As Amsterdam gears up to celebrate its monumental 750th anniversary on 27 October 2025, the city is buzzing with anticipation, preparing a year-long festival filled with exceptional events. From grand cultural spectacles to intimate local gatherings, this anniversary promises to showcase the vibrant spirit and rich history of our beautiful city. Here’s our personal selection of must-visit events during this year-long celebration. Opening with a bang The festivities commence with a spectacular opening concert on October 27th at the Ziggo Dome, featuring top Dutch musicians alongside the Metropole Orchestra. This grand musical event promises to take attendees on a journey through Amsterdam’s historical soundscape, blending classical pieces with modern hits—a celebration not to be missed! A cultural night in November On November 2nd, Museum Night Amsterdam transforms the city’s museums into vibrant nocturnal hubs. With a single wristband, visitors gain access to over 50 museums until the early hours, enjoying not only the exhibitions but also live music, DJs, and unique surprises throughout the night. Culinary time travelling at The Scheepvaart Museum Join Amsterdam’s culinary elite at Het Scheepvaart Museum for a ‘culinary journey through the ages’ on November 21st. Each dish is a nod to a different era of the city’s history, crafted with authentic ingredients presented in a contemporary fine dining style—an event no food lover should miss. Illuminating art at Amsterdam Light Festival From November 28th to 19 January 19th, the Amsterdam Light Festival features thematic light artworks along the canals, celebrating the city’s anniversary with the theme ‘Rituals’. This edition specialises in creating mesmerising visuals that weave through the iconic waterways, enhancing the city’s winter charm.
Wonderful tulips in winter season Kickstart the tulip season with the National Tulip Day in January. This event features a vast picking garden where thousands gather to celebrate and collect tulips, brightening the grey winter with vibrant colours. Gesamtkunst at the Beurs A magical view from above Discover Amsterdam from above on Open Tower Day on June 14th. Over 25 iconic towers open their doors for a day of history, architecture and stunning city views, providing a fresh perspective on our age-old city. Unique road party on the city ring Celebrate the summer solstice and Amsterdam’s 750th on June 21st, with a 15-kilometre car-free festival along the city ring A10. This once in a lifetime event will feature music, sports and arts—a gathering that surely shouldn’t be missed for any visitor next summer. Sailing into history On August 20th-24th, SAIL Amsterdam returns. This special edition marks not just the city’s anniversary, but also it’s own 50th birthday. Witness a spectacular fleet of tall ships and enjoy a plethora of events that capture the nautical spirit of Amsterdam. For event planners in doubt of choosing Amsterdam as their convention destination, this season promises to be the ideal moment for your first event in our historic city. Curious about the full agenda for Amsterdam’s 750th-year celebrations? Visit the ‘Uitagenda’ on I amsterdam.
Blog Celebrating 750 Years of Amsterdam: this is what to expect
Experience a unique blend of music during a series of ‘Vriendenconcerten’, one of which is hosted at the Beurs van Berlage on January 25th. Berlage’s great-grandson and a quintet of musicians will perform a ‘Gesamtkunst’ that intertwines music, space and poetry, enriching the cultural tapestry of our venue. Other events in this series will be held in the Zuiderkerk and the Waalse Kerk.
Choosing the right venue is critical in defining the success and impact of any event. The Beurs van Berlage is a unique venue with endless possibilities, but coming from us as biassed Beurs-fans, that might not impress you too much. So what do our customers think of the Beurs? We went and asked Matthias Gutzmann, founder of tech event DPW and one of our loyal customers since 2019.
Interview “The Beurs van Berlage is not just a venue, it’s a statement”
Choosing the right venue is critical in defining the success and impact of any event. The Beurs van Berlage is a unique venue with endless possibilities, but coming from us as biassed Beurs-fans, that might not impress you too much. So what do our customers think of the Beurs? We went and asked Matthias Gutzmann, founder of tech event DPW and one of our loyal customers since 2019.
First things first: can you give us some background about DPW?
“DPW is a procurement conference that’s focused on tech and digital, that connects big companies with start-up innovation. When I founded DPW, I wanted to build a new type of procurement conference. Procurement events are pretty corporate, boring events. I thought; we need something cool and sexy in procurement. So we hosted our first event at the Beurs van Berlage in 2019. Nowadays we also do tech scouting and advisory, next to some other events beyond our main event at the Beurs.”
