Inclusivity has become a key value for leading businesses around the globe. A positive development that also influences modern business events. An understandable trend, because managing inclusiveness on your event impacts the satisfaction of attendees, as well as the overall event success. So, what can you do to welcome every single attendee? In this article you’ll find a list of recommendations to ensure guests of any gender, ethnicity, age, ability, and beyond feel more than included at your event. Inclusivity has become a key value for leading businesses around the globe. A positive development that also influences modern business events. An understandable trend, because managing inclusiveness on your event impacts the satisfaction of attendees, as well as the overall event success. So, what can you do to welcome every single attendee? In this article you’ll find a list of recommendations to ensure guests of any gender, ethnicity, age, ability, and beyond feel more than included at your event. An inclusive event considers the diverse needs of its attendees, recognising that people have different ways of learning, participating, and engaging. Without thoughtful planning, certain groups may feel excluded or find it difficult to fully participate. Common examples are: The commitment to inclusivity on your business event includes a modern understanding of gender. If you want to ensure your event is gender-inclusive, you could consider the following measures: Catering at events goes beyond merely providing food; it’s an opportunity to make all attendees feel welcomed and valued by acknowledging diverse dietary needs. Inclusive catering recognises a spectrum of dietary restrictions, preferences, and cultural practices. A few ways to ensure everyone enjoys your event’s catering services are: Setting expectations for conduct reinforces your event’s commitment to inclusivity. Outline expected behaviours, emphasising the importance of a respectful environment. Your event’s code of conduct should: Explicitly prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind including discrimination based on gender identity and expression. Provide clear guidelines for reporting and addressing grievances. A truly inclusive event is accessible to everyone. Choose venues that are welcoming to all attendees, including those with disabilities. This involves: Building an inclusive event is about creating an environment where diversity is not just accommodated, but celebrated. The goal is to create an event at which everyone, regardless of their personal or physical challenges, can participate fully, learn, and contribute to the success of the event. Are you hosting a business event in the near future? Ask us about our inclusivity facilities or other services. Contact us via +31 20 531 33 55 or via events@beursvanberlage.com.
Blog Hosting an inclusive business event: 5 ways to make all attendees feel valued
1. Design inclusive event sessions
○ Offer audio descriptions for visual content
○ Ensure all videos are captioned
○ Provide sign language interpreters or use technical applications that offer the spoken information in written text forms.
○ Designing sessions with clear, concise information
○ Allow attendees to take breaks and provide quiet rooms, where attendees can retreat if they feel overwhelmed
○ Offer materials ahead of time for pre-session review
○ Offer simultaneous translation services
○ Ensure that materials are available in multiple languages, including glossaries for technical or industry-specific terms
○ Encourage speakers to talk clearly and at a measured pace
○ Use technical applications that translate spoken information into written text, translated in the desired language.2. Embrace gender inclusivity
3. Cater to all attendees with diverse culinary options
Make sure there are options to choose from for everyone, offering vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal, and kosher choices.
Verify that the catering service labels all food items with ingredients and potential allergens, as well as symbols indicating if they meet specific dietary criteria. This transparency allows attendees to make informed choices and feel confident in the food they consume.
Incorporate a selection of dishes that reflect a variety of cultural traditions and cuisines. This not only caters to attendees from different backgrounds, but also enriches the dining experience for all participants, offering a taste of global diversity.4. Establish a clear code of conduct
5. Prioritise accessibility
Amsterdam, the vibrant heart of the Netherlands, stands as a beacon for international business events, drawing event planners and
corporations from around the globe. This city, renowned for its rich history, cultural diversity and innovative spirit, offers a unique
blend of the old and the new, making it an irresistible choice for event organisers seeking to impress and inspire their guests.
Strategically located in Europe, Amsterdam benefits from excellent connectivity to the rest of the world through the Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, one of the busiest and most efficient airports globally. Furthermore, Amsterdam’s compact size and efficient public transportation system, including its iconic canals, make moving around the city both convenient and enjoyable for visitors.
