If you are looking for a creative environment for your next meeting or event, Eindhoven is without a doubt your place to be in the Netherlands! Known as the design capital of the Netherlands, Eindhoven is a creative hub in the fields of design, technology and knowledge. Philips’ influence on the (development of) the city can be experienced everywhere. Choosing Eindhoven as the destination for your next meeting, convention or event will leave you buzzing with inspiration – guaranteed!
Facts
Eindhoven is the 5th largest municipality in the Netherlands
Eindhoven is the capital of Dutch Industrial Design
Eindhoven is a creative hub in the fields of design, technology and knowledge
Population: 225,000
Getting there
Due to its convenient location in the south of the Netherlands, Eindhoven is easily accessible from 5 of international airports in The Netherlands, Germany and Belgium: Eindhoven Airport (just outside the city), Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (1.5 hrs), Maastricht Aachen Airport (1 hr), Rotterdam The Hague Airport (2 hrs), Zaventem Brussels Airport (Belgium, 1.5 hrs) and Dusseldorf Airport (Germany, 1.5 hrs).
In addition, Eindhoven is easily accessible by train and car from all major cities in Holland.
Meeting and business venues
Eindhoven offers a wide range of classic, modern and unique meeting and convention venues. The price-quality ratio of the region’s hotels and venues are favourable compared to the more renowned Dutch cities, which makes Eindhoven an excellent alternative meeting destination.
Industrial
The Klokgebouw is the epitome of a creative hub. The former Philips factory was fully transformed and now offers space for creative entrepreneurs and companies. In addition, event space for up to 10,000 visitors is available. The Klokgebouw, which is located on Eindhoven’s creative ‘mile’ Strijp-S, is also home to the Blue Collar Hotel.
Another former Philips venue is Radio Royaal, which now first and foremost serves as a restaurant. However, the venue is also available for meetings and events of all sorts. The characteristics and machines of the former energy hall have been preserved, giving the space its impressive industrial feel.
Classic
If you are looking for a more classic meeting or event location, Eindhoven has you covered as well. Evoluon is an iconic, eye-catching, multifunctional venue that your attendees will never forget. Hotel Pullman Cocagne Eindhoven has a beautiful winter garden with space for up to 400 delegates – amongst many other meeting spaces. 040 Congress & Events is a state-of-the-art congress centre with meeting capacities for up to 2,500 people. And if you want to connect with a network of world-class innovators you should definitely consider Eindhoven’s Hightech Campus Conference Center for your event.
Hidden Secret
Light up your event at Lac Studios. The former Philips Lighting showroom has been transformed into three unique meeting spaces that will leave your attendees enlightened.
If you are looking for a bit more serenity, ‘t Boshuys might be the hidden secret you’re looking for – quite literally! Located just outside of the city, ‘t Boshuys is a peaceful and serene event location in the middle of a forest.
After your meeting
As design capital of the Netherlands it comes as no surprise that Eindhoven is buzzing with creative energy. Something that you are bound to experience after your meeting.
Museums
Eindhoven offers a variety of museums covering art, design, technology, sports and more. Here are a few not-to-miss suggestions:
Van Abben Museum: one of the first public museums for contemporary art established in Europe
Philips Museum: Experience 125 years of Philips history and discover a world of innovation and entrepreneurship
DAF Museum: See more than 120 historic vehicles and learn about innovation and technology in the car industry
PSV Museum: Discover 100 years of PSV history. A must for every football fan!
Sights
Eindhoven offers some pretty unique sights and things to do. But then again, that is to expected from such a creative city! How about a Space Walk in the city? Download the app ‘Ruimtewandelen in het Stadswandelpark’ (space walk in the park) from the App store or Google play. Then take a walk in the Stadswandelpark (city park) and you just might encounter an astronaut and other space creatures. Afterwards you can visit the Observatory, which is also located in the park. If you are up for a bike ride, you should definitely take a bike tour to the Van Gogh -Roosegaarde bike path, which is part of the van Gogh cycle route.
Strijp-S is an industrial park turned creative, innovative and cultural hot spot where the people and entrepreneurs of Eindhoven get together to be inspired and inspire, have a drink, shop, live, work and meet. Just taking a break here and sipping a coffee will get you buzzing with creative energy.
On the 18 September Plein in Eindhoven’s old city centre you will find The Blob, an architectural masterpiece by Italian architect Massimiliano Fuksas. The unique glass and steel structure also forms the entrance to The Admirant shopping mall.
Shopping
Eindhoven’s city centre offers lots of shops, warehouses, design and concept stores – and all within walking distance. Stores are open 7 days a week (except for a few holidays) making Eindhoven a fabulous shopping city.
Urban Shopper – located on Strijp-S – is an exclusive, urban shopping oasis. Here you’ll find everything from industrial furniture, the latest fashion, antiques, unique and creative handmade products and so much more. I dare you to take a stroll and not buy anything!
De Bergen is a charming, artistic area located in former historic city centre of Eindhoven and perfect for a leisurely stroll. The streets are lined with cozy cafes and an array of art-, book- and antique stores.
Every third Sunday of the month, the Feel Good Market takes place at Strijp-S. It’s a lively market filled with design, art, fashion, vintage, kids stuff, (organic) food and regional products. If you happen to be in town, this is a happening you won’t want to miss!
Restaurants
Eindhovenoffers culinairy options for any taste and budget. Here are a few of my favourites:
Ketelhuis: housed in Philips’ former transformer building, Ketelhuis is becoming the living room of the Strijp-S area. It’s a restaurant, bar, food lab, coffee place, bakery and even has a rooftop garden. Don’t blame me if you won’t want to leave again!
Puur Pien: Artist-turned-chef Pien cooks all meals herself using only pure ingredients. Puur Pien is a small, cozy place where you feel right at home. Tip: if the weather is great just get everything to-go and enjoy your meal outdoors.
Vestdijk 47: Enjoy a new French cuisine where classic cooking styles meet modern presentation. Part of Vestdijk 47 is Bar 47, which offers a great assortment of luxurious digestives.
Wynwood: stylish, sexy, delicious and accessible. That’s Wynwood. Located on the infamous Strijp-S Wynwood is a great spot for business appointments, lunch, dinner or drinks & nibbles.
Piet Hein Eek: internationally renowned designer Piet Hein Eek’s restaurant is much more than that: it’s an art gallery, meeting space and dinner house. And of course the interior is styled with his own designs. Get ready to get inspired!
And, if you really can’t choose you can also take a culinairy city walk, a great way to get a taste of Eindhoven.
A day in Eindhoven
I have to be quite honest with you here. A day in Eindhoven simply isn’t enough to discover this Dutch gem of a city. I’ve spent many days in Eindhoven and still get surprised every time I visit. But like they say, you always need a reason to come back. And Eindhoven will give you plenty of reasons.
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