From adding some orange to doing the orange twist – orange surely was the dominant theme in my years as Mr Holland. You can’t really blame me though, can you? And since my memory is starting to fade – I’m not getting younger after all – I decided I’d take my end-of-year recap a bit further this time and take a longer trip down memory lane. So I dug up my time capsule and revisited all the campaigns we did over the years. Care to join me for the ride?
1. Add Some Orange
Back in 2012 it all started with adding some orange to your event. Remember this one:
I had so much fun walking around the exhibition floors with my orange paint blob and adding some orange to each and everyone I encountered. And from the looks of it, all the eventprofs had quite some fun as well:
And by now you all know that I love to sing a tune whenever I get the chance. In this case I actually wrote this little song to show that by adding some orange, you’ll losen up before you know it. Can you still sing along? I sure can!
2. Dutch Masters
Holland is the home of many remarkable artists like van Gogh, Rembrandt and Vermeer, just to name a few. So in 2013 we offered eventprofs the unique opportunity to create a true Dutch masterpiece with yours truly. I mean, selfies were so 2012 at that point!
3. Dreaming of Holland
Needless to say that I’m dreaming about Holland a lot. So no wonder that this campaign was probably one of my favourites as I simply got to share my dream with you.
And I think you all really liked dreaming of Holland as well – with or without me:
4. Orange Twist
In Holland, we tend to do things differently. We open doors that stay closed for others. We turn ‘left’ where others go ‘right’. We make the impossible possible by giving situations a different twist. Or rather, an orange twist!
And since I wanted to add yet another twist, I even wrote a song about the orange twist for you. So turn up the volume and let’s do some twisting together:
At the 2015 trade shows I challenged eventprofs from around the world to join me in doing the orange twist. And let me tell you, you all were exceptionally twisted. Who would have thought!
5. Holland Moves
At last, but of course not at least, we took things to a new level in 2016. In fact, we showed you how Holland moves your meeting to a higher level. Because in Holland, we like to stir up things and look for new opportunities and we keep moving to stay inspired. And you all showed us that you like to keep it moving just as much as we do:
Holland keeps you moving
Even though I can’t tell you yet what fun – and surely orange – campaign will be waiting for you come 2017, I can promise you this: Holland will keep you moving, no matter what! So make sure to drop by the Holland stand at IMEX Frankfurt, The Meetings Show UK, IMEX America or ibtm world. Team Holland is looking forward to welcoming you!
And now I want to know: which was your favourite campaign in the past 5 years? And I’m even more curious to know if there is anyone out here who has a picture of each and every one of them!
In Holland we have a saying that freely translates into the following: you should leave when the going is good. And let me tell you, I do feel like the going is good right now. And still, or possibly that’s exactly why, my Dutch heart was very heavy when we announced that I will be stepping down as Holland ambassador by the end of the year:
Holland Moves – including myself!
Five years ago, the Netherlands Board of Tourism & Convention was looking for a new, unique and fun way to show the international meetings and conventions industry just how suitable our small country is for international events. And why! Somehow along the way our paths crossed at the right time and in the right moment and the rest has become history.
It has been an honor and a privilege to get international eventprofs around the world not only acquainted with but even more so excited about the destination Holland. Our diversity, approachability and openness. Our oustanding infrastructure and state-of-the-art meeting venues. Our approach to business, creativity and thinking in chances not in barriers. Our charisma, enthusiam and open mind. All that is what makes Holland move. That is also how Holland moves your meeting to the next level. And that is how Holland moves people. Including myself.
Moving on and looking back
I don’t want to look back on these past five years just yet though – we’ll keep the best for last. But being Mr Holland has been an extraordinary journey. And meeting all these amazing eventprofs at events like The Meetings Show UK, IMEX Frankfurt, IMEX America and IBTM World – just to name a few – most certainly has been the highlight.
At this moment in time my journey is taking me on a slightly different path though as I will follow my passion and embark on a world tour with my band. The time has come to move on. And in Holland we think that is a good thing.
Time to celebrate at Rendezvous!
But rest assured, you have not seen the last of me quite yet. Join Team Holland and myself at IBTM World in Barcelona this year where we will show you how Holland moves your meeting to the next level. It will be three days of meeting new and old friends, celebrating and yes, sadly, saying good-bye. And we would not be Holland if we did not have a very special treat in store: We teamed up with IBTM World and MPI Foundation to light up the night orange with you on Wednesday, November 30. Join us at Rendezvous where we will not only have an amazing time, but also do good: MPI Foundation will invest all proceeds into Europe’s meeting and event industry through scholarships, grants and research.
