Find out why Holland should be your next MICE destination

World Horticultural Expo Floriade 2012 - Grand Dame of Amsterdam - Water as a source of inspiration - Culinary revival - Utrecht: where science and culture meet

MeetingBusiness Destination HollandInternational.orgVolume 2 - nr1 - 2012 - MeetingInternational.org

Holland

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Utrechtthe mostcentral cityfor meetings

The cityfor knowledgeand culture

Transformers to optimize your meetings

For more information, please contact us at

+31 30 295 5038 or visit meetingmoods.nl

Meetingmoods is the special meeting concept

of the international exhibition and convention

centre Jaarbeurs Utrecht. Jaarbeurs Utrecht

is situated in the heart of Holland in Utrecht,

at only 40 minutes from Amsterdam Airport

Schiphol, next to the central station and within

walking distance of the historic city centre.

Meetingmoods encourages and challenges. Stimulates the senses for real results. Creates the right mood for an enduring impression. And earns everyone’s lasting applause. Dynamic or valuable. Safe or inventive. Inspiring or comfortable. Meetings are of various types and sizes. Meetingmoods has a suitable location for every meeting. One hundred percent matched to your wishes, target group and message. In terms of set up, catering and audiovisual support. Suitable for small (6) to large (1.500) groups. Curious about our locations?Visit meetingmoods.nl

DEF_215x285mmADV_meetingmagazine.indd 1 09-05-12 10:18

Holland NaturallyOnce again, the IMEX in Frankfurt will be opening its doors, and this means the start of a period full of inspira-tion. Countries and organizations from all over the world present their specialties and what they have to offer. Of course, the Netherlands are also well represented. At the Holland Meeting Point, well-known partners from the meeting industry will be welcoming the many visitors and tell them all about the Dutch specialties.

In this Meeting International we will show the reader how inspiring the Netherlands are. We discuss many special locations, like Novotel Amsterdam City and Park Plaza Amsterdam Airport, as well as special destina-tions like the provinces of Groningen and Utrecht. This year, the city of Venlo in the Noord-Limburg region in the south of the Netherlands, offers a very special attraction: until 7 October it will be hosting the World Horticultural Expo Floriade 2012. This global exhibition which will attract several million visitors, has two wonderful sustainable office buildings as landmarks as well as an official Greenport, and adds colour to the international event year ‘Holland Naturally 2012’. The natural element the Netherlands are famous for, is water, and of course we pay attention to this by making a trip along the twelve water-rich provinces of our country. With these two themes, we zoom in on the diversity in nature the Netherlands have to offer. Let us take you on a journey across the Dutch waters, cities and meeting locations.

Enjoy reading this magazine, let yourself be inspired, naturally!

Team Meeting International.org

MeetingInternational.org 3

Preface Meeting

Utrechtthe mostcentral cityfor meetings

The cityfor knowledgeand culture

Transformers to optimize your meetings

For more information, please contact us at

+31 30 295 5038 or visit meetingmoods.nl

Meetingmoods is the special meeting concept

of the international exhibition and convention

centre Jaarbeurs Utrecht. Jaarbeurs Utrecht

is situated in the heart of Holland in Utrecht,

at only 40 minutes from Amsterdam Airport

Schiphol, next to the central station and within

walking distance of the historic city centre.

Meetingmoods encourages and challenges. Stimulates the senses for real results. Creates the right mood for an enduring impression. And earns everyone’s lasting applause. Dynamic or valuable. Safe or inventive. Inspiring or comfortable. Meetings are of various types and sizes. Meetingmoods has a suitable location for every meeting. One hundred percent matched to your wishes, target group and message. In terms of set up, catering and audiovisual support. Suitable for small (6) to large (1.500) groups. Curious about our locations?Visit meetingmoods.nl

DEF_215x285mmADV_meetingmagazine.indd 1 09-05-12 10:18

4 MeetingInternational.org

6 Choices galore! As destination marketers, and ordinary human beings, for that matter, we have to make choices every

day. Just as well, because if we were not human our industry would be pretty boring. In other words, we make choices with respect to the use of our various resources of people, know how, knowledge of human character, and funds, to achieve the optimum message with which to target our target audience.

8 World Horticultural Expo Floriade 2012 Until 7 October 2012, the city of Venlo hosts the ten-yearly World Horticultural Expo, the Floriade. If

you think that this expo is no more than a display of plants and flowers, you should definitely go and take a look for yourself: the national as well as international world of agriculture and horticulture was never shown in such a diverse manner as now, in the region of northern Limburg in the south-east of the Netherlands.

20 A high level of service Novotel Amsterdam City is an international, 4-star hotel located in the commercial center of Amster-

dam; next to the Amsterdam RAI and near the World Trade Center (WTC). The railway, tram, and tube station RAI is nearby, allowing you to be in the city center or at International Schiphol Airport within 15 minutes. Thanks to its location the hotel is ideal for convention guests.

22 Recognition of quality When you are planning a business trip to the Netherlands, there is a big chance that you will also have

to make arrangements for an overnight – or even a longer – stay. Selecting a hotel that meets your de-mands and standards can then be quite a task. The ‘Nederlandse Hotel Classificatie’ (NHC, Dutch Hotel Classification) enables you to make a motivated choice based on the amount of luxury you wish. Becau-se the classification is quite simple: the more stars, the more luxury.

31 Water as a source of inspiration The Netherlands live with water. That is the motto of the public campaign about the role water plays in

the Netherlands. A large part of the country lies on or below sea level and in each of the twelve provin-ces, water is a feature. The many lakes, rivers, seas and other water-rich locations offer a great deal of attractive venues for meetings.

“We are in the business of meeting face to face.”Eric Bakermans, page 6

8 12

Contents Meeting

MeetingInternational.org 5

Also in this magazine12 InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam14 Hotel De L Europe18 Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam 21 Park Plaza Amsterdam Airport27 Groningen has it all42 Postillion Hotel Utrecht Bunnik

43 Jaarbeurs Utrecht45 The Carlton President Utrecht46 Figi & Slot Zeist46 Auberge Het Oude Tolhuys47 Hotel Mitland47 Court Hotel Utrecht

Volume 2, number 1

www.meetinginternational.org

van munster m e d i a g r o e p

A puBlICAtIon oF

MVM Producties b.v.

Postbus 6684

6503 GD Nijmegen

Kerkenbos 12-26c

6546 BE Nijmegen

t: 024 - 3 738 505

f: 024 - 3 730 933

puBlIsHEr:

Michael van Munster

prIntInG:

Boumans & Verhagen, Heijen

EDItor In CHIEF

Ingrid Janshen

ingridjanshen@vanmunstermedia.nl

EDItors

Sofie Fest MA

Hans Hooft

Femke van Iperen

ADDItIonAl ContEnt BY

Eric Bakermans, Maaike van Helmond

lAYout

Joost Franken

ADvErtIsEMEnts

Danny Toonen:

danny@vanmunstermedia.nl

Jordey de Joode:

jordey@vanmunstermedia.nl

This magazine is a special edition of Meeting Ma-

gazine.nl. The copyright of all articles published in

this magazine rests with the publisher. Although

the greatest care was given to the accurateness

of the information in this publication and checked

where possible, the publisher and the editors ex-

plicitly contest any liability for any incorrectness

or incompleteness of the information provided.

14 40

2636 Endless possibilities in a different world “ The art of travel is to enjoy every day, every hour and every minute, while heading to-

wards your destination.” Today this message from Stoomschip Rotterdam (1958) is still alive and kicking.

38 Culinary revival Although the Netherlands can not exactly boast a glorious culinary tradition, with its di-

shes like ‘stamppot’ (sort of hotchpotch or stew) and raw herring, since a few years a change has been going on in this area. The number of restaurants awarded a Michelin star is growing steadily, and more and more Dutchmen find their way to the many restaurants that aim to create – and succeed in creating – a culinary experience.

40 Utrecht: where science and culture meet The city of Utrecht, with its inextricable combination of rich history and dynamic present,

is a truly unique place. An excellent meeting and congress destination located in the heart of the Netherlands on a crossroad of rails, roads and waterways, it is only 32 minutes by train from Schiphol Airport.

See what happens at: www.addsomeorange.com

Mr. Holland invites you to loosen up your business meetings

ADD SOME ORANGE!

As destination marketers – and ordinary human beings, for that matter – we have to make choices every day. Just as well, because if we were not human our industry would be pretty boring. In other words, we make choices with respect to the use of our various resources of people, know-how, knowledge of human character, and funds, to achieve the optimum message with which to target our target audience. This magazine is one means to convey a message, but definitely not the only one. It is just one choice.

Choices galore!

How do we stand out as North Sea delta? As the pancake-flat country with a rich history of enter-prising entrepreneurs and explorers? As a some-

what unconventional society, with all its treasures and its shortcomings? As a business destination that is back in the top 10 of most popular convention destinations in the world? This latter is for a reason and is well-deserved.

We have to make choicesChoices vis-à-vis the message that appeals to the require-ments of the international meeting planner who knows increasingly better what is available, and what is what. And who has to decide first of all whether a meeting is the right platform for the objective. During the decision-making process, the destination must be top-of-mind for the planner.

And, hey presto, the trade showWe are in the business of meeting face to face. This magazine is published just before the IMEX 2012 is tak-ing place. The IMEX is a veritable highlight in the busi-

ness event universe. It is a well-considered choice of the destination Holland to present itself here at the Holland Meeting Point. Not as an objective in itself, but as an essential element in our communications with our target audience.

spoilt for choiceDid you ever notice what an incredible cornucopia the trade shows are? How do you decide who to visit and who not to visit? To what degree was it decided for you? And what message did you remember best? We chose our means of communicating before, during and after your visit. You chose to read this article. You may even have chosen to visit the IMEX. If you did, you may have received a note from Mr Holland! ‘Add some Orange’ is the kick-off to our message. If you are curious as to why this colour is also relevant for you, check out www.addsomeorange.com!

Eric Bakermans

Marketing Manager Meetings & Conventions

Introduction Meeting

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The Floriade fair takes place in the Netherlands once every ten years. In the past, the Randstad re-gion was always chosen as the venue for the fair;

this year, the Venlo region can show what it has on offer. Special is the sustainable concept that was chosen for this edition. As long ago as in 2007, the so called ‘Floriade Venlo Principles’ were drawn up in collaboration with Michael Braungart and William McDonough, the found-ers and conceivers of the worldwide phenomenon Cradle to Cradle. The Venlo region is the first in the world to use the principles of the Cradle to Cradle philosophy (waste is food, the sun is the energy source of choice and respect for diversity) in land development. At the creation of the infrastructure for the Floriade site, the characteristics of the terrain, such as the soil composition, the water system, the existing flora en the cultural history, were taken as the point of departure for the development of the Floriade park. Moreover, as many as possible closed cycles were created, for instance the composting of biologically de-gradable waste that is then used for the fertilization of the plants. Apart from that, maximum use is made of solar en-ergy and the air, soil and water quality is maintained and where possible, improved.

theme fieldsThe Floriade site comprises 5 theme fields, interconnected

by walking paths. The paths meander through an old oak and beach forest. In this forest, several prehistoric burial mounds were uncovered, as well as medieval embank-ments and cattle corrals. There is also a small chapel dedi-cated to John the Baptist, each year the location of a large procession to celebrate the end of the asparagus season. The nearby Sint-Jans farm tells more about the cultural history of the site. The cableway, running at a height of 30 meters above the ground, offers a wonderful view of the entire park.

The theme fields were given the themes Environment, Relax & Heal, Green Engine, Education & Innovation and World Show Stage. On each theme field are situated pavilions with presentations from various countries. These presentations show the agricultural and horticultural achievements in the respective countries. ‘Environment’ is the most centrally located theme field on the site. The theme field makes visitors aware of the importance of green in the living or working environment of people and the influence of green on the quality of life. Centrally located in the theme field are 15 (office) gardens under-neath 120 exceptional trees. On the Floriade Plaza you can relax on the benches and enjoy the many fountains and gargoyles. Also, every day there are performances by various types of brass bands.

