RAI Amsterdam one of first European venues to reopen
RAI Amsterdam one of first European venues to reopen without visitor number restrictions.
The further relaxation of coronavirus measures announced by the Dutch government on 1 July means that RAI Amsterdam can again host and facilitate major events. The convention centre had already ensured that its complex is Covid-secure and fully in line with all health and safety guidelines. RAI Amsterdam will therefore be among the first convention centres in Europe to reopen and host events without having to restrict visitor numbers beyond the normal capacity.
Since the outbreak of the pandemic in March, the RAI has worked tirelessly to adapt all its facilities and protocols to enable events to be held in a safe, responsible and hospitable manner once government regulations allowed. Practical examples include wider aisles, placing floor markings in places where queues may form, making hand sanitiser available in all areas, and increasing the number of registration points. Spreading the various methods of transportation will ensure that the rules regarding crowd management and social distancing can be properly monitored. In addition, clear signage will be used at key points on the route towards the venue’s entrances.
COO Maurits van der Sluis is relieved that the RAI can now reopen its doors “We are pleased with the relaxation of rules announced on 1 July. By observing the rules and guidelines, we are ready to organise and facilitate events in a safe and responsible manner while ensuring visitors receive a hospitable welcome. I am also delighted that we will again be opening our doors to the renowned international congress Money 20/20 in September.” Amsterdam mayor Femke Halsema agrees: "We very much look forward to welcoming Money20/20's attendees to Amsterdam."
Autumn events
Money 20/20 Europe is an international B2B convention which brings together the entire payments, FinTech and financial services sector. From 22 to 24 September the same concept seen over the past two years will be followed in an adapted form. Visitors will be able to come into contact with a wide range of decision-makers and influencers at a safe distance that takes into account the latest guidelines.
Also on the agenda for this autumn are various major international exhibition from the RAI’s own portfolio, including Interclean Amsterdam, the trade show for cleaning professionals (3 to 6 November) and METSTRADE (17 to 19 November), the world’s largest B2B platform for the leisure marine industry. Third party events PLMA’s annual international ‘World of Private Label’ show and the medical conference EAGE (8 to 11 December), the world's largest multi-disciplinary geoscience and engineering event are also taking have been moved until December.
The ‘RAI Amsterdam - Safe, responsible and hospitable’ protocol explains the rules and guidelines for organising trade exhibitions, conferences, shows and meetings in the RAI complex. It is intended for everyone who is involved with events in the RAI and describes how these can be held in a safe and responsible manner in light of the Covid-19 outbreak. Everything revolves around ensuring the health of all who come to the RAI.
Fully prepared
Since the day the RAI first opened its doors in 1893 it has been renowned as a place where safety and hospitality are given the highest priority. With 125 years of experience in organising and facilitating events, and the associated security and crowd management, the convention centre has built up an exceptionally strong position.
Today it welcomes an average of 1.5 million visitors a year to around 500 events, and the RAI has become the leading international exhibition and conference organisation in the Netherlands. The RAI’s safety policy had already been updated in January this year, well before coronavirus was first detected in the country. Designed to further protect organisers, exhibitors, visitors, suppliers and personnel, this upgrade was compiled together with the authorities and RAI clients.