Did you hop on our skippy ball with me to show the world how Holland moves? Then you don’t want to miss your chance to win a fantastic 4-day trip for 2 to Holland. Because you know, Holland moves! And in this case we actually move you – to Holland. The prize includes:
– economy class return flight with KLM Air France in Amsterdam
– 2 nights at NH Collection Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky in Amsterdam
– dinner at restaurant Vermeer at NH Collection Barbizon Palace
– 2 iAmsterdam city cards
– lunch at Amsterdam Conference Centre Beurs van Berlage
– lunch at RAI Amsterdam Conference Centre
– tour & drinks at DoubleTree by Hilton Amsterdam Centraal Station in Noordwijk
– 2 nights at Grand Hotel Huis ter Duin in Noordwijk
– dinner at Breakers Beach House
– tour at Hotels van Oranje Autograph Collection
– lunch at Beachclub O
How to win the trip to Holland
For you chance to win, just head over to my Facebook page and find your picture in one of these photo albums: day 1 (Tuesday), day 2 (Wednesday) or day 3 (Thursday). Then follow these three easy steps:
1. tag yourself in our photo
2. like our photo
3. share our photo on your Facebook page to get even more likes
The photo with the most likes will win the trip to Holland. See, told you it was easy, didn’t I? But don’t wait too long, voting ends on October 31, 2016 at 12pm CET. The winner will be announced here and on all my Social Media channels shortly after voting ends.
Do you know the expression ‘you snooze, you lose!’? Well, this certainly applies to day 2 of IMEX: snoozing means missing out on the IMEXrun. And trust me, the incentive of running on a closed off part of the Las Vegas strip and watching the sunrise with 800 event professionals from all over the world is worth the lack of sleep. The IMEXrun has become a beloved tradition at the IMEX trade shows in Las Vegas and Barcelona. This year, Team Holland officially and proudly supported the event. Here are some impressions from Team Holland keeping it moving – and bouncing – during the run:
Let’s keep it moving at IBTM World in Barcelona
Attending IMEX America is always a terrific experience for Team Holland and we can’t wait to be back next year. Did you miss us in Las Vegas this time? Not to worry. We will be at IBTM World in Barcelona from November 29 – December 1, 2016 to show you how Holland moves. And don’t forget to pre-order your tickets for Rendezvous, the not-to-miss industry event of the year in Barcelona. Until then, keep it moving!
If you are a regular IBTM World (or former EIBTM) attendee, you surely know that Wednesday night is reserved for one of the meeting industry’s greatest happenings. Some people may recall the event as IBTM World’s Club Night at Opium and some people may even remember the equally iconic Holland House Event. The latter was before my time unfortunately, but I have been told many tales surrounding the infamous Dutch party – some of which could surely be labeled as ‘what happens in Barcelona, stays in Barcelona’!
Club Night becomes Rendezvous
This year, NBTC Holland Marketing is proud to partner with IBTM World and Meetings Professional International (MPI) Foundation to launch Rendezvous at IBTM World 2016. Rendezvous is MPI Foundation’s signature networking and fundraising event and will see its inaugural IBTM World edition on Wednesday, November 30 at Opium in Barcelona. All proceeds of the event will be invested in the MPI Foundation, which funds scholarships, grants and pan-industry research. Can you imagine a better way to secure the future success of the meetings and events industry than by having an unforgettable orange party?
Let Holland move you all night long
This means that on November 30 the night will light orange in Barcelona. Team Holland is ready to move you all night long and it will be a night full of orange surprises. Trust me on this one! And of course I will be there as well. So what are you waiting for? Buy your Rendezvous ticket now for a night full of orange fun and dancing.
The Dutch are known to be open-minded and friendly. Creative and efficient. Innovative and business oriented. And I do have to admit that we take quite some pride in it.
However, and maybe most importantly, we are also passionate about sharing our experiences, knowledge and enthousiasm with the world. We like to stir up things and look for new opportunities. That’s probably why innovation thrives in our small country. We simply love to set people and businesses in motion. Let’s take a closer look at how exactly Holland moves you…
Holland Moves You – from A to B
Holland moves you from the North Sea beaches to the enchanting forests of the Veluwe. From the bustling heart of metropolitan cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague to the serenity of hidden chateaus. From traditional landmarks to modern art & design festivals. Move through the vast heath or against the winds on our dykes.