Until 7 October 2012, the city of Venlo hosts the ten-yearly World Horticultural Expo, the Floriade. If you think that this expo is no more than a display of plants and flowers, you should definitely go and take a look for yourself: the national as well as international world of agriculture and horticulture was never shown in such a diverse manner as now, in the region of northern Limburg in the south-east of the Netherlands.

Discover the surprising side of agriculture and horticulture

photography www.floriadeimages.com

World Horticultural Expo Floriade 2012

8 MeetingInternational.org

Within ‘Green Engine’ the horticulture as the catalyst for the Dutch economy plays the leading role. Here you can also find Villa Flora, a modern and practi-cally energy-neutral building designed by the architect Jon Kristinsson. It houses pavilions with applications of flowers and plants in various interior styles as well as several country pavilions. In the exterior of Villa Flora a long pond was created containing large tubs with many different water plants. The decoration of the theme field itself was inspired by abandoned industrial sites. Concrete slabs, normally used for building sites, function

Business at the FloriadeDuring the Floriade various business meetings can be organized in the park. The Innovatoren, for instance, offers attractive spaces for meetings and conferences. Villa Flora and the specially decorated convention and event pavilion can also be hired for this purpose. The Floriade Congres Bureau offers various arrangements and programmes. More information can be found at business.floriade.nl. Should you wish to further explore the north of the province of Limburg, just ask the Stichting Promotie Noord-Limburg (SPNL, foundation for the promotion of the region). This foundation offers information on (business) tourism in the region and is located in the Sint Jans farm on the Floriade site. More information can be found at www.liefdevoorlimburg.nl.

Floriade Special Meeting

MeetingInternational.org 9

as walking paths and squares. The slabs are placed in a grid. Where a slab is missing, plants were placed, as if the plant-ing have pushed away the slabs. This construction is meant to illustrate the resilience of nature.

The theme field ‘Relax & Heal’ shows how nature influ-ences your health, wellbeing and feeling. The field consists of grassy knolls surrounding two squares with benches. Meandering across the hills is a bare-feet path, inspired by the Zen gardens from the Far East. Education and innovation ensures that the Dutch horti-cultural sector is and remains leading. The theme field ‘Education & Innovation’ proves this clearly. By means of a wood-embankment and straight-shaped hill ranges with a wide variety of planting, the theme field shows a play with perspectives. It is, of course, an important aspect of educa-tion and innovation to take a different perspective on things.

Don’t forget the little onesThe Floriade is certainly suited as part of a partner programme. Especially for children, the Floriade developed the programme ‘Floriade Kids’. In the park, they can meet Flora and Florian, the Floriade mascots. There is also a special discovery route that leads the children along vari-ous pavilions and gardens. Moreover, each theme field has at least one play garden. During the Floriade several events will be organized (with reservation), like a fruit float parade, the Dutch Championship historic coaches and the Rabobank Bach weekend.

10 MeetingInternational.org

royal visitOn 4 April, Her Majesty Queen Beatrix, as patroness, officially opened the Floriade 2012. Since her visit a large large number of international guests have visited the exhibition. For instance the Turkish president Gül, who visited the Floriade with Queen Beatrix on 19 April as part of a state visit to the Netherlands.

Facts & figures Floriade 2012- 5 April to 7 October, open every day from 10.00 to 19.00 (visit the website

for extra evening openings);- more than 100 national and international pavilions;- 5 theme fields;- site: 65 hectares (including 40 for exhibitions);- expected number of visitors: 2 million;- easy access by car via A73, A67, BAB 61. A free shuttle bus ferries between

the parking lot and the entrance. Reachable by public transport via railway station Venlo. Buses shuttle between the station and the park entrance. There is also a separate shuttle service.

The final theme field is World Show Stage. A boulevard boarding on a waterbody leads to the open air theatre. During the Floriade, various performances by national and international artists will be held, varying from music and dance to literature and theatre. The theatre is embedded in a large hill and reminds one of a Roman theatre. Behind the theatre there is space for a picnic. In the theme park is also the end station of the cableway, surrounded by a rosegarden. Finally, there is the Aqua Pavillion, built from transparant blue slabs. Here, you can visit an exhibition on water, and afterwards have dinner in the restaurant.

Durable businesspark Visitors to the Floriade have 6 months to admire the dynamic world of agriculture and horticulture. After this period, the Floriade park will become the decor for a sustainable business park by the name of Venlo GreenPark. In this park, the entire chain of the agricul-ture and horticulture will be presented. In Villa Flora and the Innovatoren, the physical entrance gate to the Floriade, the already present office spaces will be rented out. The entire area will become part of Greenport Venlo where economic networks of companies, edu-cation institutes and other organizations will work together to create solutions and innovations in the world of agriculture and horticulture. business.floriade.nl & www.liefdevoorlimburg.nl

Floriade Special Meeting

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Around the middle of the nineteenth century the physician Samuel Sarphati conceived the idea to turn Amsterdam into a modern European

city. Of course, this was to include a large representa-tive hotel. Cornelis Outshoorn was assigned to design it, and was given a free hand to do so. His design how-ever was too ambitious, and only a quarter of the hotel, namely the wing on the side of the river, was completed. Unfortunately, Sarphati himself did not live to see the opening in 1867. The international reputation of the hotel was partly initiated by the fact that Georg Mezger, founder of physiotherapy, established his practice in the hotel. This attracted rich European clients, and even today the Health & Fitness club reminds guests of Georg Mezger. Sarphati would have been delighted to see that over 145 years later, his project would belong to the top hotels in Europe – as well as being a great location for meetings and incentives.

luxurious settingEach of the 55 Executive Rooms and 24 suites are exquisitely appointed with square view or overlooking the picturesque Amstel River, featuring classical French design with two large double windows, spacious marble bathroom with cas-cade shower and separate bath. Each room is fully air-condi-tioned and features a private bar and entertainment system. Wireless internet is available for guests throughout the hotel.

Ideal locationThe InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam is the shining example of style, situated on the banks along the peace-

ful stretches of the Amstel river. Its central position forms a bridge to the heart of the financial, cultural and entertain-ment centre of Amsterdam. The hotel is easily reached by car and offers excellent parking facilities. What is more, the international Schiphol Amsterdam Airport is only 20 minutes away. This favourable situation contributes to what makes the hotel the ideal location for a (business) event. But it is not just the location that makes the ‘Grand Dame’ attrac-tive to the business market. The possibilities the hotel offers for the organising of an event are endless. Each of the six meeting rooms includes the most modern amenities to pro-vide guests with all conveniences possible. In total the hotel offers 501 square metres of meeting space.The core workforce of the meeting and events team has been in service of the hotel for 20 years, and the team has a vast know-how and experience; something you can make the most of for your event. Nothing is out of limits and in general the word ‘impossible’ is not found in the team’s vocabulary. Each event is considered a new challenge which can be per-sonalised. The hotel staff will ensure that every little detail will be accomplished exactly according to your wishes. After dinner, guests can resume earlier activities, take some time to relax, or return to their rooms.Most of the rooms include a private terrace and have striking views of the Amstel river. Thanks to the tall windows the rooms benefit from ample daylight, which makes them even more attractive to guests. It’s not surprising that ‘big names’ know where to find the InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam for their events. The Beau Monde Awards are organised here every year and Dutch Fashion Designer Frans Molenaar chooses the hotel for his shows every year.

The luxurious InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam is located on a bank of the Amstel river in Amsterdam; the dynamic capital of the Netherlands. The cosmopolitan hotel radiates tranquillity and grandeur and is located near Royal Theatre Carré, Hermitage Museum and famous Dutch canals. For 145 years the hotel has remained the ‘Grand Dame’ among international five-star hotels. From the grand welcome onwards visitors can expect to be treated like royalty during their stay in the InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam.

Grand Dame of Amsterdam

InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam

12 MeetingInternational.org

Exterior eventsAll the different dining and eating areas of the hotel include a private Terrace and possibilities are endless. For example the Terraces can cater for a private drink or reception. In addition, the hotel offers other event pos-sibilities outside. The hotel offers three authentic private boats dating from around 1900 that are perfectly suited for this kind of event; whether they are deployed for a relaxed trip on the Amsterdam canals in-between meet-ings, or as a location for a drink or party. All the potential options can be discussed. Is there anything more special than to see the beauty of Amsterdam from water, in such a unique vessel?Such boat trips can also be presented as a unique culinary experience – something that applies to all types of events organised by the hotel.

unique experienceBut also for a ‘normal’ dining experience the InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam is the right place. The Restaurant La Rive for instance is an experience in itself. The French-Mediterranean inspired cuisine has been awarded a Michelin star and offers refined dishes which include many regional and seasonal ingredients. From La Rive guests can enjoy extraordinary views over the Amstel river.Are you in need of something out of the ordinary or intimate? La Rive’s Wine room is a unique location for private dining among 1,250 of the world’s greatest wines, mainly from France, Spain and Italy. An atmospheric environment where a large oak table accommodates 8 to 16 guests. Or perhaps you would prefer more lively surroundings? Dinner in the kitchen of restaurant La Rive is a unique experience. Amidst the kitchen is the Chef’s Table where you can watch Chef Rogér Rassin and his team creating the finest dishes. The Chef’s Table Experience is available from 4 up to 8 persons. In addition, guests are welcome at the Amstel Bar & Brasserie, an informal restaurant open on a daily basis that also offers a great view of the Amstel river. In the Amstel Lounge, and on the Terraces, guests can enjoy a light meal with views over the canals.

relaxationAre you ready for some relaxation? The Health & Fitness club is also available 24 hours a day. Relaxation has never been this stylish; thanks to the extensive range of fitness equipment in a tranquil environment. At the water level of the river are the heated pool, sauna, Turkish steam bath, Jacuzzi and massage rooms. Let the InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam exceed all your expectations and experience the unique personal hospital-ity of the five-star staff. www.amsterdam.intercontinental.com

Location Meeting

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Throughout its history, De L’Europe has been fa-voured by Amsterdam’s elite and the hotel contin-ues to attract the world’s most celebrated names.

Exuding an air of sophistication, De L’Europe boasts a distinctive décor, surrounding visitors with original works of the Dutch Masters from the private collection of Alfred ‘Freddy’ Heineken and capturing the very essence

of Amsterdam. Building on its illustrious history and de-livering discreetly attentive service, De L’Europe special-ises in the art of exceeding expectations.

Gracious eleganceDe L’Europe showcases 111 beautifully appointed guestrooms, including 45 suites and a peerless six-bedroom

A true landmark in Amsterdam

De L’Europe Amsterdam

Originally built in 1896, De L’Europe lies in the heart of Amsterdam overlooking the beautiful Amstel River and in the shadow of the historic Munt Tower. Synonymous with refined taste and classical elegance, De L’Europe is acknowledged as one of Amsterdam’s finest hotels.

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Penthouse Suite. The contemporary Dutch Masters Wing is home to 23 immaculate suites, while the time-less Rondeel Building houses 88 guestrooms and suites.

An oasis of calm in Amsterdam’s buzzing city centre, De L’Europe’s original Rondeel Building epitomizes timeless refinement. With each guestroom and suite incorporating classic design elements and cutting-edge comforts such as iPads, heated flooring and motion-detecting floor lighting, the Rondeel presents a homely, welcoming environment. Bold colours combine with plush carpeting, hardwood floors, custom fabrics and fine linens, while Dutch Masters-inspired paintings adorn the walls to create a sense of restful refinement.

The contemporary Dutch Masters Wing harmonises art and design, with its atrium skyline and dazzling works of art creating the effect of an airy boutique hotel. Each of the 23 boldly appointed, spacious suites displays a dif-ferent Dutch Masters painting recreated from the origi-nal in the nearby Rijksmuseum, while an additional oversized painting is inspired by magnified details of the same work. Guests may select an intimate suite or a spacious one-bedroom suite, each featuring indulgent amenities and the latest technology.

