishes and preferences. restaurantspectrum.com  THE DUCHESS Inspired by the splendour and eminence of the Belle Époque, THE DUCHESS is vested in a historic building with high ceilings, chandeliers, elegant sofas and a majestic marble bar. This Michelin-starred restaurant specialises in Nouveau-Niçoise cuisine, merging the flavours of Southern France and Italy. Intricate simplicity is juxtaposed with eclectic classics such as luscious Fruits de Mer platters, rotisserie and grill specialties, and homemade-ice cream coupes prepared at the table. Various private dining options are available: 22 or 44 guests at long tables, or cocktails for 50. the-duchess.com 

Worth a visit Leisure programmes during your stay: canals, shops and interesting exhibitions

Rembrandt 2019 2019 marks 350 years since the death of one of the Netherlands’ most esteemed painters, Rembrandt van Rijn.

Cultural spaces across the country are honouring the life and work of this remarkable painter in a special nationwide Rembrandt and the Dutch Golden Age celebration.

Exhibitions An unprecedented exhibition at the Rijksmuseum will display all of the Rembrandts in its collection – some 22 paintings, 60 drawings and 300 prints – until 10 June. This will be followed

by Rembrandt–Velázquez, which showcases a comprehensive overview of paintings by the two great 17th-century masters (11 Oct-19 Jan 2020). The Jewish Historical Museum will also take part with a unique exhibition that brings the masterpiece ’St. Peter in Prison (St. Peter Kneeling)’ – now part of The Israel Museum collection – back to the Netherlands for the first time in 120 years (13 Sep-10 Nov).

The Rembrandt House Museum has three exhibitions planned: Rembrandt’s Social Network (until 19 May) focuses on the artist’s relationships and the role they played in his life and work; Inspired by Rembrandt highlights the master’s influence on a range of big-name artists, including Edgar Degas and Pablo Picasso (7 Jun-1 Sep); and new insights about how

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Rembrandt made his paintings and etchings will be revealed at the museum’s Laboratorium Rembrandt (21 Sep-16 Feb 2020).

Walk in the footsteps of the master with a self-guided tour through Rembrandt’s Amsterdam, including the church where he married (and buried) Saskia van Uylenburgh, many of the sites he painted, a group of statues depicting The Night Watch, his last house, and his burial site.

For something a little further afield, combine a day trip to The Hague with a visit to the Mauritshuis and view several of Rembrandt’s masterpieces as part of their Rembrandt and the Mauritshuis exhibition (until 15 Sep). Alternatively, head over to Leiden to the newly renovated Museum De Lakenhal to see Young Rembrandt 1624-1634, the first major exhibition devoted exclusively to Rembrandt’s early work (3 Nov-9 Feb 2020).

For more information: iamsterdam.com rijksmuseum.nl jck.nl rembrandthuis.nl mauritshuis.nl lakenhal.nl

Worth a visit Smidtje luxury cruises

World Press Photo

Private boat rentals Smidtje Luxury Cruises specialises in one-hour private boat rentals for groups from 2 to 2,000 people. We have a diverse range of open-, classic- and luxury saloon boats or design ships in different sizes, all silent and 100% electrically powered – a healthy and environmentally friendly way of transportation in style.

De Nieuwe Kerk This year’s World Press Photo Exhibition will take place in Amsterdam’s De Nieuwe Kerk until 8 July before it starts its tour to over 100 locations around the world. Since 1995, this annual photo contest has rewarded photographers for the best photos from the past year of visual journalism. The photos, whether entered as singles or stories, are judged with regard to their accurate, fair, and visually compelling insights about our world.

Packages We have a wide range of delicious catering packages.

Such as meeting specials, breakfast, lunch, drinks, cocktail receptions, buffets and luxury dinner packages. A unique and inspiring experience!

During the summer we have special packages, use code SMIDTJEMICE2019 to get 10% discount. Check out our cruises on smidtje.com.

T +31 (0)20 670 6067 E sales@smidtje.nl I smidtje.com

World Press Photo 2019 The hundreds of stunning images nominated this year cover diverse topics, ranging from contemporary issues (a Central American migrant family climbing the border fence between Mexico and the US), general news (fighting Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo), nature themes (wild pumas in Patagonia, and falconry in the Arab world), portraits (senior transgender women in north-western US) and sports (a Turkish oil-wrestling tournament).

I worldpressphoto.org

Crying Girl on the Border. Photo: John Moore

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Worth a visit Cool Japan

Grachtenfestival

Held at the Tropenmuseum until 1 September, Cool Japan showcases the world’s fascination with all things Japanese.

Enter a world that is both foreign and familiar: highlights include Hello Kitty, samurai, manga comics, Japanese horror films and kawaii (‘cute’) fashion from the streets of Tokyo.

The famous Grachtenfestival (Canal Festival) is all about classical and contemporary music performed by young musicians from all over the world. The cultural highlight of Amsterdam’s summer, it is held annually on and around the city’s historic canals. Each year, close to 60,000 local and international visitors enjoy these heavenly outdoor performances.

Mesmerising exhibition Using historical highlights from its world-famous Japan collection, the Tropenmuseum shows how contemporary icons are preceded by a long and venerable tradition and how age-old techniques and visual tricks are still deployed by modern mangaka and animators. A mesmerising example is the exhibition’s four-metre-high painting ’Uki-Uki’ by Matsuura Hiroyuki, in which a girl wearing a classic kimono and geisha hair ornaments is portrayed with big manga eyes and the sugary colours celebrated in modern Japan’s culture of cuteness.

Prinsengracht Concert In 2019, the Grachtenfestival will take place from 9-18 August, and will feature more than 250 concerts at 90 different outdoor locations spread throughout the city.

