UIA Associations Round Table Europe, 2022

About Rotterdam

ROTTERDAM. DYNAMIC WORLD CITY

Rotterdam is a dynamic world city, internationally known as the ‘gateway to Europe’. Our port, the busiest in Europe and the smartest in the world, is the anchor of Europe’s maritime & offshore cluster. Our city is also home to leading, innovative clusters in other key economic sectors such as life sciences & health, cleantech, logistics and agri-food. Thanks to our port and its excellent hinterland connections, our international airports and our superior (digital) infrastructure, Rotterdam has the best connectivity in Europe. That is why Rotterdam is an international business and transport hub where international companies choose to locate their head offices. In Rotterdam connections are made quickly and easily, resulting in unorthodox combinations and innovative crossovers between economic sectors. With our internationally acclaimed knowledge and research institutions, a thriving international business community, high-quality culture and architecture, a multitude of leisure activities and a great diversity in people, Rotterdam offers everything in one.


TOP FIVE BUSINESS FACTS

  1. Location, location, location
    Rotterdam has the most strategic location in Western Europe, rated #1 in connectivity among large European cities by fDi European Cities & Regions 2022 / 2023. Access to the city is via a 26-minute high-speed non-stop train from Schiphol Airport, or a quick local transport connection from Rotterdam Airport. Naturally, your delegates can also choose to arrive in our city via easy and sustainable high-speed international trains arriving from London, Paris, Antwerp, Brussels & Frankfurt.

  2. International Events Infrastructure
    Rotterdam offers three purpose-built convention centers. The Rotterdam Ahoy Convention Center, seats 1.6000 in the arena and 4000 in the auditorium, complemented by 35 break-out rooms and 6 exhibition halls. The facilities at De Doelen ICC include a plenary of 1750 and many flexible breakouts, and the newly renovated Postillion Convention Center (World Trade Center) features a flexible plenary of 1000, with breakout rooms and exhibition space clustered around the plenary and all on one level. Rotterdam also features a number of conference hotels and heritage venues, like the ss Rotterdam, you can unleash your creativity in!

  3. Accommodation in a Walkable City
    There are more than 9000 hotel rooms in the greater Rotterdam area, reaching 16,500 hotel rooms when including two satellite hubs within easy reach thanks to our exceptional sustainable public transport.

  4. Experiential City
    Rotterdam is the "Little Big City" offering new and exciting experiences for even the most seasoned traveler. Rated #4 in lifestyle among large European cities by fDi, the city's attractiveness and connectivity will serve as a magnet for live delegates as the events industry opens up again!

  5. Value for Money
    Consistently rated as the most affordable of the four convention cities in the Netherlands by the (national) Central Bureau of Statistics, your event taking place in Rotterdam benefits your budget’s bottom line and makes attendance affordable for your delegates.