What led you to choose the Beurs for your event?
“I was living in New York when I came up with the idea of DPW, but I decided to choose Amsterdam as a conference location. I think it’s easier to launch a conference in Europe as opposed to North America. It’s more compact and more conveniently accessible. And then I chose Amsterdam because it’s a tech hub and a fun city. Focussing on building a new experience, I knew that the venue would be critical to the success of the event. I already knew the Beurs and I knew it was the right place for our event. So I chose the Beurs in 2019 and we’ve been there since.”
What do you like most about the Beurs?
“The great thing about the Beurs is the location. Amsterdam is a small city and the Beurs is so centrally located. It’s easy to reach by public transport from the airport and there are many things to do around the venue, so people can go out and have drinks or go to a bar after the event. Also during the event, there are many options to get people out of the venue for a break. We do a lunch boat tour for example and then bring them back all refreshed and ready for more insights. There are so many amazing opportunities there that you probably don’t have at other venues in Amsterdam. That’s definitely a strength.”
What about the venue itself?
“We absolutely love the Beurs. It’s not just a venue, it’s a statement. The overall look, the brick walls, the balconies, the high ceilings, all of this really offers that ‘wow-experience’. In a small venue with low ceilings, you go crazy after two days, but the Beurs gives people room to breathe. The other thing I love is that everything is so well connected. I don’t think you can get lost in a venue like this.
Of course there are some restrictions, because it’s a UNESCO listed building. You can’t hang stuff anywhere you want. But generally speaking I must say they allow us to do pretty much what we want to do. They also have an in-house AV-partner that’s globally active, so the technical and audiovisual support is great. Very professional.”
How would you rate the service and support of the Beurs van Berlage team?
“My main point of contact at the Beurs is Danielle. She is amazing, super responsive and helpful. I had a bit of a clash with her during the pandemic, which was obviously a challenging time for the event industry. But in the end thankfully we came to an agreement. They are a great partner, especially communication-wise. The event team on the floor is also wonderful. They are the silent forces who run the show in the background.
The only little point of critique I can think of is that they could challenge us more creatively. But I also understand that might be difficult, taking into account that they run hundreds of big events each year.”
What do your attendees think about the Beurs?
“We don’t specifically ask about the venue in our surveys, because we already know it’s amazing. What we do know is that people especially love the catering at the Beurs. They serve the food in little bowls, so that it’s almost like street food. It’s not a boring buffet where you sit down at a table. So the catering is great and the quality of the food is really good as well. Visitors are also impressed by the overall look and feel of the event, which is partially due to the venue of course.”
Will you continue hosting your event at the Beurs van Berlage in the future?
“We are in the fortunate position that we are getting too big for the Beurs. We’ll be there in 2025, but we might need a bigger venue in 2026. We had a lot of discussions about this internally, because the Beurs has really contributed to the overall success of our event. We’ve been with them since the beginning, so it’s part of our DNA.
But we really want to superscale our event, so we’ll have to move to a venue like RAI. Of course we’ll have more possibilities to build there, but it can never compare to the atmosphere and grandeur of the Beurs. So we’re sad to leave, but sometimes you have to make decisions. We’ll never forget our years at the Beurs and they will always have a special place in our hearts.”
Amsterdam, with its picturesque canals, historic architecture and vibrant cultural scene, is increasingly recognized as a prime location for international business events. Rain or shine, Amsterdam’s rich historical backdrop and cutting-edge facilities provide more than just a venue for corporate gatherings—they promise a holistic experience.
Whitepaper The event planner’s guide to Amsterdam
From exploring world-class museums and galleries that shelter visitors from the occasional drizzle to enjoying cosy cafés or vibrant marketplaces on sunnier days, the city is perfectly equipped to host visitors year-round.
Amsterdam is the ultimate destination for hosting your business event, no matter the season!🌍
This vibrant city is a global hub for international business and culture, drawing visitors from across the world. In Amsterdam, every season brings unique opportunities for unforgettable events.
