How Dpw shapes its growing tech-event at the rai
Being regarded the most innovative and influential tech event in procurement and supply chain, DPW has grown so much it needed a new event home. From 29 September to 1 October 2026 DPW will take place at RAI Amsterdam: “The energy we build at our event is not limited by space anymore.” The shift resonates with the RAI’s ambition to host more innovative and corporate events. Which is a learning curve for the venue as well.
DPW was founded in 2019 and is considered the most influential tech event in procurement and supply chain. Leaders in the industry come here to discover new technologies and are enabled to turn these possibilities into progress. In 2026, DPW decided to move its event to RAI Amsterdam. “We are super connectors,” explains Ishaan Dua, digital marketing manager at DPW. “Creating innovative ways to experience new technologies, meet, activate, and communicate is in our DNA. We needed more room to do that and we have found that at the RAI.”
Growth makes new DPW location inevitable
“We started with 400 attendees in 2019,” remembers Ishaan. “In 2026 we expect more than 2,500 participants. Beurs van Berlage, where we organised the event before, is a beautiful historical venue but we grew out of it. A decision had to be made. RAI Amsterdam offers us the capacity that we need today. And tomorrow.”
RAI Amsterdam: the sky is the limit
Tim Alberti is account manager at RAI Amsterdam and explains how this event fits in the RAI’s ambitions. “RAI Amsterdam is well known for large-scale trade shows and public events. At the same time, we host an increasing number of high-end corporate events, smaller scale conferences and innovative tech events. They have high standards and are always looking for new ways to create meaningful interactions. We are thrilled to host DPW and to offer them the space at RAI Amsterdam as a blank canvas where the sky is the limit. In return, we love how they apply new and innovative ways to give their audience the best possible experience. That is a source of inspiration.”
New activations all around
Ishaan, responsible for the positioning of DPW, is happy with the possibilities the new venue offers. “The extra capacity is the main reason we moved to RAI Amsterdam, but the size is just a starting point. What is equally important is that this space allows for a lot more custom activations. We basically reimagined the event from the ground up, designed around a more intuitive way to learn, discover technology and meet people. A great example is the circular start-up arena, where start-up founders do their pitches surrounded by their audience. We also love the new live podcast stage on the floor, with about 30 seats and opportunities for the audience to ask questions and directly interact with the speakers. Sponsors have their own roundtables and creative spots, including glass houses and domes, allowing for them to host private interactive events like a hackathon, practical workshops or demos. The possibilities are endless and we use them all.”
Cooperation for excellence
Tim explains that the cooperation between RAI Amsterdam and DPW has a specific character, as DPW is a Dutch-based, experienced and independent event. “When corporates or associations from abroad organise their event at RAI, we are used to service them from A-Z. We take care of the interior layout and building, catering, audiovisual and digital support, and connections in Amsterdam that are relevant to the event. Basically, we offer complete peace of mind and manage every detail. This particular case is different. DPW has been organising their event in Amsterdam for six years already, so they have their own suppliers and a very clear image of a lay-out that supports their energy and interaction. We love to facilitate these needs and make it possible within the RAI. We also ensure that things like safety and regulations are adhered to; this simply is necessary at this type of scale.”
Two-way inspiration
Tim adds: “We also are inspired by the creativity of DPW. Every year, they create better ways to immerse and inspire people, and to create interactive experiences. Or as they say: less sitting and listening, more questioning, testing and doing. When we work with corporate clients we always strive to offer them the best possible experience. DPW is an excellent showcase. It is great to work together and inspire each other.”
An example of this is the catering, which is provided by RAI Amsterdam’s Basement Chefs. Tim: “Our Basement Chefs are famous for their innovative catering with street food, plantbased options and a variety of interesting flavours, served in attractive ways that also support contact between participants. DPW designed the lay-out of the food court, which is completely in line with the vibe of the event and stimulates human contact and interaction. This type of cooperation combines the best of both worlds.”
Space at the RAI for further growth
“We are confident that DPW will continue to grow at the same pace,” states Ishaan. “New technologies are introduced in procurement and supply chain, and AI gives that another boost. DPW is at the forefront of these developments. Since the day we started, we have provided ample room for start-ups, who drive this innovation and we will continue to do so. DPW is a very professional event and we also have an artistic state of mind. We want to keep surprising our audience and sponsors with the best ways to make their experience as impressive and useful as possible. RAI Amsterdam offers us the space to let our creativity run wild, and to keep growing.”
