After an array of new hotels and venues opening in Holland in 2016 Holland keeps it moving in 2017 with yet more exciting new hotels and venues. So without further ado, here are the main openings to look forward to:
Hyatt Regency Amsterdam
expected opening: Spring 2017
Park Inn by Radisson Amsterdam City West
expected opening: Q1 2017
Mauritskade Hotel Amsterdam
expected opening: Q4 2017/ Q1 2018
NH Collection Eindhoven Centre
expected opening: mid 2017
Van der Valk Amsterdam
expected opening: november 2017
Corendon Hotel Amsterdam/Badhoevedorp
expected opening: Q4 2017
MOXY by Marriott & Residence Inn by Marriott
expected opening: Q4 2017
Breeze
The first nearly zero energy hotel of the world! expected opening: tbd
ibtm world in Barcelona has always been one of my favourite industry events of the year. And the 2016 edition will hold an extra special place in my orange heart as it was the last event I attended as Mr Holland. Needless to say that it was a bitter sweet visit to Barcelona this time around. I showed eventprofs from around the world that Holland Moves, we shared many fond memories and I had the most fantastic farewell I could have wished for. Let’s reminisce a bit, shall we?
For more pictures from on and around the Holland stand head on over to my ibtm world photo album on Facebook.
Win a trip to Holland
I couldn’t attend my last industry event without giving away one final, amazing trip to Holland! Did we take a Holland Moves picture together? Then you have until Monday, December 12, 2016 (noon, CET) to tag, like and share our photo. The photo with the most likes wins the trip to Holland so you can experience first hand how Holland moves you! The prize includes:
– economy class return flight with KLM Air France
in Amsterdam – 1 night at Pulitzer Hotel Amsterdam, incl. breakfast
– lunch (incl. guided tour) at Amsterdam Conference Centre Beurs van Berlage
– 2 iAmsterdam city cards (48 hrs)
in Rotterdam – 1 night at Inntel Hotels Rotterdam City Centre, incl. breakfast
– lunch (incl. guided tour) at Postillion Convention Centre WTC Rotterdam
– Markthal Experience, offered to you by Co Solo DMC
[update December 13, 2016: Jane from Russia won the trip. Team Holland is excited to welcome her to Holland soon!]
ibtm world #HollandMoves winner Jane
Rendezvous at ibtm world 2016
This year, NBTC Holland Marketing partnered with ibtm world and Meetings Professional International (MPI) Foundation to launch Rendezvous at ibtm world 2016.
What can I say other than Rendezvous surely was a night to remember! Thank you to each and everyone of you for celebrating a night of orange fun with Team Holland and myself. For me personally it was bitter-sweet, since Rendezvous also marked my very last performance as Mr Holland. As of now, I will go through life as The Artist Formerly Known as Mr Holland. But, we will always have the wonderful memories.
And by the way, all proceeds of the event will be invested in the MPI Foundation, which funds scholarships, grants and pan-industry research. What a better way for me to say goodbye to the events industry!
Orange carpet photo call
All pictures from the Rendezvous Orange Carpet photo call are now up on my Facebook page. Feel free to tag yourself and share your Orange Carpet moment.
Rendezvous event pics
Did you hope that what happens at Opium, stays at Opium? No such luck!
One of my last duties as (The Artist Formerly Known As) Mr Holland was to officially pass on the Holland ambassador torch to my friends from Team Holland. And I did it the Dutch way, of course: by adding some (more) orange to each and every single one of them. Mission accomplished, don’t you think? 😉
The hardest godbye of them all – farewell Team Holland
We’ve known each other for a while now, so I feel I can be honest with you. In the events industry we see people come and go quite often. However, there was one farewell that hit me a bit harder than I was anticipating: saying goodbye to ‘my’ Team Holland.
ibtm world 2016’s Team Holland represented a much bigger Team Holland, of course. Throughout the years I had the pleasure of working together with so many inspiring and driven suppliers from the Duch meetings and events industry. And it wouldn’t do them justice not to give each and everyone of them a shoutout at this moment. You all know who you are!
The only consolation was that apparently I wasn’t the only one having a hard time letting go, quite literally 😉
But, alas, the moment had to come after all. So without further ado, here is one more immensely huge THANK YOU TEAM HOLLAND (yes, I capitalized that). And thank you for the memories. It’s been an honor representing you and our beautiful small country across the world.
Farewell Team Holland
Goodbye ibtm world, goodbye eventprofs
And at last, I couldn’t postpone the final goodbye anymore. After all, I had a plane to catch 😉 But it’s like they say: all good things must come to an end. And so my final walk out of the Grand Fira in Barcelona was a very symbolic one. Thank you ibtm world and thank you eventprofs from all over the world. I hope you agree with me when I say we’ve had an amazing 5 years together. So farewell, dear friends. Until we meet again – hopefully in Holland! 😉
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.
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.
The Meetings Show may be a bit smaller in size than the other established international meetings and event trade shows, but maybe that is exactly why Team Holland loves the event so much. As a small country with lots to offer we can certainly relate! So no surprise that Team Holland had a lovely time twisting the trade floor at the Meetings Show UK once again.
Team Holland at The Meetings Show UK 2016
The Orange Twist – the UK’s got talent!
Well, to be fair, not only the UK has got talent. All event professionals at The Meetings Show 2016 showed a great deal of talent with the #OrangeTwist. And since in this case pictures say much more than my words, just have a look yourself:
Win a trip to Holland
Did we get a twisted photo together at The Meetings Show 2016? Then head over to my Facebook page to tag, like and share your photo.
