Exhibition World Issue 5 — 2019 | Page 23

Advertising feature Maastricht’s holistic exhibition effect International but with a Dutch accent, MECC Maastricht is prepared for the international organiser new come together. A place with a unique, authentic and vibrant energy. People have really mastered the art of enjoying life here. An interesting mix of cultures, languages and flavours make it burst with creativity, research, enterprise, trend-setting and culinary delights. “Organisers of exhibitions and congresses choose Maastricht because it is a remarkably compact city,” says Cipca. “This ensures that organisers can take over a city completely, so to speak. A cohesion is created, a community of visitors. You won’t find that outside of Maastricht in any city. As a result, an event becomes much more than just the event: the city itself is part of the experience and that is reflected in the actual programme.” MECC Maastricht is a textbook example of how venue and city can reinforce each other. “The city of Maastricht is a multicultural hotspot which is ideal for organisers with international ambitions,” says MECC’s Business Development Manager Exhibitions, Oana Cipca. Above: On the crossroads: MECC Maastricht Beyond Boundaries MECC Maastricht goes “beyond boundaries”, and will go to great lengths to exceed expectations. According to Oana Cipca: “The difference is in the special attention we give you and your event. Our people make that difference. As a customer you just know that you’re in good hands. The confidence that everything is being taken care of. Our attention to every little detail, from thorough preparation to flawless execution. “We recently launched our international campaign, ‘We are the event’, which expresses that MECC Maastricht literally becomes the event. Employees of MECC Maastricht embody a w w w.exhibitionworld.co.uk portrait during TEFAF, the largest international art fair, which has been hosted by MECC Maastricht for 32 years now, and which plays a metaphorical role in the campaign. This ‘unification’ with the event relates to the fact that we can fully empathise with the wishes of our customers. Whether you are an organiser, exhibitor or visitor, we provide you with the experience of five-star service is why we do it.” MECC Maastricht at the crossroads MECC Maastricht may have a Limburg edge, but it is also in a pre-eminently international environment: at the crossroads of the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. The client portfolio consists mainly of organisers of internationally oriented events. The home of MECC Maastricht is the city of Maastricht; a city of exciting contrasts, where old and Futureproof In the meantime, MECC Maastricht is well on its way to align the venue even better with its spearhead service. The venue is currently upgrading and expanding. The centre will be thoroughly renovated by 2021 and will be able to welcome congresses for 5,000+ attendees. Cipca adds: “After the completion of the upgrade and expansion, MECC Maastricht will become even more appealing as an international exhibition centre. Together with the municipality and various partners, we have made major investments in the urban development and accessibility of the city in recent years. This is also really important since tourism is one of the mainstays underpinning our economy. “Thanks to the upgrade and expansion of MECC Maastricht, starting in 2021 the city of Maastricht and the MECC Maastricht will be able to be of even better service to organisers of international events lasting several days.” Issue 5 2019 25