Amsterdam RAI
Amsterdam, Netherlands
With premises totalling 120,000 sq m, Amsterdam RAI is the largest exhibition and conference centre in the Netherlands. Its capacity, location and modern approach to the hosted events make it one of the busiest venues in Europe. More than 500 events - ranging from corporate meetings to conferences and world-renowned international trade fairs - are organised there in any given year. Around 1.5 million annual visits are registered.
RAI Amsterdam is committed to connecting people in a memorable and efficient, yet sustainable way. The future-oriented vision for the RAI includes optimal use of the space, reduced energy consumption, green electricity, eco-friendly products and services on offer, as well as zero waste.
The history of the RAI exhibition and convention centre began in 1893, when an association of bicycle manufacturers took actions to organise a national bicycle exhibition. The first edition was held in Amsterdam’s Paleis voor Volksvlijt two years later. By 1922 the RAI had a site of its own – a building which would serve as its home for nearly 4 decades.
The Europe Hall, the first section of the current fairgrounds, was officially opened in 1961. Over the years RAI Amsterdam has been improved and expanded by the addition of the West Hall, the Conference Centre, several restaurants, the Holland Complex, the Park Hall and the RAI Elicium among others. One of the recent developments is the expansion of Hall 5 (part of the Europe complex) by 4000 sq m. It was completed in 2020.
The location of the RAI complex not far from the centre of Amsterdam gives visitors the possibility to join the vibrant city life. Restaurants for business meetings, cafes, museums and galleries, cultural events, sights and canal cruises are all within grasp.
Getting around
The RAI trade fair complex is easily accessible from the rest of Amsterdam. It is also connected to many other cities in the Netherlands, being served by a train station of its own near the exhibition site. There is an underground station at the location too, with metro lines 50 and 51 stopping there. The renovation works at Amsterdam RAI station were completed by 2020. The modern and open design of the station features a transparent station foyer for metro and railway services with an integrated bicycle storage facility for over 1800 bicycles.
Europaplein underground station is set even closer to the entrances, by the front square. It is where metro line 52 stops. In addition, tram line 4 as well as bus lines 62 and 284 stop at the Europaplein tram and bus stop.
Located in one of the most bicycle-friendly cities, the venue offers adequate facilities - bicycle racks close to each entrance and a P+Bike option. It allows visitors to park their car at the RAI, rent a bicycle and explore Amsterdam’s many bike paths.
Amsterdam RAI has underground parking area capacity for more than 4000 cars. There are 35 slots for electric vehicles. Additional 1000 parking spaces are available outdoors during large events.
Hotels nearby
| Name | Category | Address | Distance | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nhow Amsterdam RAI | ★★★★ | Europaboulevard 2B, Amsterdam, Netherlands | 281 m | |
| Motel One Amsterdam - RAI | ★★★ | Europaboulevard 23, Amsterdam, Netherlands | 391 m | |
| Van der Valk Hotel Amsterdam - Zuidas | ★★★★ | Tommaso Albinonistraat 200, Amsterdam, Netherlands | 543 m | |
| Holiday Inn Amsterdam | ★★★★ | De Boelelaan 2, Amsterdam, Netherlands | 639 m | |
| Wyndham Apollo Amsterdam | ★★★★ | Nl Amsterdam Amsterdam Ams, Amsterdam, Netherlands | 790 m | |
| Novotel Amsterdam City | ★★★★ | Europaboulevard 10, Amsterdam, Netherlands | 819 m | |
| citizenM Amsterdam South | ★★★★ | Prinses Irenestraat 30, Amsterdam, Netherlands | 861 m |
Halls of Amsterdam RAI
The current 120,000 sq m of exhibition area of RAI Amsterdam are divided into 12 halls, a ballroom, 2 auditoriums, 3 conference centres, 70 conference and meeting rooms. The layout is convenient, with numerous interlinks between the sections of the RAI complex.
The widely varying capacity of the different premises and the flexibility of the modular space enable RAI Amsterdam to accommodate events ranging in both size and purpose - from meetings attended by 10 participants to enormous trade shows of global significance.
Quick info
| Year Built: | 1961 |
| Total Area: | 120,000 m2 |
| Number of Halls: | 12 |
| Meeting Rooms: | 70 |
| Parking Spaces: | 5,000 |
| Official Website: | Amsterdam RAI |
| Halls Map: | View map |
| Virtual Tour: | Visit virtual tour |
| Health & Safety: | View documents |
Important exhibitions
More than 70 international trade fairs and exhibitions plus 50 large conferences occur in the complex every year. Around 25 of them are organised by Amsterdam RAI. Such events are:
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Aquatech Amsterdam focused on process, drinking and waste water;
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Horecava, gathering the hotel, restaurant and catering sectors;
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Interclean Amsterdam, the platform for the cleaning industry.
Trade shows by other organisers include:
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IBC - the international broadcasting convention;
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Offshore Energy for oil, gas and renewable marine energy;
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PLMA known as the World of Private Label.
Upcoming trade fairs