Holland is not only a diverse, but also very compact country. So compact in fact, that we also call it Holland City. That’s what makes moving around so very easy in Holland. From North to South Holland is only 300km/186mi long. From West to East a mere 200km/124mi. From Amsterdam, every major city and every small village in Holland can be reached within three hours, thanks to our great transportation infrastructure. And did you know that besides being home to the world’s largest aviation hub, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Holland has four more international airports? Pretty impressive for such a small country, isn’t it?
Holland Moves You – to the beat of your own drum
In Holland we appreciate uniqueness and thinking out of the box. In fact, being a melting pot with more than 190 nationalities is one of the key factors that makes the Dutch so open-minded. We appreciate how different personalities with different backgrounds and different views widen your horizon. But we also see the importance of staying true to yourself, your values and believes. The same applies to meetings. We realize that no meeting is the same and that there is no one-size-fits-all formula. New insights, developments, opportunities, innovations and technologies are around every corner and we are ready to seize them. And we just might throw in some Dutch wit, charm, and gezelligheid along the way. Because after all, we still like to march to the beat of our own drum.
And, speaking of beats. Holland is home to some of the finest DJs in the world. Tiësto, Afrojack, Junkie XL and Armin van Buren’s beats get people moving on dance floors all around the world. Even the Dutch Royal family:
Holland Moves You – to higher (meeting) levels
Holland may be small in size, but the Dutch are big in business opportunities. We thrive on building bridges and connecting the world. And we do it with an international outlook and a no-nonsense attitude. Holland is a superb incubator for innovation. Something that international investors have realized as well. Amsterdam / Rotterdam was recently named the 3rd attractive metropolitan region for FDI (foreign direct investment) according to IBM’s Global Location Trends report and the Dutch start-up scene is one of the most prominent in Europe. Ever heard of booking.com, TomTom or WeTransfer? All Dutch!
Holland’s well-established and professional meetings and conventions infrastructure is equally impressive. From convention centres like RAI Amsterdam, World Forum The Hague and Rotterdam Ahoy, to conference hotels and special venues. From Regional Convention Burueaus to Destination Management Companies. With expertise, creativity, efficiency and an undeniable business instinct the Dutch meetings industry knows how to move your meeting to the next level. And it never stops moving itself, as the annual new developments prove.
Let Holland move you – in the best ways possible!
Holland moves you on many levels! Personally and professionally. Emotionally and educationally. We spin you around and turn you upside down. We challenge you to move your feet, open your mind and question the status quo. In other words, Holland Moves You – in the best ways possible! So let’s meet in Holland and let’s move your meeting to the next level.
Holland Moves you – to Holland! Win a trip at IMEX America or IBTM World
In case you have never heard of the Dutch hotel chain Postillion Hotels before, I can promise you that this is going to change very soon. Not only because you are reading my blogpost as we speak, but because the chain is about to open its 8th location in the fall: the brand new and stunning Postillion Hotel Amsterdam. But before I’ll tell you more about this new kid on the block, let’s take a closer look at the ambitious Dutch company that is Postillion Hotels.
From Motoresto to Postillion Hotels
Postillion Hotels was established in the 1950s and underwent 4 name changes before establishing itself on the Dutch hotel market as Postillion Hotels. Like they say, fifth time’s the charm! The name Postillion derives from the stage coach that used to drive between Groningen in the North of Holland and Rotterdam in the South-West.
As a brand, Postillion Hotels is staying close to its Dutch roots. With full service, focus on hospitality and a no-nonsense-but-nothing-is-too-crazy attitude, Postillion Hotels established itself as a strong player on the Dutch hospitality market over the years. And now the brand is ready to enter the international meetings and conventions market at full force with that same refreshing attitude.
Meet Work Stay
What do you expect from a full-service business hotel? A professional environment to organize hassle-free meetings and events? Facilities to keep on working while you are away on a business trip? And how about a comfortable and hospitable environment that feels like a home away from home? That is exactly what Postillion Hotels offers their business guests with the ‘Meet Work Stay’ concept. Whatever you seek, Postillion Hotels aims to facilitate and even anticipate. There is only one catch though: you might not want to leave again!
In addition, all of Postillion Hotels’ venues are conveniently located close to major Dutch highways with plenty of parking spaces. A deliberate and smart choice to make each venue easily accessible from anywhere within the Netherlands.