Our latest whitepaper showcases why Amsterdam is the top choice, featuring:
✓ Culinary delights
✓ Cultural activities
✓ Historical landmarks and lively nightlife
Download the whitepaper
To minimise the environmental impact of our events, we have eliminated the need for bottled water transportation. Instead, we offer locally sourced, filtered tap water through stylish Join the Pipe water stations located throughout the Beurs. This initiative significantly reduces plastic waste and transportation emissions, aligning with our commitment to eco-friendly practices.
Customisable reusable water bottles
Next to glasses on our water taps, we offer reusable Amsterdam City water bottles made from sustainable sugarcane as part of our collaboration with Join the Pipe. These bottles are BPA-free, dishwasher safe, and designed to be reused daily. Not only are they environmentally friendly, but they can also be custom-branded with your event or company logo, making them a perfect keepsake for your conference attendees. By using these bottles, your guests can conveniently refill their water at any of our tap stations.
Join the Pipe collaboration
Join the Pipe is a foundation with a mission to promote the drinking of drinking water worldwide. By installing water stations and selling reusable bottles, Join the Pipe strives to make clean drinking water accessible globally while reducing plastic waste. Each bottle or water station contributes to clean water projects in developing countries, helping address global water inequality and combat plastic pollution at the source.
The Join the Pipe water bottles are not only eco-friendly but also help finance water projects in places that need them most. Through this initiative, your conference can have a direct impact on global water sustainability, while enhancing the experience of your attendees with branded, functional, and stylish Amsterdam water bottles.
How it works for your event
As a conference organiser, you have the opportunity to:
- Eliminate single-use plastic by encouraging attendees to use our water stations.
- Provide branded Join the Pipe Amsterdam City bottles to your attendees, offering them an eco-friendly way to stay hydrated during the event.
- Support global water initiatives through your purchase, contributing to sustainable water projects.
Together, we can make a positive environmental impact while enhancing your event’s sustainability credentials.
Sustainability is a topic that increasingly appears on the priority list of many organisations with growing urgency. But whereas in some cases it might be more of a box-ticking exercise rather than a genuine desire, at the Beurs van Berlage, it is quite different.
Interview Our sustainable strategy is embraced throughout our entire organisation
Sustainability is a topic that increasingly appears on the priority list of many organisations with growing urgency. But whereas in some cases it might be more of a box-ticking exercise rather than a genuine desire, at the Beurs van Berlage, it is quite different.
“Sustainability in business must be driven by genuine commitment, not just external pressures”, explains Marketing Director Willemijn de Vet. “Sustainability goals driven solely by external factors stand no chance of succeeding.” In this interview, we asked Willemijn everything about her sustainable mission and the journey towards a climate-neutral Beurs van Berlage by 2050.
Can you tell us about the importance of sustainability for the Beurs van Berlage?
“Sustainability is a top priority for the Beurs. As Marketing Director, I ensure that we stay on track to meet our goals. But for us, sustainability is certainly not a marketing gimmick or sales pitch; it's a given. Of course we are sustainable. And of course it's high on our agenda.”
What are the main reasons for investing in sustainability today?
“It's our collective responsibility, and its urgency is becoming increasingly apparent. Earth Day—the day we've used up the Earth's resources for the year—comes earlier each year. It's really absurd that by April or May, we've effectively used up the Earth, needing two and a half Earths for a year. So we all must act now.”
How did the integration of sustainability initiatives start at the Beurs?
“About five years ago, we began to better chart our sustainability. During the pandemic, we had other priorities, but afterwards, we picked it up again. We entered a certification process with Green Globe, an international certification body for the tourism and events industry. For that, we had to collect a lot of information, which gave us insight into what we were already doing and what we still need to do.”
Where are you now in this process? How is sustainability integrated into the daily operation?
“Sustainability is a common goal for all employees and departments at the Beurs. It's often in the details. For instance, we no longer use cardboard cups and have banned all single-use plastics. Naturally, we separate our waste as much as possible and are very sharp on wastage. In our kitchen, we mainly use local seasonal products to minimise the carbon footprint as much as possible. We are also very proud of our sustainable heating system, which has allowed us to reduce our gas consumption by 75%!
Sustainability for us is also about making a societal impact. For instance, we offer job positions for people with barriers to employment. Moreover, we are located in a national monument from 1903, listed by UNESCO as one of the most important buildings worldwide. Preserving this building is our most crucial reason for existence.”
