Inspiring Gatherings in these Five Special Meeting Venues

Out-of-office meetings are still growing in popularity. Whether this is because of the inspiring setting, or to get everyone out of the daily work environment, or because of the facilities meeting venues provide, or just to create a sense of urgency: venues are booked most often for meetings. In 2016, this was the case for 47% of all venue bookings (Source: Locatieonderzoek 2016-2017). Are you looking for a surprising space for an important meeting? Have a look at these five special meeting venues!

The National Maritime Museum, Amsterdam

The National Maritime Museum is a great venue if you really want to impress your guests. This venue was built in the Dutch Golden Age as a warehouse for the Admiralty of Amsterdam. Behind the striking facade we find one of the most spectacular spaces for events: the spectacular roofed courtyard Het Open Pleyn (‘The Open Square’). There are several beautiful meeting rooms around the courtyard, two of which have an impressive view of the Oosterdok (‘Eastern Dock’). In addition, the National Maritime Museum has the second largest maritime collection in the world. Should the setting of this venue fail to inspire your guests, the content certainly will.

RDM Congress Center, Rotterdam

At the heart of the Rotterdam harbor lies the RDM terrain, where in the previous century hundreds of ships were produced. In addition to the RDM Onderzeebootloods (‘Submarine Wharf’), the former head office of the Rotterdamsche Droogdok Maatschappij (‘Rotterdam Drydock Company’) was also carefully renovated, keeping the authentic atmosphere intact. The venue is now available for meetings and events as RMD Congress Center. The building has some beautiful rooms available for meetings such as the art deco Directiekamer (Boardroom), which still has the original filing cabinets which were used to store the blueprints of the ships. Or book the Commissarissenkamer (‘Management Offices’), where you find yourself surrounded by historical paintings and scale models of submarines.

Donkervoort Automobielen, Lelystad

A meeting venue with an inspiring story need not necessarily be a historical one. Donkervoort Automobiele (‘Automobiles’) tells the story of a Dutch family company who (still) builds one of the world’s fastest road legal sports cars. The showroom/event space provides a view on the manufacturing floor, so you can witness the ultralight parts being assembled on the cars as you have your meeting. Spice up your meeting by enjoying the Donkervoort Factory Experience, a tour through the factory, or a driving experience with one of the sports cars on a test track nearby.

Atelier de Bazel, Amsterdam

Atelier de Bazel is the latest addition to the already impressive list of venues by The Playing Circle. This historical building was once used as a studio for a large men’s fashion house. Nowadays, the meeting venue offers a spacious sitting area on the front side – which can also be used as a break-out space. The meeting room is in the back side and looks over the backyards of the canal side houses including the official residence of the mayor of Amsterdam. Two skylights and four French balconies bathe this venue in a sea of light, creating the perfect environment for creative and inspiring sessions. The stylish interior design is done by subsidiary The Loft.

Het Kantoor van Nu, Gouda

The Kantoor van Nu (‘The Office of Today’) is situated in an old church in the inner city of Gouda, where the old is connected with the new. This monumental building was redesigned by interior designer Mees Hurkmans and fitted with a modern look and feel. The historical area received a modern touch in the shape of contemporary art on the walls and a modern design. The industrial bar and massive wooden table are the eye-catchers of this room and provide it with a grand café vibe. The Kantoor van Nu is an inspiring meeting venue for business conventions, and it is fully equipped to meet today’s meeting standards.