"Initiating and organising an international conference is like starting up a new enterprise, knowing beforehand that its life span is limited. Such an enterprise usually requires starting capital to pay the initial costs. Insurance to cover possible risks due to reduced attendance may also be needed.

The Pre-financing and Guarantee Fund (VGF) was set up by the Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions (NBTC) and the Dutch Convention Industry Association VNC, in co-operation with the Ministry of Economic Affairs, to meet these needs.

The two facilities the VGF offers, the pre-financing and the guarantee, may be used both separately and in combination."