What are your sustainability goals for the near future?
“Our goal is to be completely climate-neutral by 2050. Therefore, we have set targets in terms of gas, water, food waste, and rubbish. For example: from 2026 we want to stop transporting water to the Beurs. Our tap water is fine, so we are working with Join the Pipe (a foundation that promotes drinking tap water worldwide) to get fixed water points in the Beurs. Also, we are soon getting a new toilet group downstairs, and we continuously maintain the building, repairing or replacing everything in a sustainable manner.
We are also further greening our foodbook to emphasise the effect on certain food choices. If we ask conference organisers if they want to serve vegetarian or vegan dishes, the answer is often 'No', you see. But if we explain that the dishes in the foodbook promote biodiversity, people usually go along with it. Especially if we tell them how little vegetables will be left if we continue producing food the way we do now. This is a shockingly small amount. By using pesticides and exhausting the soil we damage important ecosystems, resulting in the extinction of millions of insects, mammals and plants. Our chef finds this very important, as does our canteen cook. She makes the tastiest meals from the leftover products after events.”
How do you motivate the rest of the organisation to work sustainably?
“I think it's very important that sustainability comes from within the organisation. I can't do it alone, and that also wouldn't be credible. When we started, I noticed that the importance of sustainability kept slipping into the background. But we kept hammering away at it, and now it's really a mindset in the organisation that every decision is checked for sustainability. More and more colleagues are coming up with ideas. For example, the chef recently came to check with me whether he could use plastic pipettes for the salad dressing, so he could serve the salad apart from the dressing and the food would stay fresh longer. This of course to prevent having to throw salad away. The answer was 'No', because we don’t want single-use plastics on our events, but I'm very happy that he came to ask. It means the subject is alive within the organisation.”
That sounds positive! But there must also be challenges. Can you tell us a bit about those?
“There are still things happening that we have no control over. We had a conference a few weeks ago where we expected 500 visitors, but only 300 came. In such a case, we have 200 meals left over. Then we really are at a loss because we serve everything in portions in our own crockery, making it difficult to donate the surplus to, for example, the Salvation Army. We also notice that especially international visitors are not yet used to tap water. We can’t blame them of course, because you obviously can't drink from the tap everywhere.
Another challenge is that we are in a monumental building, which has all sorts of restrictions. We can't just put double glazing everywhere or install solar panels on the roof. And now we want to get off gas, which has a huge price tag. But we'll manage it, I’m sure!”
How do you work with other companies in the industry to promote and implement sustainable practices?
“We have joined an industry initiative called 'Net Zero Carbon Events'. You don't have to reinvent the wheel as an event venue every time. All event venues worldwide are dealing with the same problems and challenges. It's important that we join forces so that sustainability becomes the norm. Then you stand much stronger as a location when you tell a conference organiser that you only offer local products or that you don't print banners that are thrown away after one use. We just don't do that anymore as an industry.”
What are the most important learnings that the Beurs van Berlage has gained in the process of sustainability?
“Sustainability really has to come from within your organisation. You need someone who keeps putting the topic on the agenda and continuously shows how important it is. Finally, we've learned that we need to share more of what we do. Not out of self-promotion, but to set a good example. Because it has a positive influence on the events industry and everyone who comes into contact with the Beurs. We want to inspire people to do the same. It really starts with yourself, even at work! No matter how small your company is.”
Read all about the Beurs van Berlage sustainability strategy in this section of our website »
At the Beurs van Berlage, we understand the importance of making a lasting impression. This toolkit is crafted to provide you with the necessary tools to enhance the visibility and impact of your event. Whether you are hosting a conference, exhibition, or gala, our resources will help you present a polished and professional image to your attendees.
What’s inside the toolkit:
1. Logos:
Access high-quality versions of the Beurs van Berlage logo in various formats and colours (black, gold, and white) to suit your branding needs.
2. Photographs:
A selection of professional photographs showcasing the grandeur and versatility of the Beurs van Berlage. Use these images to enhance your promotional materials and give your audience a glimpse of our stunning venue.
3. Example texts:
Ready-to-use text snippets about the Beurs van Berlage. These texts highlight our history, facilities, and the exceptional service we provide, helping you convey the prestige and appeal of hosting an event here.