Brain Food meets Green Key
The infamous after-meal-dip is a thing of the past with Postillion Hotels’ Brain Food. Together with a dietician Postillion Hotels developed a menu that is energizing the body and mind. How so? By providing an array of healthy homemade meals, snacks and energy boosts throughout the day. Brainfoods enhance concentration, provide healthy nutrients and reduce the after-meal-dip, leaving delegates on top of their (meeting) game all day long. Still craving that cookie or chocolate bar after all? I’m sure those are hiding somewhere as well!
Not that you need any more reasons to choose one of the soon-to-be-eight Postillion Hotels’ locations for your meeting or event, but just in case, here’s one more: every single hotel acquired the Golden Green Key certificate for their sustainability efforts.
Let’s take a closer look at a couple of Postillion Hotels’ main locations now though, shall we?
New kid on the block: Postillion Hotel Amsterdam
In September 2016, Postillion Hotels will open its newest member and quite possibly flagship venue: Postillion Hotel Amsterdam. Actually, September 2016 will see the opening of the hotel’s state-of-the-art conference centre, which can host up to 1,200 delegates. Ample parking space is also available and that in the middle of Amsterdam! How is that possible? The new Postillion Hotel Amsterdam is located on the site of Amsterdam’s former chewing ball factory!
Another advantage of choosing a former industrial factory site for a venue? Its superb (public) transportation infrastructure. The hotel is nestled between Amsterdam’s major highways and two train stations. The nearest subway station is a mere 3 minute walk. From here you can reach Amsterdam’s city centre in 10 minutes and RAI Amsterdam in 5 minutes.
artist impression
floor plan
artist impression
In the beginning of 2018, the adjacent hotel will open its doors with 256 bedrooms, a restaurant, fitness centre, parking garage and an additional 17 meeting rooms for up to 1,500 delegates. With that, Postillion Hotel Amsterdam will be the brand’s largest venue.
Sounds like Postillion Hotel Amsterdam is a meeting planner’s dream? That’s because it actually is. Or rather will be once fully opened.
A convention centre disguised as a state monument. That is Postillion Convention Centre WTC Rotterdam (WTC=World Trade Centre). But it’s not only the building’s striking architecture that is sure to impress delegates. The interior eradiates a certain allure that offers a unique back-drop for any type of meeting, convention, exhibition or event for up to 1,100 delegates. And on top of that, the convention centre is located in the beating heart of Rotterdam.
Besides the main conference hall, Postillion Convention Centre WTC Rotterdam offers 38 various break-out and meeting rooms. The exhibition space is 3,000m2/33,000ft2 large with 7m/23ft high ceilings. Most striking is about the building is that the characteristics of each space are unique, which provides endless possibilities for your event.
1,000 hotel rooms are within walking distance of Postillion Convention Centre WTC Rotterdam. And by the end of 2017, 120 new hotel rooms will be available on site.
If you are looking for a state-of-the-art convention hotel, then you may have found your match in Postillion Hotel Utrecht Bunnik. The venue previously earned the title of ‘Conference Venue of the Year’ due to its excellent facilities, location and sustainability approach.
Postillion Hotel Utrecht Bunnik’s 30 multi-functional meeting and event rooms offer space for up to 1,500 delegates in the heart of Holland. Amsterdam Schiphol is a mere 35 minute drive away and there are 450 parking spaces available on the premises.
Specifically trained employees are available throughout the duration of your event to ensure smooth operations on any level. And the hotel’s meeting hosts will make sure that your guests will feel extra well taken care of.
Tip: if you are attending IMEX America in Las Vegas in October, drop by the Holland Stand (2215) to discuss your event with Postillion Hotels personally.
I had so much fun walking around the exhibition floors with my orange paint blob and adding some orange to each and everyone I encountered. And from the looks of it, all the eventprofs had quite some fun as well:
Holland is the home of many remarkable artists like van Gogh, Rembrandt and Vermeer, just to name a few. So in 2013 we offered eventprofs the unique opportunity to create a true Dutch masterpiece with yours truly. I mean, selfies were so 2012 at that point!
And I think you all really liked dreaming of Holland as well – with or without me:
And since I wanted to add yet another twist, I even wrote a song about the orange twist for you. So turn up the volume and let’s do some twisting together:
At last, but of course not at least, we took things to a new level in 2016. In fact, we showed you how Holland moves your meeting to a higher level. Because in Holland, we like to stir up things and look for new opportunities and we keep moving to stay inspired. And you all showed us that you like to keep it moving just as much as we do:
Meet Mr. Holland Blog 