For some of the concerts, musicians perform on speciallyconstructed pontoons as the audience listens from bridges, canal sides and boats. One of the annual highlights is the Prinsengracht Concert, which takes place in front of the Pulitzer Hotel and is broadcast live on Dutch television.

Another fascinating display in the exhibition is an installation by the Japanese artist Sebastian Masuda. Now on display in the Netherlands for the first time, ’Colorful Rebellion – Seventh Nightmare’ has previously been shown in Tokyo, New York and Miami. This hallucinogenic installation features an empty white bed in a room covered entirely with ‘cute’ items, including toys, plastic objects, girl’s hair accessories, doll’s houses and stuffed animals.

Young talent The Grachtenfestival provides a stage for talented young musicians, giving them a boost in their musical careers.

In February each year, six months prior to the launch of the festival, a Conservatorium Concours is held in which young musicians get the chance to present their ideas to a professional jury. The winners are in turn invited to perform at the Grachtenfestival.

I tropenmuseum.nl

I grachtenfestival.nl

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specia

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MICE Free entrance to museums Free canal cruise Free public transport in Amsterdam and more

Special MICE-offer at iamsterdam.com/business/citycard

offer!

MICE Calendar

A selection of upcoming events in 2019

Hotel NH Collection Amsterdam Barbizon Palace

27-29 May EUSE 2019: Conference of the European Union of Supported Employment Beurs van Berlage 2-5 June E-AHPBA 2019: 13th Congress of the European-African HepatoPancreato-Biliary Association Beurs van Berlage 13-16 June EHA 2019: European Hematology Association RAI Amsterdam 17-20 June GOTO Amsterdam 2019 Beurs van Berlage 19-20 June IoT Tech Expo Europe 2019 RAI Amsterdam 19-20 June Blockchain Expo Europe 2019 RAI Amsterdam 19-20 June Cyber Security & Cloud Expo Europe 2019 RAI Amsterdam

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19-20 June AI & Big Data Expo Europe 2019 RAI Amsterdam

4-7 September VISTA 2019 Novotel Amsterdam City Hotel

9-10 October World Summit AI Westergasfabriek

30 June - 5 July ACM SIGMOD/PODS conference Beurs van Berlage

4-7 September ICP 2019: 18th Biennial Meeting of the ICP Beurs van Berlage

10-11 October Design Thinking Conference TOBACCO Theater

7-12 July ICEE 2019: International Conference on Environmental Ergonomics KIT Royal Tropical Institute 16-19 July AAC 2019: Amsterdam Affiliate Conference RAI Amsterdam 17-20 July IMAST 2019: 26th International Meeting on Advanced Spine Techniques RAI Amsterdam 17-20 July IC2S2 2019: International Conference on Computational Social Science University of Amsterdam

10-11 September World Drug Safety Congress Europe 2019 Hilton Amsterdam 12 September Green Challenge Westergasfabriek 12-17 September IBC 2019: International Broadcasting Convention RAI Amsterdam 24-26 September 32nd World LPG Forum & 2019 European Congress RAI Amsterdam 7-9 October Offshore Energy Exhibition & Conference RAI Amsterdam

4-8 November Amsterdam International Water Week RAI Amsterdam 5-8 November Aquatech Amsterdam RAI Amsterdam 13-16 November WAMM 2019: The World Airway Management Meeting Amsterdam Beurs van Berlage 19 November e-Health Convention Pakhuis De Zwijger

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&partners' 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, a success.

Your Amsterdam MICE Partners Make your next event successful

Find even more partners in the online Venue Finder at iamsterdam.com/venuefinder.

Hotel (venue) Amsterdam Marriott Hotel Apollo Hotel Amsterdam DoubleTree by Hilton Amsterdam Central Station Dutch Design Hotel Artemis Hilton Amsterdam Airport Schiphol Hilton Amsterdam Holiday Inn Amsterdam - Arena Towers Hotel Casa Amsterdam Hotel de L'Europe Hotel Okura Amsterdam Hyatt Regency Amsterdam InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam Kimpton De Witt Hotel Leonardo Royal Hotel Amsterdam Moxy Amsterdam Houthavens NH Amsterdam Centre NH Collection Amsterdam Barbizon Palace NH Collection Amsterdam Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Novotel Amsterdam City Park Hotel Amsterdam Park Inn by Radisson Amsterdam City West Park Plaza Victoria Hotel Amsterdam Pestana Amsterdam Riverside Postillion Convention Centre Amsterdam

De L’Europe Amsterdam

Ramada Amsterdam Airport Hotel Schiphol Ramada Apollo Amsterdam Centre Renaissance Amsterdam Hotel Room Mate Aitana Amsterdam Sir Adam Hotel Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam WestCord Fashion Hotel Amsterdam W Amsterdam Venue Amsterdam Conference Centre Beurs van Berlage Artis Amsterdam Royal ZOO Cobra Museum of Modern Art De Bazel Amsterdam EYE Film Institute Netherlands Heineken Experience Het Scheepvaartmuseum Johan Cruijff ArenA Congress Centre KIT Royal Tropical Institute Koninklijke Industrieele Groote Club Muziekgebouw Pathé Tuschinski (Pathé Cinemas B.V.) RAI Amsterdam Rode Hoed Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam

Taets Art and Event Park Theater de Meervaart Van Gogh Museum Excursion/Entertainment Gassan Diamonds B.V. Holland Casino Amsterdam PCO CAOS (Conference Administration & Organistion Services Congress Care Events in Business MCI Amsterdam Other services ACS Audiovisual Solutions Amsterdam Boats GVB (Amsterdam Public Transport Company) Hard Rock Café Rederij Cruise with Us Rederij de Nederlanden Rederij ’t Smidtje Stromma Netherlands Taxicentrale Amsterdam