4. Hotel booking buttons:
To encourage your event attendees to book their hotel room using the Beurs van Berlage Hotel Services Department, you can use the buttons that can be found in this toolkit.
By utilising the elements in this toolkit, you can ensure that your event materials are aligned with the prestigious brand of the Beurs van Berlage. From the moment your attendees receive their first communication to the day of the event, they will experience the excellence and grandeur that our venue is known for.
Incorporating live music into your event can elevate the atmosphere, leaving a lasting impression on your attendees. Imagine the world-renowned Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra gracing your event with their extraordinary musical talents.
Enhance your event
The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, celebrated as one of the finest orchestras globally for over 135 years, offers a unique opportunity to enhance your event with unparalleled musical performances. Whether you're hosting a corporate event, conference, or private gathering, the musicians can provide an unforgettable experience tailored to your needs.
Bring the magic of live classical music to your event and make it an occasion to remember!
At the Beurs van Berlage it is all about making an impact. We make an impact in different ways; With our monumental location, with the events that take place there, we make a lasting impact on the social front and as an attractive employer. What is especially important is that we make an impact by minimizing the impact of all our activities on the environment.
Making an impact
The Beurs van Berlage is the central meeting place in a national monument in the center of Amsterdam. We are committed to playing a leading role in sustainability within the events industry. Our sustainability strategy is designed to minimize our impact on the environment while maximizing our social and economic contribution. By working with conference organizers and other partners, we can create events that are not only valuable to participants, but also have a positive and lasting impact on the world around us.
We invite you to join our sustainability journey and work together for a better future.
With this brochure we hope to give you a clear picture of our commitment and plans in the field of sustainability. Your contribution and cooperation are essential to achieving our shared goals.
Together we can make a positive impact!
Sustainable catering
Given that we have to provide large numbers of guests with a meal within a short period of time, we are always looking for methods or even formulas to create less food waste. This includes preparing and presenting smaller batches, preparation on site and “on demand”. We also want to get a good idea of the numbers and exact profiles of our guests prior to an event, so that we are better able to offer the right offer in the right quantities. The seasons and availability of products from our suppliers determine the final ingredients of our dishes and packages. In addition, we look for options to process uneaten food in the best possible way or to give it an alternative destination, without having to dispose of it as waste.
We want to reduce the amount of waste where possible, based on the idea that what does not enter the building does not have to be removed. This means that we will encourage suppliers, customers and other relevant parties to always supply quantities of goods that are in line with the expected actual use. We also try to keep the use of packaging materials to a minimum. We also want to optimally separate waste within our walls, to give as much waste as possible a second (or third) life. Not only do we want to reduce the amount of waste, but we also want to improve the “quality” of the waste and somewhat limit the number of logistical movements to and from the Beurs.
Net Zero Carbon Events
Taking into account the best available scientific knowledge on the impacts of climate change, we recognize that there is an urgent need to accelerate the transition to net zero global emissions, and that the events industry must play its part to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement and ensure a just transition.
We recognize that the events industry is made up of a complex and fragmented set of stakeholders from around the world. While individual companies and organizations may take specific steps to minimize their carbon footprint, a comprehensive systems-level approach is also needed to make meaningful progress.
In this context, my organization is committed to supporting the goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, in line with global efforts under the Paris Agreement, to limit warming to 1.5°C and reduce total global greenhouse gas emissions by to be reduced by 50% by 2030. We will actively promote and encourage efforts across the value chain.
That's why we signed the Net Zero Carbon Events pledge for the Events Industry.
Green Globe™ certified
We are Green Globe™ certified. Green Globe™ is a global certification program for sustainable travel and tourism. We are inspected annually to ensure compliance with the requirements by an independent inspector. Green Globe™ offers Beurs van Berlage a framework with which we can manage, monitor and improve sustainability processes.
Future plans
Green Label Service, an expert in the field of sustainability, guided us in obtaining the Green Globe™ certificate. Together we look annually at the possibilities for further sustainability.
The event planning industry is undergoing a transformative shift. Rapid technological advancements are changing the way we organise and experience events. From artificial intelligence (AI) to augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), the integration of cutting-edge technologies brings us endless possibilities on how to interact with attendees.