Meet in De l’Europe styleA landmark for more than a century, De L’Europe lends itself to board meetings, conferences, weddings, parties, social gatherings and corporate events. Each of the hotel’s seven private rooms is exquisitely fur-nished and uniquely affords views of the Amstel River. At more than 600 square metres, De L’Europe’s seven unique meeting spaces features a winning combination of state-of-the-art technology and chic surroundings to stimulate the mind and spirit. Inter-connecting meeting rooms offer natural daylight, a dedicated entrance and stunning city or Amstel River panoramas.

World-class dining destinationsDe L’Europe is a hub of haute cuisine, boasting a selection of the city’s finest restaurants overseen by Executive Chef Richard van Oostenbrugge. Bord’Eau has redefined Amsterdam’s fine dining scene. Hoofdstad Brasserie is perfect for a sophisticated yet casual river-side bite. With its plush interior, Freddy’s remains the city’s iconic bar, while Hèt Terras offers a contempo-rary take on café classics, and the city’s most authentic Afternoon Tea is served in the Promenade.

Bord’EauBord’Eau offers twenty-first-century fine dining in an exquisite salon setting. The intimate dining room with vistas of the Amstel River suggests a world of privilege

Location Meeting

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PALACE HOTEL NOORDWIJK AAN ZEE A ROYAL HOTEL

Picképlein 8, 2202 CL NoordwijkThe Netherlands, +31 (0) 71-3653000info@palacehotel.nl, www.palacehotel.nl

Palace Hotel at EIBTM, Holland Meeting Point stand E100

The Palace Hotel is in every way the ideal placefor a regal stay. Just a three-minute walk from the beach, beautiful guest rooms, extensive meeting and congress facilities, elegant restaurants and a lavish wellness room. All of this, plus a magnifi cent ambiance and a level of service which will make you feel right at home.

Unique Selling Points of the Palace Hotel:- A four-star hotel with five-star facilities- Possibility of exclusive use of the hotel

N O O R D W I J K A A N Z E E T H E N E T H E R L A N D S

Besides an excellent location in the Eastern Docklands, the Mövenpick Hotel Amsterdam City Centre offers first class quality, personal service and a cosy bar and restaurant. All of the column-less meeting rooms let in daylight, offer free WiFi and are equipped with the latest AV equipment. Book a meeting in the months June, July or August 2012 and receive a complimentary closing reception for all your delegates in Silk Bar or Terrace. Please contact the Sales department for more information or visit our booth at the IMEX.

Mövenpick Hotel Amsterdam City CentrePiet Heinkade 11, 1019 BR Amsterdam

Tel +31 20 519 1200, Fax +31 20 519 1239hotel.amsterdam@moevenpick.com

www.moevenpick-hotels.com

Amsterdam a swiss welcome.

and high style, enveloping diners in a warm glow as attentive service pairs contemporary French fare with Dutch flair. For more intimate occasions, Bord’Eau offers an exclusive Private Chef’s Table for up to fourteen guests. “Walls of Wine” featuring outstanding selections from Les Caves De L’Europe, the hotel’s impeccable wine cellar, create a glamorous cocoon in which to savour Bord’Eau’s signature creations.

Hoofdstad BrasserieServing ‘Amsterdam-accented’ modern continental cuisine throughout the day, Hoofdstad Brasserie’s open-kitchen showcases its chefs’ creative talents. Atmospheric flair meets outstanding service in one of Amsterdam’s coolest settings.

promenadeTraditional old-world charm co-exists with classic design in this peaceful grand passageway at De L’Europe’s heart. Promenade recreates the sense of a private art gallery, serving the city’s most comprehensive list of old and new-world wines by the glass, exqui-site cocktails, authentic London Afternoon Tea, and a light menu of gourmet snacks from its avant garde cocktail bar.

Freddy’s BarNamed in honour of its most famous patron Alfred ‘Freddy’ Heineken, Freddy’s Bar is a landmark Amsterdam Dutch brown bar frequented by Amsterdam’s elite. Kick back and relax to the smooth sounds of a live pianist while nibbling on gourmet snacks. Freddy’s is renowned for the city’s best Bloody Mary, and is fre-quently nominated by reviewers as Amsterdam’s finest hotel bar.

FumoirWith a selection of the world’s finest cigars, De L’Europe’s fumoir offers an escape to a genteel era of smoking rooms and gentle-men’s clubs.

Hèt terrasA warm-weather terrace where trendy riverside dining pairs with eclectic café favourites and seasonal local specialties. Enjoying a

spectacular alfresco setting atop a charming open-air patio, Hèt Terras offers fabulous views of Amsterdam’s legendary canals.

les Caves De l’EuropeHead Sommelier Dannis Apeldoorn oversees each of the 800 labels lovingly housed in the hotel’s private wine cellar, Les Caves De L’Europe. His dynamic wine programme invites guests to enjoy tastings, tours and interactive seminars by appointment.

recharge & relaxAfter a busy Amsterdam day, retire to our Dutch library. Dark wooden bookshelves filled with translations from famous Dutch authors reach from the genuine ‘Delft’s-blauw’ carpet to the imposing high ceiling. The Fitness Centre is equipped with aerobic machines as well as a full set of free weights. For total relaxation the heated indoor swimming pool features a jet stream, Jacuzzi with panoramic Amstel River views and a ceiling adorned with thousands of twinkling stars. Tailor-made massages can be enjoyed without having to leave the comfort of your room.

Once the world’s richest city, Amsterdam overflows with charac-ter. From magnificent 17th and 18th century merchants’ houses to distinctive canals it is impossible to escape the city’s rich history. Among its narrow streets nestle delightful shops, restaurants and cafés, along with cultural highlights such as Dam Square, the Rembrandthuis and Anne Frank House. The Concertgebouw welcomes international musicians of all genres, and art lovers will revel in the world-famous Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum.

Drawing on years of research, the talented concierge team expertly creates unique experiences to unveil Amsterdam’s hid-den gems. From museums and designer boutiques to theatre and fine dining, the Clefs d’Or concierges can exploit their intimate knowledge of Europe’s most intriguing capital city to design the ultimate adventure.

“At De L’Europe, we turn travel dreams into reality”, ensures Lizette Hassell, Director of Sales & Marketing.

Location Meeting

MeetingInternational.org 17

The historical details and the beauti-ful design of the various rooms and corridors take the visitor into a dif-

ferent world, where inspiration triumphs. This five-star luxury hotel has for example 177 spacious rooms – of which 52 luxuri-ous suites – the award-winning Bridges restaurant, and Amsterdam’s first Raw Bar. In combination with the 19 confer-ence venues and banqueting halls, includ-ing state-of-the-art business facilities, The Grand in Amsterdam is truly the place to be when hosting business gatherings.

Inspired meetingsSofitel has developed itself into a chain of luxury hotels, where French elegance predominates. This becomes most clear in the three ‘pillars’ of the international hotel chain: Design, Gastronomy and Culture. Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam has mastered the art to combine this French DNA with its local heritage. This sets the hotel apart from others, and it is therefore not a surprise that it belongs to the top hotels of the world. General Manager Robert-Jan Woltering explains that nothing is standard here. Everything is inspiring, which is visible in even the smallest details, but also in all the con-cepts that the hotel has on offer for clients.

“With our InspiredMeetings we approach everything differently from the start. The InspiredMeetings Planner is the unique contact person during the organisation of a meeting, which means the meeting will be nothing but tuned into the wishes and demands of the client. We do everything we can when tailoring our offers and this will even increase in the future.”

Inspired serviceDuring meetings the InspiredMeetings Concierge is on standby to provide his or her support. Every group has been assigned a unique contact person, who will assist during the day, and who ensures that everything that has been discussed will be performed. Woltering: “This service works extremely well and we are very happy with it. We are now working towards a private butler who will be at the client’s disposal the whole day.” The Grand in Amsterdam remains a pioneer, on all fronts; even in the area of catering. “Take Bridges, which is a complete new concept in the Netherlands with a Raw Bar. Our InspiredMeetings do not include standard banqueting, instead we cater in the style of Bridges; we take the restaurant to the meeting or the event.” Director of Sales & Marketing Kees Hogetoorn reveals

another special service: “We are unique in Amsterdam with our butler service.” Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam has associated itself with the butler academy, where butlers are trained for the high-quality service they will provide.

Inspired placesSofitel Legend hotels are hotels with a history, with stories and legends, but also hotels where the ultimate feeling of luxury prevails. This ultimately makes The Grand in Amsterdam a most inspir-ing location for business meetings. The building is a former convent that in 1578 was converted into the Princenhof, royal lodging, a court for princes and nobility. In the nineteenth century the Princenhof was in service as the town hall. The board room that was built later on, in the style of the ‘Amsterdam School’, is still available for meetings and gatherings. In this room visitors can find the city’s symbols, and the ambassadors are more than happy to pro-vide details about these during guided tours. “There is always a story to be told,” says Woltering, “for every meeting we can find some sort of lead related to the history of the hotel or the city. We always try to make such a link, so that the tour increases in meaning and inspiration.”

legendary places, legendary people, legendary meetings

Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam

Those who want to be inspired are in the right place at the Sofitel Legend The Grand in Amsterdam. This extraordinary hotel, set between two quiet canals in the heart of Amsterdam, never stops to surprise the guest. Via the courtyard you will enter the elegant lobby, where design and history are combined and where our ambassadors will be waiting to welcome you.

18 MeetingInternational.org

Inspired breaksThis approach can be found again at the InspiredMeetings and InspiredEvents, where a theme can be chosen. “We often choose to do this with our VOC breaks, related to Amsterdam’s history of its Dutch East India Company; the VOC, where we take guests on a short tour along the legendary places in the hotel. We show some highlights from the era of the VOC, and such a theme continues into the cof-fee break with pastries made with spices from that period. With another theme, Little Queen Elizabeth, we arrange a break on our Salon Boat. It is delightful

to sail through the Amsterdam canals, complete with picnic basket, and to be able to enjoy the surroundings, because the city itself has also so much to offer.” The breaks, whether a dinner in Bridges or a coffee break, are always inspirational. During a recent international meeting for example the morning break was centered on the theme of vegetables. The surprising effect was so big that – unintentionally – the first coffee break was devoid of coffee. There is only one way to put it: a Meeting or Event in Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam is always inspiring.www.sofitel-legend-thegrand.com

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MeetingInternational.org 19

A high level of service

Two years of extensive renovation have resulted in a true metamorphosis of Novotel Amsterdam City. The entire

hotel has been transformed to offer you the highest level of service. Our welcoming reception makes you feel right at home.

The hotel has 610 ‘Novation rooms’; of which 450 are double-bedded, 150 twin-bedded and 10 are executive rooms. The inviting atmosphere, comfort, design and amenities of our Novation rooms meet the needs of all our business guests. The key elements in the creation of this concept are space, contemporary colours and flexibility. These rooms are characterised by their modern

design, with extra-long beds (2.10 meters), cosy duvets, fully-equipped bathrooms, and a pivoting desk with large working space. There is also an extra large safe to accommodate laptops, and in the double-bedded rooms a comfortable sofa can be transformed into an extra single bed.

Divided over the ground and first floor, our brand new convention center of 1,300 square metres consists of a dedicated entrance, 17 meeting rooms, individual breakout areas and a modern business center. Its flexible layout makes it ideal for a wide variety of corporate and social events; from conferences and exhibitions to cocktail parties and festive

evenings. High ceilings (5 metres) and wide doors ensure events such as car launches can be accommodated with ease. Our outstanding new restaurant, terrace and bar facilities will satisfy all tastes and occasions. After enjoying a workout in our new fitness center, you can relax in the calming atmosphere of our sauna.

The combination of 610 bedrooms and 17 meeting rooms is unique for Amsterdam. Novotel Amsterdam City is the only 4-star hotel in the area able to offer bedrooms, and dining and meeting facilities to a group of 450 delegates: all in one location. www.novotelamsterdamcity.com

Novotel Amsterdam City is an international, 4-star hotel located in the commercial center of Amsterdam; next to the Amsterdam RAI and near the World Trade Center (WTC). The railway, tram, and tube station RAI is nearby, allowing you to be in the city center or at International Schiphol Airport within 15 minutes. Thanks to its location the hotel is ideal for convention guests.

