Why organise meetings, conferences and events in the Zaanstreek?
A meeting in an old factory, a conference set against a backdrop of industrial heritage, or a business gathering by the water: in the Zaanstreek, any gathering is sure to take on a different atmosphere. The region is situated close to Amsterdam and offers a wide range of venues for meetings, conferences, team-building days and business events.
But why should you, as an organiser, choose the Zaanstreek? Here are six reasons.
Close to Amsterdam, with a character all of its own
A business venue doesn’t have to be right in the centre of Amsterdam to be easily accessible. Zaandam and the Zaanstreek are situated just north of the capital and form part of the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area.
This makes the region an attractive option for organisations that value its proximity to Amsterdam, whilst at the same time wishing to offer their participants a change of scenery.
What’s more, from the centre of Zaandam, you can quickly travel further into the region. Urban amenities, historic villages, nature and industrial heritage are all relatively close together.
Meetings in industrial heritage sites
Anyone gathering in the Zaanstreek region cannot fail to notice its industrial past. From the days of the mill industry onwards, an area developed along the River Zaan where manufacturing and entrepreneurship play a key role.
You can still see traces of that history in the warehouses, factories and industrial sites. A good example is the Hembrug site in Zaandam. This former military site is now a place where heritage, creative industries, culture, hospitality and events come together.
It is precisely this contrast that makes it an attractive venue for a business meeting. You literally get to step away from your everyday office environment for a while.
For both small and large gatherings
From a strategy session with a small team to a conference, product presentation or company party: in the Zaanstreek you’ll find venues for a wide range of business gatherings. Choose, for example, a creative meeting room, a hotel with meeting facilities or an industrial event venue full of character.
This allows you to choose a venue that not only suits the number of guests and your practical requirements, but also the atmosphere you wish to create for your event. It is precisely this variety that makes it possible to find a suitable setting for every type of business programme.
See more than just the meeting venue
Why should a conference day consist solely of presentations and workshops?
The area offers opportunities to enhance a business programme. Think of a walk through industrial heritage sites, a visit to a museum, an activity on or by the water, or an introduction to local craftspeople and products. This allows you to give participants a taste of the region. Particularly for a team-building day, a multi-day conference or a gathering with guests from outside the region, such an element of the programme can provide a welcome change of pace.
Discover the Zaan region
A region full of entrepreneurs and creators
The Zaanstreek has a long history of entrepreneurship, manufacturing and innovation. From sawmills and windmills to cocoa, biscuits and other foodstuffs: large-scale production has been taking place here for centuries.
That mindset isn’t just a thing of the past. Even today, you’ll find entrepreneurs, makers and creative businesses in the region who are building on that tradition.
This provides business meetings with an interesting contextual backdrop. For example, organise a programme centred on innovation, entrepreneurship, food production, sustainability or creativity, and link the topic to a local entrepreneur, creator or venue.
Stay overnight or turn it into a multi-day programme
Will your conference or meeting last several days? Or would you prefer not to go straight home after a busy day?
The Zaanstreek is home to a variety of hotels, B&Bs and other accommodation options. This makes it possible to combine a business meeting with an overnight stay and carry on the next morning.
This also gives participants from outside the region the opportunity to see more of the surrounding area.
Accommodation tips