Choosing Amsterdam as the destination for your business event is therefore an excellent choice. But other than the obvious plusses that Amsterdam has to offer, what can you do to give your business event just that little extra? How do you make your event not only the perfect sales pitch for your business, but also the most memorable business trip your guests could ever wish for?
This whitepaper offers tips, suggestions and must-do’s for event planners looking for top-service on their Amsterdam based business event.
During a conference, your participants do not always feel like carrying their bags or other valuables with them all day. We have installed a series of lockers in our basement especially for this purpose.
The Beurs van Berlage has a total of 80 lockers in the basement, 32 large and 48 small.
The small lockers are (w x d x h) 27.5 x 45 x 23 cm
The large lockers are (w x d x h) 27.5 x 45 x 57.5 cm
All lockers are equipped with a power socket and a USB connection.
Amsterdam Conference Centre Beurs van Berlage is thrilled to announce the return of Lydia Baloe as Operations Director, effective January 8th.
Amsterdam Conference Centre Beurs van Berlage is thrilled to announce the return of Lydia Baloe as Operations Director, effective January 8. Lydia, a familiar face at the Beurs, previously held this position before exploring various roles outside the company since June 2018. She originally joined the Beurs team in 2007, transitioning from the ‘Nederlands Philharmonisch Orkest’, and played a pivotal role in event management post-privatization in 2008.
Lydia’s return, with vast experience gained in the past five and a half years, marks a significant step towards sustainable growth and operational excellence at the Beurs. Marc de Winter, the current Operations Director, will transition to a role more closely aligned with his passion for driving the success of each event through direct customer interaction. Marc’s expertise, gained over more than a decade at the Beurs, is integral to our commitment to delivering exceptional and unforgettable event experiences. Marc’s tenure exceeds a decade, and his move to a new role reflects our commitment to employee satisfaction and organisational flexibility.
The collaboration between Lydia and Marc is a testament to their dedication and is a valuable asset to the Beurs van Berlage. Marcel Schonenberg, Beurs van Berlage’s Managing Director, confirms this by adding “I am incredibly proud and confident that with this adjustment and the return of Lydia, we can make another huge step in exceeding the expectations of our guests and customers”.
Amsterdam Conference Centre Beurs van Berlage, a national monument since 1903, works with stakeholders to produce events in a sustainable and socially responsible manner. Certified by Green Globe for the second year, Beurs van Berlage has pledged its support for the global goal of net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050, in line with the Paris Agreement to limit warming to 1.5°C and reduce total global GHG emissions by 50% by 2030.
Amsterdam Conference Centre Beurs van Berlage, a national monument since 1903, works with stakeholders to produce events in a sustainable and socially responsible manner. Certified by Green Globe for the second year, Beurs van Berlage has pledged its support for the global goal of net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050, in line with the Paris Agreement to limit warming to 1.5°C and reduce total global GHG emissions by 50% by 2030.
Willemijn de Vet, Senior Marketing Manager said, “At the Beurs van Berlage we want to make an impact in various ways. Impact with our monumental location, with the events that take place there, impact on the social front and as an attractive employer. Moreover, we want to make an impact by minimizing the impact of all our activities on the environment.
“We are the first monumental conference centre in the Netherlands to have received the Green Globe certificate. This certification provides us with a framework to continually improve our sustainability efforts. We are extremely proud to have received the Green Globe certificate for the second year in a row,” added Willemijn de Vet.
Read the rest of the interview on the Green Globe website.
Despite its historical character and monumental status, the Amsterdam Conference Centre – a bustling trading place since 1903 – does not fall behind when it comes to implementing the latest technology and keeping on track with sustainability. It shows to be a true thought leader when it comes to hosting events, innovation and sustainability.
Despite its historical character and monumental status, the Amsterdam Conference Centre – a bustling trading place since 1903 – does not fall behind when it comes to implementing the latest technology and keeping on track with sustainability. It shows to be a true thought leader when it comes to hosting events, innovation and sustainability.