Novotel Amsterdam City

20 MeetingInternational.org

PPHE Hotel Group acquired this leading conference hotel in April 2010 and has invested significantly in it since; primarily in service delivery and guest services. The Group was pleased to announce that it had also started its multi-million Euro renova-tion programme. On the agenda are a com-plete transformation of all public areas on the ground floor, including the introduction of a new lobby, restaurant, bar and lounge, as well as the addition of a new spa and fitness for hotel guests. The interior design work has been undertaken by Abrahams Crielaers in combination with ADP.

The new additions include the introduction of a state-of-the-art board room with the la-test audiovisual equipment and an Executive Lounge. The restaurant and bar areas remain a prime area of development for the

company, and they include a fully refur-bished breakfast area and restyled separate restaurant. The contemporary bar area and lounge have also received a major upgrade, and the spa and wellness facility, brand new to the hotel, boasts facilities such as a sauna, steam bath and extensive fitness area.

Frans Wientjes, Regional General Manager for the Netherlands, said: “After months of preparation we are pleased to see that the extensive refurbishment is now well underway. Park Plaza Amsterdam Airport’s renovation is a major investment for PPHE Hotel Group and we will not only modern-ise the property, but also enhance the over-all delegate and guest experience.”

In 2012, Park Plaza Hotels Limited announced its new company name – PPHE

Hotel Group Limited – to continue to strengthen its position as a multi-brand operator. With this name change the com-pany seeks to distinguish the company from the hotel brands – Park Plaza® Hotels & Resorts, art’otel® and Arenaturist – which the company operates under licence or full or part ownership as it continues to expand its portfolio. The majority of the company’s hotels are located in major gateway cities and regional centres predominantly in Europe, with new hotels in the develop-ment pipeline in Germany, the Netherlands, United Kingdom and Thailand.

For more information regarding the refurbishment

programme of Park Plaza Amsterdam Airport, please visit

www.parkplaza.com/lookandfeel

For more information on the new company name,

please visit www.pphe.com

Multi-million Euro refurbishment programme underway

Park Plaza Amsterdam Airport

PPHE Hotel Group Limited, owner and operator of a group of full-service upscale and lifestyle hotels, has announced that its major two-month refurbishment of Park Plaza Amsterdam Airport is in progress and on schedule for completion in June 2012.

Location Meeting

MeetingInternational.org 21

In the Netherlands, the ‘Bedrijfschap Horeca en Catering’ (Trading organization Hotels, Bars and Restaurants and Catering) acts in the inter-

ests of the hotels, bars and restaurants located in the Netherlands. The goal is to preserve and enhance the health and the professionality of the branch. In order to provide the hotel branch in the Netherlands with more transparency, the ‘Bedrijfschap Horeca en Catering’ has formulated a hotel classification regis-ter especially for hotels. It is illegal for establishments that have not been included in this register, and have therefore not yet had their location classified, to call themselves ‘Hotel’. So when a location is described as a hotel, you can be sure of what you can expect. level of conveniencesBased on the criteria from the Nederlandse Hotel Classificatie (NHC), the Dutch hotel business is clas-sified on a scale from 1 to 5 stars. Each star category represents a certain level of conveniences and facili-ties expressed in basic and optional standards. The number of stars a hotel is awarded, depends on the number of basic and optional standards the accom-modation complies with. So the more standard-boxes can be ticked off, the higher the number of stars. Every hotel that has a classification, is inspected every four years at the latest.

standardsThe category basic standards includes, for each star category, the minimum permanent basic conven-

iences that have to be present or available. Related to the number of stars, the basic standards are higher. Each extra star represents more basic conveniences. In addition to this, upwards from a two-star classi-fication, there are, apart from the compulsory basic conveniences, also the voluntary optional standards with which certain specific aspects of the hotel can be singled out. This can win the hotel additional points that reward the hotel for its extra conveniences, serv-ices and facilities, like a solarium, beauty center or a reception that is manned 24 hours a day.

Any hotel can decide for itself which optional stand-ards from the list of possibilities it wishes to comply with. These optional standards, however, provide the hotel with the possibility to distinguish itself from other hotels in the same star category. One hotel can have the business guests as a target group, whereas an other hotel wishes to present itself as a leisure hotel with all kinds of wellness facilities.

Hotel signHow many stars a certain hotel has been awarded, can usually be found via the website of the hotel in ques-tion. At the hotel’s location itself, a sign on the façade shows the number of stars awarded. Establishments in the Netherlands belonging to the internationally famil-iar chains of hotels have at least three or four stars. On their websites, hotels usually mention the specific facili-ties and conveniences available in their rooms. www.hotelsterren.nl

When you are planning a business trip to the Netherlands, there is a big chance that you will also have to make arrangements for an overnight – or even a longer – stay. Selecting a hotel that meets your demands and standards can then be quite a task. The ‘Nederlandse Hotel Classificatie’ (NHC, Dutch Hotel Classification) enables you to make a motivated choice based on the amount of luxury you wish. Because the classification is quite simple: the more stars, the more luxury.

recognition of qualityClassification

22 MeetingInternational.org

Classification Meeting

MeetingInternational.org 23

Congress Care

P.O. Box 4405201 AK ‘s-HertogenboschT +31-73-6901415E info@congresscare.comI www.congresscare.com

Theater en Congrescentrum De Meervaart

Meer en Vaart 3001068 LE AmsterdamT +31 20 410 77 20E sales@meervaart.nlI www.meervaart.nl/congres/

Woudschoten Conferentiecentrum

Woudenbergseweg 543707 HX ZeistT +31 343-492492E info@woudschoten.nlI www.woudschoten.nl

Congrescentrum Dennenheul

Paul Krugerweg 453851 ZH ErmeloT +31 341 - 56 86 00E dh@congrescentrum.com I www.congrescentrum.com

Hotel Mercure Amsterdam aan de Amstel

Joan Muyskenweg 10NL-1096 CJ AmsterdamT +31 20 - 665 8181E H1244@accor.comI www.mercure.com/1244

Congrescentrum De Werelt

Westhoffl aan 26741 KH LunterenT +31 318 48 46 41E dw@congrescentrum.com I www.congrescentrum.com

Van der Valk Hotel Middelburg

Paukenweg 34337 WH MiddelburgT +31 (0)118 442525E middelburg@valk.nlI www.valkmiddelburg.nl

Novotel Amsterdam City

Europaboulevard 101083 AD AmsterdamT +31 20 – 541 1123E h0515@accor.comI www.novotelamsterdamcity.com

Grand Hotel Opduin

Ruijslaan 221796 AD De Koog TexelT +31 222 317 445E info@opduin.nl I www.opduin.nl

Amsterdam RAI

Europaplein1078 GZ AmsterdamT +31 20 – 549 1722E raimarketing@rai.nlI www.rai.nl

Hotel Zuiderduin

Zeeweg 52 1931 VL Egmond aan Zee T +31 72 750 2020E sales@zuiderduin.nl I www.zuiderduin.nl

MCCM Meeting Management B.V

P.O. Box 773480 DB HarmelenT +31 88 089 8100E info@mccm.nl I www.mccm.nl

It’s all about partnership!

GCB - Groningen Congres Bureau

Ubbo Emmiussingel 37B9711BC GroningenT +31 0 316 8877E info@gcb.nl I www.gcb.nl

info@ verg aderhamer.nl • w w w.verg aderhamer.nl

Smederijstraat 2 4814 DB Breda T +31(0)76 564 99 25

Choose certaintyChoose an accommodation with a conference and meeting classifi cation

Smederijstraat 2 4814 DB Breda T: +31(0)76 564 99 25 E: info@vergaderhamer.nl

www.vergaderhamer.nl www.vergaderhamer.be

Are you looking for a meeting- or conference accommodation of which you want to know in advance the quality offered? With the “Congres- en Vergaderclassificatie” (The conference and meeting quality rating) you can easily verify the level of services/quality that a particular meeting-/conference facility offers on the basis of a rating from 1 till 5 hammers. Equal to the Hotel ‘Star’ rating system. The objective of “Congres- en Vergaderclassificatie” can be summarized in three goals: increasing the quality and professionalism of the industry, distinguishing companies that have proven themselves and promote transparency towards the customer.

The Netherlands has many meeting- or conference facilities. It is in the interests of clients and the market for meeting ac-commodations, to become transparent. Who offers which quality and meets the requirements of capacity, accessibility, comfort and so on. The “Congres- en Vergaderclassificatie” is an excellent way to gain insight into what companies offer and is objective. Since affiliated companies are regularly inspected, the provided quality can be assured. You can recog-nize the classified companies by the logo shown here below, which is always accompanied by a number of hammers re-presenting the classification.

For more information and our affiliates visit our website http://www.vergaderhamer.nl.

A qualified Convention organization agency (also called Professional Congress Organizer, PCO) is an independent company, specialized in the organization of (inter)national conventions and meetings on a professional basis. They supply high quality service and belong to the top in their f ield of expertise; they are audited on a regular basis by ex-ternal inspectors.

Apart from that, the conditions are regularly tightened and extended to meet changing demands, react to information from clients and to keep up with technological developments. Qualified convention organization agencies are expli-citly in the forefront of the sector with high-grade service in the field of corporate meetings.

Only if a company meets all strict demands is it allowed to use the predicate ‘Erkend Congresbedrijf ’ (qualified con-vention agency). Qualified convention organization agencies offer clients a great deal of consistency in every aspect. The preparation, the organization and management on the day of the event, the conclusion, clients can be sure that the event passes off without a hitch.

Beurs-World Trade CenterCongress & Event Center

Beursplein 373011 AA RotterdamT +31 10 405 4462E congress@wtcro.nlI www.wtcrotterdam.nl

Apollo Hotel De Beyaerd

Harderwijkerweg 4978077 RJ HulshorstT +31 341 – 45 15 41E info@apollohoteldebeyaerd.nlI www.apollohoteldebeyaerd.nl

Congress Care

P.O. Box 4405201 AK ‘s-HertogenboschT +31-73-6901415E info@congresscare.comI www.congresscare.com

Theater en Congrescentrum De Meervaart

Meer en Vaart 3001068 LE AmsterdamT +31 20 410 77 20E sales@meervaart.nlI www.meervaart.nl/congres/

Woudschoten Conferentiecentrum

Woudenbergseweg 543707 HX ZeistT +31 343-492492E info@woudschoten.nlI www.woudschoten.nl

Congrescentrum Dennenheul

Paul Krugerweg 453851 ZH ErmeloT +31 341 - 56 86 00E dh@congrescentrum.com I www.congrescentrum.com

Hotel Mercure Amsterdam aan de Amstel

Joan Muyskenweg 10NL-1096 CJ AmsterdamT +31 20 - 665 8181E H1244@accor.comI www.mercure.com/1244

Congrescentrum De Werelt

Westhoffl aan 26741 KH LunterenT +31 318 48 46 41E dw@congrescentrum.com I www.congrescentrum.com

Van der Valk Hotel Middelburg

Paukenweg 34337 WH MiddelburgT +31 (0)118 442525E middelburg@valk.nlI www.valkmiddelburg.nl

Novotel Amsterdam City

Europaboulevard 101083 AD AmsterdamT +31 20 – 541 1123E h0515@accor.comI www.novotelamsterdamcity.com

Grand Hotel Opduin

Ruijslaan 221796 AD De Koog TexelT +31 222 317 445E info@opduin.nl I www.opduin.nl

Amsterdam RAI

Europaplein1078 GZ AmsterdamT +31 20 – 549 1722E raimarketing@rai.nlI www.rai.nl

Hotel Zuiderduin

Zeeweg 52 1931 VL Egmond aan Zee T +31 72 750 2020E sales@zuiderduin.nl I www.zuiderduin.nl

MCCM Meeting Management B.V

P.O. Box 773480 DB HarmelenT +31 88 089 8100E info@mccm.nl I www.mccm.nl

It’s all about partnership!

