Expomedia Opens New Facility in Amsterdam
Staff -- Tradeshow Week, 5/30/2005
Expomedia Group and its Netherlands office in Amersterdam, Telegraaf Expomedia Events, on May 26 opened EXPO XXI Amsterdam the latest addition to the expanding chain of EXPO XXI international convention centers.
Amsterdam's deputy mayor presided over the venue's opening ceremony. Also in attendance were Ad Swartjes, chairman of Dutch partner Telegraaf Media Group, and Expomedia Chairman Roger Shashoua.
According to Expomedia CEO Mark Shashoua, EXPO XXI Amsterdam will provide organizers with much-needed space and services for a wide variety of events. The venue has already attracted POP, an in-store marketing event, as well as fashion events, an Xbox event, a political party conference, a trade forum and a series of monthly dance events.
What is its relationship to the larger Amsterdam RAI? According to Paddy Young, EXPO XXI Amsterdam managing director, "The venue in no way acts as a threat to the RAI, as its offering is very different."
Young explained that the new facility is perfect for smaller, niche or launch events that prefer exclusive use of a complete venue. When they grow out of it, they can move on to larger venues like the RAI. "This same principle applies to other EXPO XXI venues in developed markets, including Cologne," added Young.
John van Stolk, director of international business development for the RAI, agreed that EXPO XXI focuses more on domestic organizers than the RAI, but added that "there could be some competition for smaller shows. We do more niche shows at the RAI, but we do have facilities for smaller as well as bigger shows."
