“A masterclass in hospitality and collaboration”
Earlier this month, the historic halls of the Beurs van Berlage in Amsterdam played host to the 2025 International Kidney Cancer Symposium: Europe (IKCSEU25) – a flagship event of the Kidney Cancer Association. From May 1st – 3rd, 2025, the Amsterdam Conference Center welcomed an international community of clinicians, researchers, industry leaders, and advocates dedicated to advancing kidney cancer care. But beyond the scientific sessions and networking opportunities, the event stood out as a celebration of collaboration, hospitality, and human connection – qualities deeply embedded in the Beurs van Berlage ethos.
At the heart of this unforgettable experience was the collaboration between Jeanette Stensgaard, event lead for IKCSEU25, and the Beurs van Berlage team. Reflecting on the experience, Jeanette shared glowing words:
“We recently hosted the IKCSEU25 conference (May 1–3, 2025) at the Beurs van Berlage in Amsterdam, and I can say with total confidence: this was one of the best venue experiences I’ve had in 20 years in the events industry.”
Jeanette Stensgaard
IKCSEU25 brought together a dynamic, multidisciplinary community to explore the future of kidney cancer research. With CME-accredited sessions and an agenda spanning clinical innovation to patient advocacy, the event demanded a venue as adaptable as it was inspiring. Beurs van Berlage rose to the occasion, offering not just a beautiful and functional space, but a partnership defined by trust, dedication, and a shared vision for excellence.
“You weren’t just providing a venue – you were fully invested in the success of our event, every step of the way,” Jeanette wrote in her message to the team. “It felt like we had a team of long-time partners who were just as committed as we were.”
From seamless production logistics and vendor coordination to last-minute problem-solving and heartfelt gestures of support, the Beurs van Berlage team delivered on every front. Jeanette recounted how the team sourced extra badge stock in a pinch, assisted with removing stubborn stickers from rented poster boards, and even walked up the street to help connect with another venue. And when the concern of Wi-Fi bandwidth arose, the team’s confident response proved prophetic: “Their staff, polished and professional from head to toe (literally in matching outfits!), exuded a calm confidence that was contagious,” Jeanette added. “Their humour, service, creativity, and passion are unmatched by any venue I’ve worked with worldwide. I wish we could bottle this team’s energy and bring them with us to every event.”
The three-day event not only celebrated breakthroughs in kidney cancer research – it also affirmed the power of collaboration. For the team at Beurs van Berlage, it was an opportunity to demonstrate what true hospitality looks like: thoughtful, proactive, joyful, and always with a personal touch.
“There were so many special touches. Everything from the impeccable level of service, anticipating our every need, and incredible attention to detail all the way down to incorporating kidney cancer awareness colors in the beautiful orange and green flower arrangements, along with the staff wearing orange ribbons in solidarity with our mission. The Beurs van Berlage team perfectly supported our goal to elevate kidney cancer awareness and education at this event, and we wanted for nothing. We were privileged to be in such a beautiful space, and I hope we can return for future Kidney Cancer Association meetings!” – Gretchen Vaughan, KCA’s President and CEO
We are incredibly proud to have hosted IKCSEU25 and to have contributed to its success. Our sincere thanks to Jeanette and the Kidney Cancer Association for their trust, partnership, and kind words. It was a privilege to support your important mission.