GCB - Groningen Congres Bureau

Ubbo Emmiussingel 37B9711BC GroningenT +31 0 316 8877E info@gcb.nl I www.gcb.nl

info@ verg aderhamer.nl • w w w.verg aderhamer.nl

Smederijstraat 2 4814 DB Breda T +31(0)76 564 99 25

Choose certaintyChoose an accommodation with a conference and meeting classifi cation

Smederijstraat 2 4814 DB Breda T: +31(0)76 564 99 25 E: info@vergaderhamer.nl

www.vergaderhamer.nl www.vergaderhamer.be

Are you looking for a meeting- or conference accommodation of which you want to know in advance the quality offered? With the “Congres- en Vergaderclassificatie” (The conference and meeting quality rating) you can easily verify the level of services/quality that a particular meeting-/conference facility offers on the basis of a rating from 1 till 5 hammers. Equal to the Hotel ‘Star’ rating system. The objective of “Congres- en Vergaderclassificatie” can be summarized in three goals: increasing the quality and professionalism of the industry, distinguishing companies that have proven themselves and promote transparency towards the customer.

The Netherlands has many meeting- or conference facilities. It is in the interests of clients and the market for meeting ac-commodations, to become transparent. Who offers which quality and meets the requirements of capacity, accessibility, comfort and so on. The “Congres- en Vergaderclassificatie” is an excellent way to gain insight into what companies offer and is objective. Since affiliated companies are regularly inspected, the provided quality can be assured. You can recog-nize the classified companies by the logo shown here below, which is always accompanied by a number of hammers re-presenting the classification.

For more information and our affiliates visit our website http://www.vergaderhamer.nl.

A qualified Convention organization agency (also called Professional Congress Organizer, PCO) is an independent company, specialized in the organization of (inter)national conventions and meetings on a professional basis. They supply high quality service and belong to the top in their f ield of expertise; they are audited on a regular basis by ex-ternal inspectors.

Apart from that, the conditions are regularly tightened and extended to meet changing demands, react to information from clients and to keep up with technological developments. Qualified convention organization agencies are expli-citly in the forefront of the sector with high-grade service in the field of corporate meetings.

Only if a company meets all strict demands is it allowed to use the predicate ‘Erkend Congresbedrijf ’ (qualified con-vention agency). Qualified convention organization agencies offer clients a great deal of consistency in every aspect. The preparation, the organization and management on the day of the event, the conclusion, clients can be sure that the event passes off without a hitch.

Beurs-World Trade CenterCongress & Event Center

Beursplein 373011 AA RotterdamT +31 10 405 4462E congress@wtcro.nlI www.wtcrotterdam.nl

Apollo Hotel De Beyaerd

Harderwijkerweg 4978077 RJ HulshorstT +31 341 – 45 15 41E info@apollohoteldebeyaerd.nlI www.apollohoteldebeyaerd.nl

At the time, the GCB was established at the initiative of the local Chamber of Commerce, the municipality of

Groningen (capital and province have the same name), the provincial council and the Rijksuniversiteit (state university) Groningen (RUG). “Many professors in the RUG regularly organized scientific and medical conventions, but not always considered their own city a possible venue. By compiling a Handbook for conventions and meetings with a survey of the accommodations, sup-pliers and the event organizers that could be involved, I could rather easily convince

them to make their own city the location for their event.” Nowadays, the GCB organizes on average 65 conventions annually which attract some 55,000 international visitors. Apart from that, the city and the province can provide interesting themes which may inspire conventions. “Topical themes are energy (Energy Valley) and healthy ageing (Universitair Medisch Centrum Groningen, UMCG). The sustainability theme can be made concrete on the spot by visiting the windmill parks in the Lauwersmeer (Lauwers lake). The storage facilities for natural gas in the town of Slochteren also

make interesting outings. Moreover, the city of Groningen has the ambition to be energy-neutral in 2020”, says Westerhuijs.

End of the worldA prejudice Westerhuijs sometimes has to deal with, is the idea that Groningen is located in a far-off corner of the Netherlands. “The trip from Schiphol Amsterdam Airport to Groningen takes you just two hours. What is more, along the way you can fully enjoy the beauty of the Dutch countryside. The roads lead-ing to the north of the country are also

At the foundation of the Groningen Congres Bureau (GCB) in 1996, the participants set themselves a definite goal: promoting the province of Groningen in the business sector. Managing Director Jaap Westerhuijs knows the secret of this province: “The space and the nature appeal tremendously to national as well as international visitors.”

Groningen has it all

26 MeetingInternational.org

excellent and there are hardly any traffic jams. And what is even more appealing is that here, the convention rates are some 30 percent lower, compared to those in the Randstad area.” And the Groningen landscape can definitely com-pete with the rest of the Netherlands, says Westerhuijs. “The Groningen landscape is pure, green and grand. When you are, for instance, in Noordpolderzijl, you get the impression that you are standing at the end of the world, with the sea in front of you and the land behind you.” That is certainly the reason why 6 of the 7 items of the ‘Groningen G7’ (see box) refer to locations in the middle of a rural area.As well as the province of Groningen, the city of the same name also deserves exploring. “The advantage of this city is that it has a very compact infrastructure: all facilities are located close to each other. When, for instance, you wish to experience the night life in this university city, you are bound to meet each other near the Grote Markt square.”

Business guests interested in visiting Groningen can be sup-ported by the GCB in several manners. Westerhuijs: “The GCB can act as PCO. That means that we can organize, in consultation with the client, the entire event, specifically the practical matters, all logistic as well as the financial aspects. The city of Groningen offers all facilities for a convention attended by a maximum of 2,500 delegates.

the G7: 7 reasons to pay Groningen a visitthe city of GroningenGroningen is a real university city where art and culture play the leading roles. The many museums, art galeries, festivals and mod-ern architecture are a major attraction. And thanks to the large number of pubs, you can have a drink all through the night – the pubs have no closing time!

lauwersmeerThis lake was created 40 years ago when the Lauwers sea between Groningen and Friesland was closed partially. The nature reserve that came into being has the status of National Park and is ideal for water sports and birdwatchers.

pieterburenThe seal nursery of the wadden village of Pieterburen is interna-tionally famous. You can take a look there and see for yourself how sick and injured seals are treated. There are also seal-spot-ting trips. The village itself is the starting point for various wad-den walking trips. And Pieterburen is also the starting point for the Pieterpad, the walking path from Pieterburen to the city of Maastricht, that counts as the best-known long walking route of the Netherlands.

BourtangeIn the south-east of Groningen lies the attractive fortified town of Bourtange. The original fort dates from 1593 but the site became an agricultural village in 1851. Between 1967 and 1992 the fort was re-established by throwing up embankments and digging moats. When visiting the fort, you can imagine yourself back in ancient times. In Bourtange, that is shaped as a penta-gon, you can admire a market place with age-old lime trees, five museums, shops and restaurants, a historic hotel and two mills. In the summer season, historic events are organized in the fort, including the ‘Battle of Bourtange’. There is also the possibility for a company to hold a fantastic battle with your co-workers.

BorgenIn the 14th and 15th century, ‘borgen’, or stone houses, were defence towers with massive walls and a moat. In the seventeenth century the buildings were given a more representative func-tion and the borgen were extended to become luxury residential houses. A number of these buildings have (partly) survived the ages. In some borgen, stylish restaurants are now established that can be engaged for complete companies.

ChurchesSpread all over the province, Groningen has many historic churches. Apart from these, Groningen also has some 400 grave-yards with old gravestones. These churches and graveyards can be visited individually or accompanied by a guide.

WierdenIn the Groningen landscape, you can still find ‘wierden’: artifi-cal hills that had to offer protection against the raging water. The ‘wierden’ were put up at places that were already elevated and are often situated in ranges. A fine example of this is the Nationaal Landschap Middag-Humsterland, which has existed as a wierden landscape for over 2,500 years. The area includes more than 100 village, house and open ‘wierden’, which in ancient times offered protection against the sea water.

Destination Meeting

MeetingInternational.org 27

“I co-organize the annual convention of the Netherlands Museum Association. We consciously choose to have it outside the Amsterdam-The Hague area. The museum branch is well-presented and very active outside this area too, and, as the representative body, we can contribute positively to a specific region by having our annual convention there. For most participants travelling to a nice location outside the ‘Holland’ area is already a trip as such. In 2008 we had our conference in Groningen. And we liked it there.

“Groningen offers every facility – first and foremost, of course, the Groningen Museum. We are a non-profit organisation so our budget is rather limited. Groningen was quite attainable, though. The overall quality was great, the hotels were excellent and everything was surprisingly affordable. But what struck me most of all was the enthusiasm and the geniality of the people we worked with. You could just feel that it was really appreciated that we had chosen Groningen. Reactions were never blasé.

“The collaboration with Martiniplaza, Marketing Groningen and the Groningen Convention Bureau was truly heart-warming. They come up with many ideas, which I like. Everything around our 2-day convention was organised very accurately and efficiently and communication was open and good, both before and during the convention. When, for instance, at any time we asked for a list of all registrations, it would always be available. The purposive professional support we received was one of the reasons we had no fewer than 775 registrations. And our visitors were very content as well.”

GRONINGEN CONVENTION BUREAUUbbo Emmiussingel 37b9711 BC GroningenThe Netherlands

T +31 (0)50 316 88 77F +31 (0)50 312 60 47info@groningencongresbureau.nl

www.groningencongresbureau.nl

JESSICA VAN DER PLUIJM

Project Co-ordinator Dutch Museum Association

FRoM THE oBvIoUs To THE SURPRISING

CONGRES? ER GAAT NIETs

BovEN GRoNINGEN!

GCON_adv_210x270_Randstad_ENG_v2.indd 1 18-06-09 10:02

The UMCG (Universitair Medisch Centrum Groningen) is the largest university hospital in the Netherlands. The main building includes various function rooms with ample capacities. The university faculties also offer lots of pos-sibilities. Apart from these, the Groningen city centre has various accommodations, like the MartiniPlaza, the Oosterpoort, Het Kasteel and HanzePlaza. In September, the list will be extended by the luxurious Prinsenhof Hotel in the middle of the city centre. And there is the Forum, a multifunctional facility, which will be realized.” All of these locations can easily be reached by foot or by public transport. Moreover, Qbuzz, the local transport authority, will convey the convention delegates who show their badge with the Qbuzz logo to the venue – for free. Qbuzz charges the organizer a small contribution per visitor for the length of the convention. Apart as acting as PCO, GCB also acts as intermediary. Westerhuijs: “In the case that a party organizes a conven-tion itself, we can, of course, give them free advice concern-ing locations and transport. Also, we explain to them the concept of ‘Gezamenlijk Gastheerschap’( Joint Hosting). The delegates are then welcomed by the mayor, the Queen’s representative for the province or one of the provincial delegates, or by the University Dean. Usually, this recep-tion with drinks and snacks takes place in City Hall, the Provincial Government building or the University building. This is very popular among organizers and delegates.”

Corporate marketA more recent addition to the activities of the GCB are those as Destination Management Company (DMC). “The corporate market is growing in the north of the Netherlands. We get more and more requests from Dutch businesses that like to discover the north of the country. Thanks to our DMC activities we can receive corporate companies and show them around, but we can also include

events in the programme. The north of the Netherlands is extremely suited for all kinds of incentive arrangements and partner programmes like boat trips, architectural excur-sions, a party in the famous Groninger Museum, a tour of the pubs, or a dinner in style at a ‘borg’ (country mansion). The north and the east of the province are also worth a visit. There, you can sail, make a tour on bicycle, go on a walking trip through the ‘wadden’ area, or make a day trip to one of the Wadden islands, where the more active per-sons can enjoy themselves on the beach or in the sea. And a combined trip that takes you to the adjoining provinces of Friesland and Drenthe is easily organized.” With all these unique possibilities and attractions at hand, Westerhuijs is determined to put Groningen on the corporate map in a more prominent position. Surely there is no shortage of facilities and USPs: “Locations, hotels, restaurants, pubs, nature and culture; this province has it all.” www.gcb.nl

HallmarksThe GCB is a member of the Green Meeting Industry Council (GMIC). The GMIC, established in 2004, is a non-profit organization and operates from the United States. GMIC is a professional organization based on membership that can offer planners, suppliers, locations and such support, by means of educational pro-grammes, to cope with the ever-increasing users’ standards for sustainable busi-ness meetings.

