City of Amsterdam and RAI reaffirm iGB Live! support with joint statement

In the statement – signed by Jan-Willem Flohi, director of economic and cultural affairs for the City of Amsterdam and Paul Riemens, chief executive of RAI Amsterdam – said they planned to “welcome visitors from throughout the world”.

“The City of Amsterdam recognises the significant value of international events taking place here in Amsterdam both for the city and the Netherlands as a whole,” they said. “We are ready to use the insights and all the smart ideas from entrepreneurs in our city, together with Clarion Events to reopen Amsterdam internationally. 

“The impact of events in Amsterdam significantly enhances the related sectors due to the resulting connections and deals that will help reinvigorate economies.”

The statement comes after research from Fieldlab Events, a body formed by the events industry in collaboration with the Dutch government. The research found that with the right measures in place, events may be able to host up to 100% of pre-pandemic capacity.

“Taking into account the results from the research conducted by Fieldlab Events with scientists from Dutch universities and the implementation of the EU Digital Covid Certificate, we are convinced that organising successful events can be done in a safe manner,” the statement added. “We are looking forward to hosting international business events again this fall and welcoming visitors from all over the world.”

Naomi Barton, portfolio director responsible for iGB Live! and iGB Affiliate Amsterdam, welcomed the statement and research.

“We continue to work extremely closely with our colleagues at the RAI and the City Of Amsterdam and we welcome news of the on-going role and contributions made by Fieldlab Events,” she said.

“The Fieldlab organisation has huge credibility and is supported by a number of influential stakeholders including scientists and government departments including the Ministries of Health, Welfare and Sport, Education, Culture and Science, Economic Affairs and Climate as well as Justice and Security. 

“The RAI is leading the way in terms of plotting the future of in-person events and we are highly encouraged by the positive statement that’s been issued in partnership with the City of Amsterdam.”