‘And what’s in it for me?’ I hear you ask. Quite a bit actually! If our Orange Twist photo gets the most likes you will win a fantastic 4-day trip for 2 to Holland*. The trip includes:
in The Hague:
– 2 nights at Crowne Plaza Hotel The Hague, incl. breakfast
– 1,5 hours The Hague city tour with a The Hague Convention Bureau city guide
– lunch at one of The Hague’s top restaurants offered to you by Kuoni Destination Management
And a round-trip flight for two, of course.
Update: Michal’s Orange Twist was unbeatable and he is the lucky winner of the trip to Holland. Congratulations, Michal!
The Meetings Show UK 2016 – a lovely experience all around
The thing I love most about a smaller trade show is that there is just a bit more time to network and (re)connect with new and old friends. And the Meetings Show is no exception. Just take a look at some of the great moments Team Holland and I shared with event professionals from all over the world:
Where you can meet Team Holland in 2016
If you weren’t able to meet Team Holland at The Meetings Show UK, no need to worry. In 2016 you can still meet us at IMEX America in Las Vegas and IBTM World in Barcelona. Hope to see you there!
And if you would like to find out more about the Orange Twist, feel free to visit my website www.meetmrholland.com.
Traveling for business on a regular basis can be quite demanding. When it comes to staying at the business hotel of your choice, it makes all the difference in the world if you feel recognized and rewarded. And that is exactly what NH Collection stands for.
NH Collection – Feel the extraordinary
NH Collection, NH Hotel Group’s new upper-scale brand, caters to guests who are looking for and appreciate that extra service mile being walked for them. Premium hotel facilities and excellent service are a matter of course at NH Collection. The brand has numerous 4 and 5 star hotels, which are located in historic and iconic buildings in convenient locations. True to the motto ‘feel the extraordinary’ NH Collection’s hotels aims to create a memorable experience for each guest. Exceeding guest expectations is each hotel’s goal.
After two years of re-construction the hotel radiates its grandeur more than ever. The hotel was built 150 years ago by A.W. Krasnapolsky, a Polish entrepreneur who started the empire as proprietor of a coffee house. Krasnapolsky was well known for his innovative entrepreneurship: he was the first hotelier who integrated bathrooms into hotel rooms and who came up with the concept of room service. Thank you, Mr. Krasnapolsky!
Today NH Collection Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky tells 55 buildings with 451 rooms and suites including a Royal and Presidential Suite. For meeting planners, the hotel offers 2200m2/23.680ft2 state-of-the-art meeting- and event space with enough room for up to 1500 attendees. Most notably: the hotel’s exceptional Winter Garden, which also serves as breakfast area.
In February 2016, NH Collection Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky was named ‘Best Meeting- and Event Location in The Netherlands’ by the National Meeting Award.
NH Collection Barbizon Palace – focus on gastronomy
NH Collection Barbizon Palace is superbly located in a beautiful 17th century building across from Amsterdam’s Central Station. The building alone would be worth a visit. Add the NH Collection concept and you probably won’t want to leave again.
NH Collection Barbizon Palace offers 12 meeting rooms for up to 330 attendees in theatre-style setting. The most unique (events) feature of NH Collection Barbizon Palace is without a doubt the stunning St Olof’s Chapel, which dates back to the 15th century. The hotel and chapel are connected via an underground passage. St Olof’s Chapel is arguably one of the most enchanting meeting- and event locations available in Amsterdam.
Until April 30, the chapel was home to pop-up restaurant Roomservice at Olof’s. The ‘flexitarian’ restaurant put vegetables in the spotlight and was built with the old interiors of the NH Collection Barbizon Palace. Another impressive showpiece at the hotel is the Michelin-starred Restaurant Vermeer, where Chef Chris Naylor will surprise you with his extraordinary creations. Vermeer will re-open in the beginning of June 2016.
Address:
Prins Hendrikkade 59-72
1012 AD Amsterdam
The Netherlands
NH Collection Doelen – Where Rembrandt, Empress Sissi and The Beatles gathered
Located in a building that dates back to the 15th century, NH Collection Doelen is the oldest hotel in Amsterdam. So it comes as no surprise that the hotel has a rich and fascinating history. For example, painter Rembrandt van Rijn was asked to paint his world renowned ‘De Nachtwacht’ (The Night Watch) in 1642 to be exhibited in the building. Up until today the hotel’s Rembrandt suite is an ode to the painting, which in fact hung at the suite’s wall. In the 19th century, Empress Elisabeth of Austria, better known as Empress Sissi, was a regular at NH Collection Doelen. And in 1964 the Beatles stayed at the hotel while performing their only show in The Netherlands.
NH Collection Amsterdam Doelen offers 81 newly renovated boutique-style rooms, with modern design and traditional characteristics. Meeting space is available for up to 220 attendees. The hotel is located on the banks of the Amstel river and even has a private boat landing.
Another unique feature of NH Collection Amsterdam Doelen: Restaurant Swych. Executive chef Rudolf Brand (former sous-chef of NH Collection Barbizon Palace’s 1* Michelin Restaurant Vermeer) offers guests a menu where vegetables and herbs play the centre role. But no worries if you are not vegetarian. Meat and fish can be ordered as side-dish.
Address:
Nieuwe Doelenstraat 26
1012 CP Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Experience the NH Collection Hotels Amsterdam in 360˚
Tip: click on the up/down/left/right button in the top left corner of the video to experience the hotels from all angles. It’s pretty amazing!
Ready to feel the extraordinary?
The teams at NH Collection Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky, NH Collection Barbizon Palace and NH Collection Doelen look forward to welcoming you and making your event or business stay extraordinary. Download the NH Collection Hotels Amsterdam brochure to find out even more about the three stunning NH Collection Amsterdam venues.