Apart from that, the GCB is an ‘Erkend Congresbedrijf’ (recognized convention organizer). This predicate means that the convention organizer offers a great deal of securities regarding all relevant organizational aspects of the specific field of activities. The ‘Erkenning’ regulations were introduced early 1996 by the Vereniging Nederlandse Congresbelangen (VNC, Union of Dutch Convention Interests). The purpose of the regulations is to guarantee the quality in the con-vention sector and to communicate which PCOs deliver a continuous high-grade convention service. More info: visit www.erkendcongresbedrijf.nl

Destination Meeting

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Water als bron van inspiratieNederland leeft met water. Dat is de slogan van de publiekscampagne over de rol van water in Nederland. Een groot deel van het land ligt op of onder de zeespiegel en in elk van de twaalf provincies wordt met water gewerkt. Door de meren, rivieren, zeeën en andere water-rijke plekken kan er op veel plaatsen op of aan het water vergaderd kan worden. Meeting Magazine is in de provincies op zoek gegaan naar water als bron van inspiratie voor een bijeenkomst.

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The Netherlands live with water. That is the motto of the public campaign about the role water plays in the Netherlands. A large part of the country lies on or below sea level and in each of the twelve pro-vinces, water is a feature. The many lakes, rivers, seas and other water-rich locations offer a great deal of attractive venues for meetings. Meeting Magazine.nl highlights some of these locations that provide great sources of inspiration for meetings of all kinds.

Water as a source of inspiration

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1. the province of noord-Holland: the loosdrechtse plassenThe Loosdrechtse Plassen (Loosdrecht Lakes) create a very special environment for a relaxed meeting. At the Golden Tulip Loosdrecht hotel, you can enjoy a fantastic view over the water while attending a meeting in one of the rooms, or during an enjoyable lunch, dinner or drink at the restaurant. The venue is a meeting location, hotel as well as a water sports facility all in one, and this at only a 15-minute drive from the cities of Utrecht and Amsterdam. The Loosdrechtse Plassen offer an incredibly wide diversity of water sports. There is, for instance, the possibility to take a boat trip in a sloop, instead of the usual drinks after a meeting. The drinks, as well as some snacks, can then be taken along in a cooler and enjoyed during the trip. For the adventurous there is the so-called RIB-sailing, in which a boat reaches speeds of 110 to 120 kilometers an hour (70-75 miles).www.goldentuliploosdrecht.nl & www.ehphotels.nl

2. the province of Zuid-Holland: sailing the nieuwe MaasFor a royal experience in a nostalgic atmosphere on the water, guests are welcome on the Raderstoomboot De Majesteit (paddle steamer The Majesty). Here, one can still find the quality, luxury and the entertainment travelling on paddle steamers is still associated with. The former showpiece of the Rhine river has come from Germany to Rotterdam to navigate the Maas river. The ship has been renovated completely and supplied with all the mod cons and state-of-the-art technologies. The present berth at the Maas boulevard provides a won-derful view of the Nieuwe Maas river and the city skyline during a meeting or party. During the sailing trip, the huge paddle wheels are driven by no less than 750 HP, which enables the ship to reach a speed of 25 km/h (16 miles). The steamboat trip through old as well as mod-ern ports, harbours and docks, between large and small vessels on the Maas river and along the striking, modern buildings of Rotterdam is a wonderful experience. www.raderstoomboot.nl

3. The province of Zeeland: On the coastIn one of their most famous songs, Bløf, the pop group from Zeeland, describes it best: “Here on the coast of Zeeland, where people unawares crave for mussel feasts.” This is exactly the feel-ing you get when you are staying in this region. Here, you can meet with a view of the Storm Surge Barrier, for instance in the Deltapark Neeltje Jans. This water park was originally set up as a public infor-mation center for the Eastern Scheldt dam, the ambitious final part of the world-famous Delta works. In the course of the years, it has grown into a huge theme park on the Delta works with amazing exhibitions and stormy attractions. The added value for a meeting is that it can be enhanced with a special activity. You can, for exam-ple, take a guided hike through the adjoining nature reserve, or train seals and experience an exclusive show. www.neeltjejans.nl

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5. the province of utrecht: on the oudegracht (old Canal)The province of Utrecht and in particular the capital of the same name is a junction of waterways. Here, the branche of the river Rhine, the Kromme Rijn, splits up in the rivers Vecht and the Leidse Rijn, and the canal structure gives the inner city a very special appearance. The city council is also convinced that the water is an important part of the city’s identity and that is why, in December 2008, the project water tourism ‘Duik in Utrecht’(take a dive in Utrecht) was initiated. One of its items is the renovation of the canal infrastructure, of which the Oudegracht is a part. On this important canal, you can find the ‘Winkel van Sinkel’, a location suited to almost any meeting or event. The twelve inspiring rooms all have a character of their own. The Grote Zaal (Great hall), for instance, has the atmosphere of the old department store, with its wall showcases and the former shop counter that now acts as a buffet.www.dewinkelvansinkel.nl

4. the province of Flevoland: vissersdorp (fishing village) urkAfter having been surrounded by water for almost a thousand years, Urk was no longer an island after the dike to the town of Lemmer was completed in 1939. In the village, the spirit of the ‘Zuiderzee’ (South sea) still lingers, but now it wears a modern sheet. The fishing village is well known for its inhabitants walking around in traditional costume, and the picturesque village center with its warren of streets and cor-ners. It all creates a very special background for a meeting, for instance on a boat with a view of the fish market and the Urk fishing fleet, which is considered to rank among the most modern in Europe. But on the former island itself there is also plenty of room to organize a meet-ing. The Museum Het Oude Raadhuis (the old town hall) houses a film theatre and the old council chamber where one can meet in the unique atmosphere of Urk history. You can even rent the entire museum.www.museum.opurk.nl

6. The province of Noord-Brabant: the Aa river basinThe Aa river meanders through the province of Brabant. The Peel, Kempen and Meierij regions are traversed by the Aa and Dommel rivers. Both these rivers are important for the whole province because they are a major feature of the Brabant land-scape and are the reason for its pleasant surroundings. That the rivers create a wonderful view, can be experienced during a visit to the Kasteel (Castle) Heeswijk. Here, you can have a relaxed meeting in the Koetshuis (Coach house), but also organize teambuilding activities on the water or the watersides. To the south of the castle, on the Aa river, there is a site where canoe-ists can get in or out of their canoes. You can make a canoe trip of no less than 21 kilometers, but then you need a dispensation from the ‘Waterschap’ (District Water Board).www.kasteelheeswijk.nl

7. the province of Friesland: on vlielandHere, the sea has created an exceptional part of the Netherlands: the Wadden area. The Wadden island of Vlieland, part of the province of Friesland, is different: whereas on the other Wadden islands the adjoining sandbars and the major villages lie on the western part of the islands and the vast rough lands on the eastern side, this is quite the opposite on the carless island of Vlieland. The location between the North Sea and the Wadden Sea creates the perfect environment for a business meeting, where you always have the opportunity to let the wind blow through your hair – and clear your mind. For an other type of relaxation, you can visit the completely new wellness center ‘Wellcome’, which shares the same roof with the four-star WestCord Strandhotel. Meeting and enjoying a stay at the Strandhotel is a perfect combination thanks to its extensive offer of wellness facilities and its location directly on the seashore.www.westcordhotels.com

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Fotografie: Riekelt Koffeman

10. The province of Overijssel: GiethoornIn the north of the province of Overijssel lies a village that is also known as the Venice of Holland: Giethoorn. The village is situated in a very water-rich region with large and small lakes, and the houses can be reached via the small canals meandering through the village, or via the footpaths next to these canals, and by crossing small bridges. This beautiful background has always attracted many painters and other artists and that is why the village has various studios. Visitors can use one of many arrangements, but a boat trip must surely be made. If you want really different surroundings for your meeting, try one of the pubs and restaurants in the water village. If you want to organize a meeting or a teambuilding activity on the edge of the village of Giethoorn, the ‘Dames van de Jonge’ is the address to visit. This hotel and restaurant is also a great location for meetings that last several days.www.dedamesvandejonge.nl

8. The province of Groningen: National Park LauwersmeerWhen, in 1969, the Lauwers Sea was closed off, this created a remarkable location in the north of the Netherlands: National Park Lauwersmeer. The former sea branch of the Wadden Sea has now become a wonderful nature reserve with a veritable birds’ paradise.Water is the main feature here, because the park consists for the major part of water which provides the opportunity to do all kinds of water sports. The sailing is excellent, apart from the marina there are various special jetties and recreation islands where you can touch at. If you wish to organize a trip, meeting or boattrip in this nature-rich area, just contact the hosts and host-esses of the National Park. They have received special training and can give you all the information on the Lauwersmeer you may need. www.np-lauwersmeer.nl

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9. The province of Drenthe: a lake full of birdsOne of the best known lakes in the province of Drenthe is the Zuidlaardermeer. It is a paradise for everyone, but especially for the birds. The lake is nationally as well as internationally known as an important bird area. Each location on or around the 670 hectares large lake provides a dif-ferent view, as well a unique opportunity to relax. The sailing is excellent, because it is one of the best navigable lakes in the north of the Netherlands. On the south side of the lake lies the Meerzicht marina, here you find the Paviljoen de Bloemert which is an excellent venue for business meetings or teambuilding activities. The pavilion offers an excellent starting point for a boat trip on the lake, or the perfect location for a meeting on one of the three terraces with their wonderful vistas. For an overnight stay there is the water-rich bungalow park Landal De Bloemert which, with its Landal Business Line, provides special arrangements for business stays. www.debloemert.nl

11. The province of Gelderland: Land of Rhine and WaalFrom Switzerland, the river Rhine flows via Germany to the Netherlands, where it branches off in several other rivers, including the Boven-Rijn (Upper Rhine), the Nederrijn (Lower Rhine) and the Waal. The regions through which these riv-ers flow have a great deal to offer, with cities like Arnhem and Nijmegen, and the Veluwe as the largest nature reserve of the Netherlands. From the Hotel de Wageningse Berg you have a wonderful view of the Lower Rhine and the river’s forelands. The hotel’s location on the top of the Wageningse Berg (Wageningen Hill) offers a spectacular panorama and you can see for many kilometers. As the hotel has, apart from, of course, a restaurant and a terrace with this great view, no less than 22 conference rooms, anything is possible here. From a short meet-ing to a convention lasting several days. If, during a meeting, you wish to clear your head, just cross the parking lot and take a walk in the Botanic Gardens.www.hoteldewageningseberg.nl

12. The province of Limburg: on the Meuse riverThrough the province of Limburg flows one of the largest rivers you can find in the Netherlands: the Meuse. This river is the most southern of all the rivers cross-ing the country, and of old one the major shipping routes. First, the Meuse flows through the city of Maastricht, the largest city in the province. Traditionally, the city of Maastricht is an industrial town with a compact city center. Nowadays, the capital of the province of Limburg ranks among the top 3 of Dutch conven-tion cities, for a large part because it features the venue par excellence for large (international) trade fairs and conventions: MECC Maastricht. This multifunctional but also snug center with European substance is located close to Germany and Belgium, which makes it the ideal meeting place for guests from abroad. The cosy ambiance of the city of Maastricht and the beautiful sites on the Meuse riversides create a great added value to a business as well as a private stay. www.mecc.nl

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You will know once you step off the gangway … this is an entirely different world. You can join us for

an exquisite dinner, a sparkling party, a dynamic conference, the best wedding, a luxurious night at the hotel or simply to marvel at the ship and its impressive interior. ss Rotterdam is perfectly easy to reach, open to the public and today it is a unique location with endless possibilities.

After years of crossing the oceans and sailing to far-away destinations, the ship has headed back to its roots …. the Port of Rotterdam,

the Netherlands. A worldly view of the river Maas and the spectacular skyline of the dynamic city of Rotterdam mean whoever visits the ship is guaranteed an unforgettable experience. It is here where people and cultures meet, where adventures begin.

HotelThe ship is a true voyage of discovery, and is rich in tales. The authentic setting, the exceptional works of art and the characterising style of the fifties welcome you the minute you join us onboard. The ship’s original huts have been converted

into modern hotel rooms. In total, the hotel has 254 rooms, which are all furnished differently.

