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From arrival to experience: How RAI Amsterdam integrates hospitality into events
O rganising an international
event in Amsterdam requires far more than selecting the right venue. At RAI Amsterdam, organisers are supported with a broad range of services designed to reduce complexity – from operations and logistics to content and visitor experience. A key component of this is RAI Hotel Services, which ensures that accommodation is seamlessly integrated into the overall event journey.
With a history dating back to 1893, RAI Amsterdam has long played a central role in connecting industries and people. For the past 50 years, RAI Hotel Services has been an essential part of that ecosystem, working behind the scenes to simplify one of the most complex aspects of event planning: accommodation.
Behind every successful congress or trade show lies a network of hotels, partners and professionals working together to deliver a seamless visitor experience. Through RAI Hotel Services, organisers gain access to an extensive hospitality network across the city, allowing them to manage accommodation efficiently while ensuring attendees stay close to the venue.
For Lennart Maas, manager RAI Hotel Services, hospitality goes beyond logistics.“ Creating experiences and seeing people leave with good memories – that’ s what hospitality means to me,” he explains.
While booking hotel rooms may appear straightforward, it quickly becomes a major logistical challenge – particularly during large-scale international events. Securing sufficient
capacity, coordinating group bookings and aligning availability with event dates requires deep market knowledge and strong partnerships.
“ Our goal is to give organisers back their time,” says Maas.“ Finding 100 rooms in Amsterdam during a busy event period can be incredibly time-consuming. That’ s exactly the complexity we take off their hands.”
The strength of RAI Hotel Services lies in its close collaboration with hotels across Amsterdam. By coordinating room allocations, negotiating competitive rates and managing
Above: Lennart Maas
bookings centrally, the team ensures a smooth experience for both organisers and participants.
Amsterdam itself plays a key role in this experience. Its accessibility and compact nature make it an ideal destination for international events. From Schiphol Airport, visitors can reach the city centre, their hotel or RAI Amsterdam within 30 minutes – a level of connectivity that enhances both convenience and overall satisfaction.
Hotels located near the venue, such as nhow Amsterdam RAI, further strengthen this integrated approach. These locations become extensions of the event itself, where networking continues beyond official programmes.
“ People don’ t just meet during sessions,” says Maas.“ They reconnect at breakfast, in hotel lobbies or after the conference programme. These informal moments add real value to the overall experience.”
Sustainability has also become an increasingly important factor in accommodation choices. RAI Hotel Services works with hotels that actively invest in recognised sustainability initiatives and certifications, enabling organisers to align their events with broader environmental goals. Visitors are also encouraged to make use of sustainable transport options, including cycling.
While digital tools continue to transform the hospitality landscape, one aspect remains unchanged.“ Hospitality will always remain a people business,” Maas emphasises.“ The real memories are created through human connection.”
As RAI Amsterdam continues to host leading international events, the integration of venue, city and hospitality partners remains key. Because ultimately, a successful event is not defined solely by what happens inside the venue – but by how people experience every moment of their journey.
Come with a vision – and be supported every step of the way. n
30 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / ISSUE 143