Whitepaper The future of event planning – 7 trends we cannot ignore
There is more than just technology that influences the evolution in event planning. Non-technological trends, particularly in the realms of inclusiveness and sustainability, are becoming equally pivotal. Today's attendees and stakeholders seek experiences that not only inspire and engage, but also resonate with their ethical standards.
These technological and non-technological trends predict a steep development in the world of event planning, promising enhanced event experiences and outcomes for both attendees and hosts. But they also set new standards. So, how can we conceptualise, organise, and execute events that live up to these standards?
This whitepaper explores which trends to keep up with, for those who want to organise future-proof events that will impress every attendee.
Download the whitepaper
Did you pick Amsterdam as the ideal destination for your next business event? Good choice. Your guests will surely be impressed with the many cultural and historical treats the city has to offer. But how to decide on which venue to go for? The considerations below might help you make this decision. An important one, because the right venue impresses attendees from the very start of the event, setting the tone for a successful execution.
Blog How to find the perfect event venue in Amsterdam
Did you pick Amsterdam as the ideal destination for your next business event? Good choice. Your guests will surely be impressed with the many cultural and historical treats the city has to offer. But how to decide on which venue to go for? The considerations below might help you make this decision. An important one, because the right venue impresses attendees from the very start of the event, setting the tone for a successful execution.
1. Understanding your requirements
Before you begin your search, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of what you need from a venue. Consider the type of event you are hosting, the number of attendees, the technological requirements and any specific logistical needs. For instance, a gala dinner will have different venue requirements compared to a tech conference. Create a checklist of must-have features to help guide your search and evaluate potential venues.
2. Location, location, location
In Amsterdam, location is not just about geography; it’s about the experience. The right venue should be accessible to your attendees, whether they are local or international. Look for venues that are well-connected by public transport, especially those near major hubs like Amsterdam Centraal or easily accessible from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. Additionally, consider what the surrounding area offers. Venues like the Beurs van Berlage, located in the heart of the city, provide guests with a taste of Amsterdam’s rich history and vibrant cultural scene, enhancing their overall event experience.
3. Excellence in service
The level of service provided by the venue can significantly elevate the event experience. Some venues (like the Beurs van Berlage) provide high-end service as a standard, ensuring every detail is managed with precision and care. A vital aspect to consider, as it directly affects the smooth running of your event and satisfaction of your guests.
4. Technical capabilities
Ensure that the venue can support all your technical needs, from high-speed Wi-Fi to state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment. Venues equipped with cutting-edge technology ensure a smooth, professional experience, regardless of the complexity of your event needs. Keep in mind that some venues will charge extra for certain technical services, including basic necessities such as lighting and electricity.
5. Quality catering services
Catering can make or break your event. Venues that offer high-quality, flexible catering options can greatly enhance the attendee experience. Inquire about menu options, ability to accommodate dietary restrictions and the quality of the food and service.
6. Ethical standards
Sustainability and inclusivity are increasingly trending in the world of business events. Selecting a venue that prioritises these topics, will reflect positively on your event and brand. Look for venues with inclusive initiatives and green certifications, to make sure your event advocates the same ethical values your brand does.
7. Notable venues in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is home to several prominent venues that cater to a range of event types and sizes. The Amsterdam RAI is one of the largest conference and exhibition centres in the Netherlands. It’s located in the south of the city and is often used for major trade shows and large-scale conferences. The Westergasfabriek, with its industrial charm and flexible event spaces, is to be found at the west side of the old city and offers a distinctive setting for creative and cultural events. And then of course there is our own beautiful Beurs van Berlage, a historic gem located in the heart of Amsterdam. Our former stock exchange building combines classic architectural grandeur with modern facilities, making it a prestigious choice for a variety of events. The Beurs van Berlage is renowned for its exceptional service and A-location, just footsteps away from Amsterdam’s central train station.
Whether you’re hosting a corporate meeting, a large conference, or a formal banquet, the right venue will ensure your event is memorable and successful. And regardless of which venue you choose eventually, one thing is certain: the unique charm of Amsterdam will surely enchant every attendee. That’s a gift that comes with our beautiful, unique and vibrant city.