Catering & EventsDiscover the endless possibilities for having your event or meeting onboard with us. Our 14 different and authentic banqueting and 16 meeting rooms all have their own tale to tell. It is the perfect location whatever the occasion may be. Whether you decide to invite ten or 2000 guests or more, rest assured that the ship will meet your guests’ wishes and help you reach your goal.

“The art of travel is to enjoy every day, every hour and every minute, while heading towards your destination.” Today this message from Stoomschip Rotterdam (1958) is still alive and kicking.

Endless possibilities in a different world

ss Rotterdam

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ss rotterdam. the start of new memories…www.ssrotterdam.com

Meeting & ConferencesFor conferences and events lasting one or several days, different options exist. You can spend the night at the hotel and seize the opportunity of having a successful business event, thanks to the different conference halls and breakout rooms. The relaxed atmosphere onboard the ship makes meetings and conferences even more inspirational. We also have numerous one-day packages, for perfectly-arranged meetings onboard the ss Rotterdam. For more information www.ssrotterdam.com/internationalmeetings.

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In the Netherlands more and more attention is be-ing paid to good and tasteful food. This is obvious from the growing number of cooking and restau-

rant programmes shown on Dutch television. One TV station features a programme on how to pre-pare, in your own home, an authentic saltimbocca

alla Romana or lightly roasted medallion of veal, on another station a Dutch chef dictates how to redeco-rate a restaurant that is on the brink of going out of business. These programmes have made celebrities of Dutch chefs, famous throughout the Netherlands and beyond.

Although the Netherlands can not exactly boast a glorious culinary tradition, with its dishes like ‘stamppot’ (sort of hotchpotch or stew) and raw herring, since a few years a change has been going on in this area. The number of restaurants awarded a Michelin star is growing steadily, and more and more Dutchmen find their way to the many restaurants that aim to create – and succeed in creating – a culinary experience.

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In 2012, for the first time in history, the Netherlands have more restaurants awarded two Michelin stars than Belgium (16 against 15), whereas Belgium is better known for its culinary traditions. It is hard to explain why this culinary advance is taking place. There are, however, several developments going on that may be contributing to this. Although countries like France, Italy and Spain have an excellent culinary reputation and a food culture to be extremely proud of, this strong basis could be having a curbing effect on culinary inno-vations. As a result, there is less development at a lower level. The Netherlands do not have such a deep-rooted tradition and are not bothered by such an inhibited progress. There is, therefore, opportunity for a huge catching-up. In recent years, this lost ground is made up by top chefs like Jonnie Boer and Sergio Herman, operating at three-star restaurants De Librije and Oud Sluis, respectively. In the kitchens of their restaurants, hundreds of young cooks were trained and moulded. These inspired and hard-working cooks now often have their own restaurant where they prepare dishes of a very high quality, and even have a Michelin star of their own, or approach this level. Some hotels in the Netherlands even have a restaurant awarded a Michelin star, such as Vinkeles in Hotel the Grand in Amsterdam, Wolfslaar at Landgoed Wolfslaar and Librije’s Zusje in Librije’s Hotel.

Many of the Dutch top chefs appreciatively use the many local or regional products the Netherlands have to offer. Well-known examples of these products are the asparagus from the province of Limburg, the oysters, mussels and lobster from the province of Zeeland, lamb from the island of Texel and, of course, our world-famous cheeses. But did you also know that in the prov-ince of Limburg and in the Achterhoek region, wine is being produced from grapes grown in the Netherlands, and that in the province of Zeeland, sea lavender and glasswort is grown on a large scale – and that these are used as ingredients for dishes served by restaurants? The Dutch cuisine is certainly worth a try!

some top restaurants in the netherlands- Oud Sluis, Sluis, Zeeland (three stars)- De Librije, Zwolle, Overijssel (three stars)- Ron Blaauw, Amsterdam (two stars)- Boreas, Heeze, Noord-Brabant (two stars)- Da Vinci, Maasbracht, Limburg (two stars)- Parkheuvel, Rotterdam (two stars)

typically DutchAlthough the food and dishes mentioned below do not exactly meet the culinary standards of star-awarded restaurants, they can, however, be considered typically Dutch. They are certainly worth tasting!

- poffertjes: small round pancakes, served with butter and powdered sugar

- vla: fresh milk thickened until it has the consistency of yoghurt. There are many varieties in taste, from vanilla to bavarois and macaroon

- drop: licorice, a black sweet available in various tastes and shapes. Rather tough texture

- stroopwafel: a waffle consisting of two round cook-ies with a diamond pattern, with coagulated sweet molasses in between

- hagelslag: a sort of sandwich filling consisting of small, oblong sprinkles of chocolate or coloured sugar. The sorts most often eaten are milk chocolate, dark choc-olate and a mix of milk and white chocolate

- stamppot: mashed, cooked potatoes and vegetables, for instance borecole, endive or carrots and onions. ‘Stamppot’ is usually served wtih gravy and smoked sausage or a slice of bacon

- snert: thick soup, made of split peas, celeriac and leek. The soup is often consumed with rye bread with bacon

- bitterballen: deep-fried round ragout balls about 3 to 5 cm in diameter. This snack is a smaller version of the meat croquette

- rauwe haring: raw herring, in the Netherlands eaten, after dipping it in finely cut onion, by holding it in the air by the tail and biting off mouthfuls

- tompoes: pastry consisting of two rectangular lay-ers of puff pastry with a thick layer of vanilla pastry cream. The top layer is covered with sugar icing

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Utrecht has a wide selection of fine both modern and clas-sic meeting venues, whether

for small or large groups, and you will surely find a location that meets even the most demanding criteria. Together with approximately 1,400 hotel rooms and many more in the immediate vi-cinity, from five-star to economy, in a modern or historical setting, Utrecht offers extensive possibilities. The new Hotel Service Utrecht helps meeting and congress planners to arrange all necessary hotel rooms, free of charge.

Stroll down the quaint streets and along the canals in the Utrecht Museum Quarter and sample the

pleasant, intimate atmosphere for which Utrecht is famous. Utrecht is home to 65,000 students, which rep-resent the character of this lively city. Welcome to Utrecht!

utrecht Convention BureauOne of the key activities of the Utrecht Convention Bureau (UCB) is to inform and advise corporations, intermedi-aries, associations and (government) organisations about the possibilities the city of Utrecht has to offer in the field of Meetings, Incentives, Congresses and Events (MICE). UCB is a neutral, independent organisation that operates on a not-for-profit basis. This means that all information and assistance

offered by the UCB is free of charge. To give you an idea of what UCB could mean for you, these are a sum-mary of our main activities:

• Assistance in finding suitable venues and congress locations

• Assistance, if required, regarding the social programme of the event

• Organisation of site inspections• Production of bid books• Free use of promotional material (city

map, tourist guide etc.) for conference bags

• Incentive Fund for international asso-ciation congresses (conditions apply)

www.utrechtconventionbureau.com

Utrecht, the Netherlands:

where science and culture meetThe city of Utrecht, with its inextricable combination of rich history and dynamic present, is a truly unique place. An excellent meeting and congress destination located in the heart of the Netherlands on a crossroad of rails, roads and waterways, it is only 32 minutes by train from Schiphol Airport.

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The hotel benefits from the highest status in the field of social responsibility: it has been awarded the eco-label Golden Green Key Certificate. All 88 hotel

rooms have been adjusted following environmental guide-lines. This includes the atmospheric restaurant and the 18 multi-functional rooms for meetings, gatherings or parties.

BusinessBusiness visitors can expect the Business Point to be at their disposal. This entirely provided-for and flexible workplace is ideal for short meetings and work discussions, provided with the required electricity points and privacy. For € 6.50 an hour visitors can enjoy unlimited coffee, tea, mineral water and fruit juices, a buffet with fresh snacks and fruit, newspapers and magazines, print and copy facilities and, of course, free WiFi. Are you looking for a space for a longer period of time or a larger meeting? The 18 multi-functional conference halls and meeting rooms offer space to groups of maximum 550 people in one room. If you would like to book all our rooms for your meeting, we have space for 1,500 guests. Your personal meeting host can provide the required sup-port and take the organisational tasks out of your hands; to ensure your meeting, training session or presentation will be going exactly according to plan. The host will welcome

your guests in person, and will contribute to a successful business session by offering the required assistance before and during you visit.

laptop lunchIn terms of culinary demands the Postillion Hotel Utrecht can provide as well. The hotel offers a wide range of healthy lunches and warm and cold buffets, appropriate to every type of business event. For example, the hotel serves an extensive breakfast buffet and at noon you can take pleasure in a lunch buffet. Or how about the unique laptop lunch? Within seven minutes your chosen roll will be served; cut in such a way it is easy to eat with one hand on the laptop. Talk of saving time! Our meeting hosts can support you here again. They can help with your organis-ing and planning and will ensure refreshments are served at a suitable time in an appropriate manner. However, if you prefer to lunch or dine with your clients without interruption you can find the perfect place at the spacious restaurant of Postillion Utrecht, a trusted location for many years. Here you will find contemporary dishes regularly made with organic produce. With the long-standing tradition of hospitality, we will ensure your stay will be perfect down to the last detail. www.postillionhotels.com

Whether you visit Utrecht and its surroundings for business or personal reasons, at the Postillion Hotel Utrecht Bunnik you are in the right place. Centrally located along the A12 and easily reached by public transport, this is the ideal location for your meeting, training course, event or weekend away.

Down to the last detailPostillion Hotel Utrecht Bunnik

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The international congress and exhibition venue Jaarbeurs Utrecht offers a bespoke and unique concept called ‘meetingmoods’ for successful presentations. It does this

by incorporating all the senses. This is where all perception and observation can be steered consciously or subconsciously; the perfect location for an event with a message that matters.A meeting about a new marketing strategy, the presenting of an award, or a multiple-day medical congress: meetings come in many shapes and sizes. Meetingmoods can offer a suitable location for every type of meeting; perfectly tailor-made to the objective of the client, target group and message conveyed. Furnishing, catering and audiovisual elements will all be taken into consideration to create the right atmosphere, so that guests and participants get into the right mood for the meeting.

Media plazaWhereas the Jaarbeurs Utrecht is renowned for its large exhibi-tion and events, the heart of the Jaarbeurs, Media Plaza, offers a unique location for smaller events from 6 to 650 people. The Media Plaza consists of 17 foyers and meeting rooms. A unique lighting design with millions of LED lamps, innova-tive applications, and state-of-the-art art facilities give every space its unique character. From the warm and ‘safe’ reception in the Flame Foyer, participants move step-by-step to a clear,

fresh atmosphere. Design, catering, furnishing, colour, smell and even temperature have all been planned down to the finest details. In this atmosphere new innovations are born, partici-pants find themselves arriving at fresh insights, and seeds for change are sown.

MoodmakersThanks to the auspicious location, in the middle of the Netherlands, the Jaarbeurs Utrecht is also the perfect location for an international event. In combination with a visit to the nearby located city centre it provides an enriching experience for the foreign guest. The concept’s ‘moodmakers’ can help guide each event from A to Z. Experts in the field of sense stimulation and the creation of sensory experiences, they offer clients the right recipe for a successful event. The ingredients depend on the goal and tar-get group. This is why the moodmakers will take all the time to listen to the needs of the customer: the basic ingredients of the event. By mixing the right ingredients in the right proportions they create a very powerful concept, where experience moves beyond seeing, hearing and feeling.

Click for more information on www.meetingmoods.nl

Whether you are organising a meeting, congress or training programme, a successful presentation relies on the power of persuasion. Like an arrow the message must find its mark, and penetrate so that it sticks. All senses have to be taken into consideration since 75% of what someone remembers is linked to a stimulus of the senses. Just think, for instance, about a particular smell or taste.

International congress and exhibition venue Jaarbeurs Utrecht

stimulate all senses with meetingmoods

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Unique venue in the middle of Holland.

The best cul-tural experience for your corpo-rate event.