Green GlobeTM Re-certification
For the second year in a row, the Beurs van Berlage has managed to renew its Green GlobeTM Certification. Green Globe is a prestigious global programme dedicated to advancing sustainable travel and tourism.
Restoration and preservation
During the summer months, the main entrance of the Beurs van Berlage was in scaffolding. Special attention was paid to the roof, in this phase of the restoration and preservation project.
Important to know, Beurs van Berlage’s mission goes beyond preserving a historic monument; they lead it into a sustainable future. From revitalizing the facades to roofing, gutter systems and intricate leadwork, their commitment to maintaining excellence is evident in every detail.
Energy consumption
Also good to put in the spotlight: 330 ‘Stallinga’ lamps. Since April 2014, the Beurs has had lamps specially designed by Studio Stallinga. This week all these lamps will be replaced by new LED lamps.
The old LED lamps consumed approximately 10% of the annual energy consumption, but with the new LED lamps this is reduced to only 4%. This means a huge saving of 6% on the Beurs van Berlage’s total energy consumption per year.
Executive lounge with Speaker Service Centre
A space, fully furnished in the style of architect Berlage himself, where organisers can work comfortably and still be involved in the event, due to its central location in the Beurs – the Beurs van Berlage Executive Lounge.
A space also equipped with a state-of-the-art Speaker Service Centre, so last minute adjustments can be made to presentations, which are then sent to the right stage in an instant.
No subsidies of external funding
The Beurs van Berlage does not receive any government subsidy or other funds that could help maintain the monument. The maintenance is solely possible thanks to the clients who put their trust in the Beurs and organise their event in the heart of Amsterdam. Clients such as Booking.com, VISA and Siemens – to name but a few – who organised their conference at the Beurs earlier this year. The income generated from these events, is put directly back into the monument to ensure that future generations can enjoy this beautiful monument.
More information
For more information, please phone the sales & events team on +31 20 531 33 55.
On the night from Tuesday to Wednesday, an incident occurred in which the main entrance of the Beurs van Berlage was vandalised with green paint.
On the night from Tuesday to Wednesday, an incident occurred in which the main entrance of the Beurs van Berlage was vandalised with green paint. The vandalism of the main entrance is linked to an event currently taking place at the Beurs van Berlage. It has now been announced that it concerns the Regenerative Agriculture & Food systems Summit.
We believe it's important that people have the freedom to differ in their perspectives, and we also believe they should be able to express their opinions. This freedom of expression applies both on our stage and at our doorstep. Organisations also have the freedom to decide whether they want to make an event public or not.
We support the right to protest; however, we find the act of property damage, especially to a national monument, completely unacceptable.
VHC Jongens and Rijkswaterstaat are starting a pilot to test how an electric truck can deliver products to the catering industry in the center of Amsterdam as cleanly and effectively as possible. Catering wholesaler VHC Jongens was the first in the Netherlands to purchase an electric, relatively small truck with refrigeration and freezer compartments of 7.5 t for this purpose.
Sustainable supply with an electric truck
VHC Jongens and Rijkswaterstaat are starting a pilot to test how an electric truck can deliver products to the catering industry in the center of Amsterdam as cleanly and effectively as possible. Catering wholesaler VHC Jongens was the first in the Netherlands to purchase an electric, relatively small truck with refrigeration and freezer compartments of 7.5 t for this purpose.
VHC Jongens strives for a total concept for “clean and smart supply” of its customers. This includes emission-free transport with small trucks. The catering wholesaler has been looking for a vehicle that weighs a maximum of 7.5 tons, but also has sufficient battery capacity for refrigerated and frozen transport to be able to supply customers within the Amsterdam ring road flexibly and sustainably.
The truck is emission-free and equipped with solar panels to recharge the batteries in the meantime. This guarantees that the home base can be reached in order to continue charging there. VHC has sufficient charging facilities not only for this truck, but also for the expansion of the electric vehicle fleet. Because the truck weighs 7.5 t, quays and bridges in the center of Amsterdam are not subjected to any extra load.