The rooms are located in a medieval monastery and provide space for groups from 8 to 500 people.

Check our website for more information:centraal-museum.nl/en/about/venue-hire/

email: evenementen @centraal-museum.nl

www.hotelmaarsbergen.nl

Amrâth Hotel Maarsbergen, centrally located only 20 km from Utrecht, offers her guests hospitality and personal service as a hotel and as the perfect venue for events, meetings and conferences. It starts with the spacious parking

next to the hotel, which can be easily reached by the highway A12, or with our shuttle service from railway station Maarn. Our special host can help you with any question you’ll have about your meeting or one of our 8 multipurpose

meeting rooms with daylight and private outdoor space. Welcome in Amrâth Hotel Maarsbergen!

Hospitality andpersonal service

near Utrecht

Woudenbergseweg 44 • 3953 MH Maarsbergen • Tel. 0343 47 55 22 • info@hotelmaarsbergen.nl

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Either a conference, meeting, presentation, barbeque or team building program in the hotel or outside in our garden, everything is possible!

The ten meeting rooms at the Carlton President are fan-tastically well equipped – for example, the multi function Summit Room (256m²) has free high speed WiFi, SMART Boards and portable sound, so your event is guaranteed to be a success.

Throughout the planning stages of your event the team will work with you to ensure that your event is tailored to your exact requirements and is delivered without a hitch,

and on the day itself the team at Carlton President will be fully focused on you and your attendees. Anything you require will be provided almost immediately and whether your event is for 3 or 300 you’ll receive the same high standard of service, with a personal host on hand to ensure all your requirements and expectations are exceeded.

There’s even a complimentary VIP shuttle service availa-ble on request which will pick you and your guests up from Schiphol Airport (only 20 minutes away) or the station and transport you in style to the hotel – never have meetings been so easy or pleasant! www.carlton.nl/president

personal and pleasantCarlton President Utrecht, a luxurious four-star hotel with 164 comfortable and stylish guest rooms, is the place to be for business meetings in the central area of the Netherlands, and with good reason.

Carlton President Utrecht

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All 28 rooms are each furnished in a trendy and atmospheric manner and offer guests all the luxury they could wish for. In the exclusive suite, located in a beautiful monumental vaulted cellar, this is even more so the case. As expected, all rooms are equipped with a free, fast WiFi connection.

provided for from beginning to endThe centrally-located Court Hotel Utrecht also offers the perfect location for the most diverse of (business) events. For example the hotel includes the atmospheric Vrouwe Justitia (Lady Justice) hall, suitable for festive events.

In addition, the two meeting rooms, each full of character, offer all the required amenities and comfort for a successful meeting. But for a multiple-day meeting the Court Hotel is also the place to be. The combination of the restaurant, meeting rooms and over-night facilities ensure that the Court Hotel can take care of the whole meeting from beginning to end.

Fancy a chat and some celebratory drinks, or want to share a bite to eat after the gathering? A proper ending to the day is of course very important. Brasserie en Restaurant De Rechtbank (Law Court) offers the perfect opportunity to end the day successfully. Click for more information on www.courthotel.nl

Entertaining in GrandeurEntering Slot Zeist, visitors are impressed by its style and royal design. Crystal chandeliers, ornate fireplaces, baroque statues and beautifully painted ceilings are part of its histori-cal interior. Discover the harmony that exists between the his-torical charm of the building and the needs and expectations that nowadays must be met to plan events.

Guests of Slot Zeist can enjoy the well-known hospitality of Hotel Theater Figi. The 97-room hotel, offering modern, up-to-date conference and high-tech convention facilities (including 3D), is at walking distance from Slot Zeist. Building on our outstanding reputation we cater for excellent lunches, dinners and banquets in Figi and Slot Zeist. Groups from 8 to 150 people can be accommodated in the various conference rooms, which have a combined capacity of 450 people. Events • Conference Centre • Theatre • Cinema • Hotel • Restaurant •

Theatre Café • Espresso Bar • Parking Garage • Slot Zeist • Catering

www.figi.com - www.slotzeist.com

Historic Slot Zeist and the four-star Hotel Theater Figi offer a unique combination for gatherings, meetings and festivities; even more extravagant than in the Golden Age. The imposing castle Slot Zeist evokes olden times, and in particular the social living habits of the aristocracy of the seventeenth century.

the place to be...For exclusive Conferences & Festive Events

Court Hotel Utrecht

Figi & Slot Zeist

A hotel with a rich history, situated in the former Utrecht Courthouse. That is the Court Hotel Utrecht. Behind the monumental façade of this renovated monument hides a world of surprising design.

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As well as its 139 luxury rooms and suites, Hotel Mitland also has a top-class Restaurant-Brasserie. For meetings or conferences we offer rooms for 3 to 250 people.Restaurant-Brasserie Vlonders is situated on the water-side of Fort De Bilt, and is the ideal place for dining with business contacts or family and friends.Our stylishly designed rooms are equipped with all con-veniences, and feature a mini-bar, air-conditioning, a video-on-demand system, coffee and tea facilities and a safe. For longer stays, we offer spacious luxury suites.For meetings or conferences we offer rooms for 3 to 250 people. With its convenient location in relation to major traffic arteries, Hotel Mitland is a favourite location for meetings.In short; Hotel Mitland offers all the ingredients for a pleasurable stay, both business and personal.www.mitland.nl

Its central location in the Netherlands and the beautiful sur-roundings make Het Oude Tolhuys a suitable place for all types of meetings. The centre also benefits from sufficient free-parking spaces and a busstop less than 500 meters away.

There are rooms which can accommodate up to 400 guests for all types of meetings. In total there are twelve rooms which all can be provided with audio-visual equipment, according to your wishes. Besides the meeting rooms, Het Oude Tolhuys has a unique first floor with endless possibilities for all kinds of parties and receptions up to 1,000 guests. Furthermore the location is perfect for all types of congresses, conferences and conventions.

In Het Oude Tolhuys everything is possible: from a reception after a long meeting, to wine-tasting and large-theme parties. Besides our excellent à-la-carte restaurant with terrace, it is also possible to welcome your guests in our Spanish-themed restaurant called Alcazar. With the help of our highly-skilled staff we will make sure that all your requirements will be met.

We look forward to the pleasure of welcoming you. www.hetoudetolhuys.nl

Hotel Mitland is a 4-star hotel where service and hospitality have the highest priority. The hotel is in a unique location with natural waterside surroundings, yet close to the historic centre of Utrecht. Thanks to the building’s unique architecture, it seems as if the natural surroundings merge into the interior.

Auberge Het Oude Tolhuys is a multi-functional convention centre positioned on the outskirts of Utrecht between soccer stadium Galgenwaard, the Kromhout Kazerne barracks and De Uithof, an university district of Utrecht.

Inspiration, space, tranquil Endless possibilities

Naturally MitlandAuberge Het Oude Tolhuys

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Dorpsstraat 146661 EK ElstT +31 481 366 250E info@conventionbureau.nl I www.conventionbureau.nl

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Nieuwe Doelenstraat 2-141012 CP AmsterdamThe NetherlandsT: +31 20 531 17 77E: hotel@leurope.nl

Groningen Convention Bureau

Ubbo Emmiussingel 37B9711 BC GroningenT + 31 50 316 8877info@gcb.nl www.groningencongresbureau.nl

Novotel Amsterdam City

Europaboulevard 101083 AD AmsterdamT +31 20 – 541 1123E h0515@accor.comI www.novotelamsterdamcity.com

Domplein 9-103512 JC Utrecht+31 30 236 00 35info@toerisme-utrecht.nlwww.utrechtconventionbureau.nl

Professor Tulpplein 1 1018 GX Amsterdam T +31 20-520 3195 E amstel.events@ihg.comwww.amsterdam.intercontinental.com

Veluwe Convention Bureau Deventerstraat 19-b7311 BH Apeldoorn+31 55 526 0355info@congresbureauveluwe.nl www.congresbureauveluwe.nl

CONGRESBUREAUVELUWE.NL

Oudezijds Voorburgwal 197 1012 EX Amsterdam +31 (0)20 555 3 339

eMail: H2783-SB@sofi tel.com Website: sofi tel-legend-thegrand.com

Dutch Meeting Venues Meeting

Dutch Meeting venues

Regional Convention Bureaus

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Leonard Springerlaan 29727 KB Groningen

T +31 50 5222620F +31 50 5250155sales@martiniplaza.nl www.martiniplaza.nl

Europaplein1078 GZ AmsterdamT +31 20 – 549 1722F +31 20 – 549 1848E raimarketing@rai.nlI www.rai.nl

N O O R D W I J K A A N Z E E

Picképlein 82202 CL Noordwijk aan Zee+31 71 365 3000

sales@palacehotel.nlwww.palacehotel.nl

040-CONGRESS & EVENTS

040-CONGRESS & EVENTS features 24 meeting rooms (including 1 up to 1000m2) suitable for conferences, product presentations, exhibitions and festive events from 12 to 2000 people. All the rooms have modern audiovisual equipment and stylish foyers & lounges, we offer ample free parking, free Wifi and our location is easily accessible!

Information? T. 040-2116033 W. www.hoteleindhoven.nl

Please contact our Reservations Department for any question or query.

Congress | Events | Meetings

Derlon Hotel MaastrichtOnze Lieve Vrouweplein 6

6211 HD MaastrichtT: +31 043-3216770 F: +31 043-3251933sales@derlon.comwww.derlon.com

Postillion Hotel Utrecht BunnikKosterijland 8

NL-3981 AJ Bunnik

hotel.bunnik@postillionhotels.com

T +31 30-6569222

F+31 30-6564074

www.postillionhotels.com

hotels

Johan de Wittlaan 302517 JR The HagueT: +31 70-3525354F: +31 70-3525353info@belairhotel.nlwww.belairhotel.nl

- Large conference facilities- Over 200 free parking spaces- Free premium wifi

Carlton President Floraweg 253542 DX UTRECHTT +31 (0)30 - 241 41 82sales@president.carlton.nlwww.carlton.nl/president

3e Katendrechtsehoofd 253072 AM RotterdamT +31 10 206 6533F +31 10 206 6544info@ssrotterdam-events.nlwww.ssrotterdam.com

Meeting Dutch Meeting Venues

HOTEL RESTAURANTS EXCURSIONS CONGRESS EVENTS CATERING LEARNING

THE START OF NEW MEMORIESss Rotterdam is a unique and stylish venue in Rotterdam. Hosting no fewer than 14 different banqueting rooms and 16 meeting rooms, each room has its own tale to tell. For one-day conferences and conferences lasting several days, endless options exist. The hotel offers 254 hotel rooms, the Theatre 500 seats and 580 cars are welcome at the car park. For more information visit:

WWW.SSROTTERDAM.COM

A UNIQUE EXPERIENCEFOR YOUR EVENTMEETING AND CONFERENCE ONBOARD SS ROTTERDAM

3e KATENDRECHTSEHOOFD 253072 AM ROTTERDAMTHE NETHERLANDSPO BOX 510413007 GA ROTTERDAM

T +31 10 206 65 33INFO@SSROTTERDAM-EVENTS.NL

WWW.SSROTTERDAM.COM

> Attractive and open to the world> 24/7 Customer focused service> Top-class business environment> 27,500 Hotel rooms> Exciting and charming city> 1,250 Restaurants> Rich cultural program> 106 Theatres and museums> Lively night life

YOU’RE AN ORGANISER. CREATE AN IMPACT WITH YOUR EVENT.PLANNING, MARKETING AND OPERATIONS ARE KEY PRINCIPLES REQUIRED TO REACH YOUR GOALS. HOWEVER, TO ACHIEVE ASSURED SUCCESS YOU NEED TO ADD REAL VALUE. TAKE A STEP FORWARD AND RAISE YOUR EVENT TO THE NEXT LEVEL.AMSTERDAM RAI CONVENTION CENTRE. WE WELCOME YOU TO OUR CITY.

SUCCESS FORMULA FOR A GREATER IMPACT

ADDED VALUE > HOSPITALITY

Contact us for more information at +31 20 549 12 12, welcome@rai.nl or visit www.rai.nl