Customer and driver experiences
“The introduction of a new truck on the Dutch market has taken a lot of effort. But we are very proud to be the first food service company that can supply our customers sustainably and quietly. Customers are increasingly asking to come up with a sustainable total solution, with our food products, but also with sustainable transport. We do everything for a smart business”, says Ed Vleugel, manager transport at VHC Jongens.
Marcel Schonenberg, Managing Director of the Beurs van Berlage and board member of the Amsterdam City Association. “Beurs van Berlage considers sustainability to be of paramount importance. In the context of our CSR policy, sustainability has many aspects, in the building, a national monument, but also in the relationships with our suppliers. We have great appreciation for VHC Jongens who want to be a leader in sustainability and the step they are taking with this new electric truck”.
The experiences will be monitored for each party, both individually and collectively, by VHC Jongens with the support of Rijkswaterstaat. This includes CO2 emissions, road safety, facilities for charging infrastructure, range and load capacity. Customers are increasingly demanding sustainable supplies. Their experiences with sustainable transport and deliveries outside window times are also part of the pilot. Drivers are asked about their driving experience with the new truck, also in terms of road safety (other road users hardly hear the vehicle).
Yvonne de Boer, Logistics Program Coordinator Rijkswaterstaat West-Nederland Noord: “In the Smart and Sustainable program we try to reduce the pressure on the road network and CO2 emissions by accelerating innovations and supporting entrepreneurs who put smart and sustainable solutions into practice. Together with VHC Jongens, we will monitor the results and compare them with delivery by diesel trucks.
Meanwhile, VHC Jongens has trained some of the company’s drivers to drive the truck. A number of customers have been selected to be able to supply them sustainably. The municipality of Amsterdam offers flexibility regarding window times, because this is one of the ways to achieve the objectives of zero-emission transport in the city center ahead of the introduction of ZE zones in 2025. “The municipality of Amsterdam welcomes the fact that entrepreneurs are coming up with smart solutions to contribute to zero emission deliveries in the city centre. Moreover, more use will have to be made of small trucks due to the limited carrying capacity of quays and bridges,” says Hans van den Berg, strategic communication advisor logistics020 municipality of Amsterdam.
In addition to small trucks, VHC Jongens is also preparing sustainable transport with large electric vehicles that will mainly be used on the Amsterdam ring road and in the region. Three 19t electric trucks have already been ordered and two more 7.5t trucks will be added during the year. VHC Jongens strives for a fully sustainable electric fleet in 2024 in Amsterdam.
Don’t stay away, please feel welcome – that is our message to all the British businesses planning to organise an event or conference in our thriving capital. And to all the business visitors who are planning to visit a conference or event in one of the inspiring event locations, such as the Amsterdam Conference Centre Beurs van Berlage:
You are more than welcome!
Don’t stay away, please feel welcome – that is our message to all the British businesses planning to organise an event or conference in our thriving capital. And to all the business visitors who are planning to visit a conference or event in one of the inspiring event locations, such as the Amsterdam Conference Centre Beurs van Berlage: You are more than welcome!
We understand the policy of the municipality to manage the crowds, we refrain from judging the tone and quality of the campaign designed by the Amsterdam city council to discourage excessive tourism and nuisance.
However, the majority of visitors are more than welcome to Amsterdam and we would like to emphasise that it is even official policy of the municipality to facilitate and stimulate the conference sector.
In other words – do not be deterred by a message that is not intended for you. We are here with all our partners to welcome you to Amsterdam and to make your business visit an unforgettable one.
Beurs van Berlage DMC-services focuses on all additional services that bring your event to life. Are you seeking flawless transportation management, lively cocktail receptions, entertainment for all, interactive group activities and exclusive (gala) dinners? The DMC-services’ team knows the local market like the back of their hand, ready to leverage all of its possibilities for high quality and customised destination experiences.
No matter the size and scope of your event, DMC-services will make it happen, taking the role of a close partner for the conceptual and logistical side of your request.
From transportation management to a lively cocktail reception, entertainment, excursions and group activities – the services are always customized to your needs and with our additional services we hope to contribute to a great event at Beurs van Berlage.