An open entrance plaza, a second main entrance, and a flexible hall layout. At first glance, they may seem like separate upgrades, but at EXPO Greater Amsterdam they form part of one cohesive vision. This summer, the venue is undergoing a renovation focused on quality, comfort and appearance. New general manager Koen Iking explains how these developments are not only functional, but also enhance the overall visitor experience.
When Koen started as general manager at EXPO Greater Amsterdam, one question immediately came to mind: “How is it that so many people are still unaware of this fantastic event venue?” Driven by a strong focus on hospitality and a genuine passion for storytelling, the former theatre producer set himself a clear mission: to position EXPO Greater Amsterdam as a leading A-location for conferences, trade fairs and events.
Putting the visitor experience first
Six months and many events later, Koen’s mission remains unchanged. In fact, EXPO Greater Amsterdam is now on the brink of a major renovation, designed to bring the entire visitor experience in line with the building’s distinctive character from start to finish. “The strength of our venue lies in the indoor-outdoor experience,” Koen explains.
“Anyone looking at EXPO Greater Amsterdam sees a large greenhouse with a green, accessible character. The expansive glass façades bring nature indoors. Step outside and you’re surrounded by 21,000 square metres of peace and space – right near Amsterdam and Schiphol Airport. It is precisely this open character that makes our venue unique, and it forms the foundation of our renovation.”
A first impression that reflects the venue
The most significant changes this summer will take place at the entrance plaza. Koen explains why: “I believe hospitality and experience are essential to stand out in today’s market. Ultimately, how you do things is your only license to operate in the long term. Guests need to feel welcome from the moment they arrive, and that is something I focus on heavily, also within our team.”
At present, the entrance plaza of EXPO Greater Amsterdam is primarily functional in design, but this summer it will be transformed into an open and welcoming entrance. Fences will be removed, seating will be added, and the greenery will be expanded. The venue is also investing in digital wayfinding signage and LED screens. Koen adds: “I don’t want people to have to search for their way. Moreover, on-brand signage offers organisers a great opportunity to immerse guests in the experience from the very first moment.”
Working closely together to achieve success
Before turning to the developments taking place behind the scenes, Koen emphasises the importance of maintaining short lines of communication with organisers. “That, too, is hospitality,” he says. “You need to support each other to achieve success. That’s why we stay in constant dialogue: what do you need, and how can we make that possible?”
During these conversations, a clear trend quickly emerged: “There is a growing demand for customisation and flexibility. Some trade fairs have been growing with us for years and are looking to refresh their format. At the same time, there are new exhibitions and conferences that want to expand gradually. With the upcoming upgrades, we can support both.”
More flexibility in scheduling and easier scaling
Following the renovation, availability during peak periods will increase. EXPO Greater Amsterdam will feature an additional main entrance, making it possible to host two events simultaneously. In terms of layout, the focus is on scalability and comfort.
“At the moment, we offer a conference centre for up to 450 guests and four large halls ranging from 2,800 to 8,200 square metres,” Koen explains. “This summer, twin-roll partition walls will be installed in the two largest halls, creating six separate compartments that can be combined as needed. The venue adapts to the event, which enhances the visitor experience. It also allows us to maintain better control over temperature and energy consumption.”
A new step in international ambition
This summer brings Koen one step closer to his mission. The upgrades create new opportunities for organisers while strengthening the overall visitor experience. “In a few years’ time, EXPO Greater Amsterdam will be known as the natural choice for (inter)national organisers looking to host events near Schiphol and Amsterdam – in a green oasis of calm, with limitless possibilities and hospitality at its core.”
Learn more about the renovation and exciting new possibilities at EXPO Greater Amsterdam.
The entrance plaza of EXPO Greater Amsterdam will be redeveloped this summer. The redesign is being undertaken in collaboration with Recreatieschap Spaarnwoude and forms part of a broader area development. The entrance plaza will become freely accessible, greener, and will connect the venue with the surrounding landscape and environment.
Where the entrance plaza of EXPO Greater Amsterdam is currently designed primarily for functionality, it will soon take on a more open character, with plenty of light and space. Fences will be removed, seating will be added, and additional greenery will be introduced. The route from the car park will also be improved, creating an inviting walkway leading to the entrance.
Koen Iking, general manager EXPO Greater Amsterdam, explains: “With the redesign of the entrance plaza, EXPO Greater Amsterdam will gain a new entrance that reflects the character of the building. This will allow us to further strengthen our position as an event venue. The open, green square will be a valuable addition that the entire area can be proud of.”
Strengthening the connection with the surrounding area
It is not only the entrance plaza of EXPO Greater Amsterdam that will be transformed. Recreatieschap Spaarnwoude will also redevelop the surrounding area, making it more open, more flower-rich and socially safer. The designs are aligned, creating one cohesive area that also functions as a cycling and walking route between the village of Vijfhuizen and the venue.
Alex Rohof, project manager at Recreatie Noord-Holland, says: “By working together with EXPO Greater Amsterdam, we are creating an attractive entrance that welcomes visitors and better connects with the surroundings. In doing so, we improve both accessibility and the overall quality of the area.”
Phased approach
EXPO Greater Amsterdam and Recreatieschap Spaarnwoude have opted for a joint, phased approach. Work on the entrance plaza will begin at the end of June and is scheduled for completion in early November 2026. The recreation authority will then start redevelopment of the adjacent area, which will continue over the coming years.
Investing in appearance and quality
In addition to the redesign of the entrance plaza, EXPO Greater Amsterdam is also investing in the quality and flexibility of the venue. An additional main entrance and new toilet facilities will make it possible to host multiple events simultaneously. Flexible wall systems will enable a more efficient hall layout, contributing to ease of use and energy savings during smaller-scale events.
Would you like to stay informed about all developments related to the entrance plaza of EXPO Greater Amsterdam? Follow the venue on LinkedIn, Facebook or Instagram.
Sustainability is a broad term, but it basically means “continuity”. EXPO Greater Amsterdam realises this continuity by applying people, planet and profit. The working conditions and collaborations with local entrepreneurs and people in the neighbourhood provide a nice balance in the environmentally friendly building.
Over the course of a few years, the solar energy sector has doubled and the heat pump market is booming. Despite the steps that have already been taken in the Netherlands, we are only at the beginning of the sustainability revolution. Solar Solutions is the largest trade fair in the field of solar energy in Northwest Europe and for sustainable climate technology, you have come to the right place at the Green Heating Solutions trade fair.
Both trade fairs took place at EXPO Greater Amsterdam in March and both fit perfectly with the appearance and facilities of the building. With 26,000 square metres of solar panels and sustainability being a subject of the utmost importance, the organisation deliberately chose this location.
“For years, the collaboration with the small team, who think about how we can set up a beautiful fair, has been very pleasant. In addition, the beautiful hall has a lot of daylight, which ensures a fresh and open appearance.” said Good! B.V., organiser of both Solar Solutions and Green Heating Solutions.
2023 was the year of Solar Solutions’ 10th edition. According to Marieke van Eijndhoven, Business Development Manager at Libéma, this is a huge milestone.
”Together with Good! B.V., we have seen this wonderful fair grow into a high-quality, large professional international fair that is now also successfully setting foot in other places in Europe. We are very happy with this cool event. The subject and atmosphere of this trade fair connect seamlessly with the USPs of our location, EXPO Greater Amsterdam.”
EXPO Greater Amsterdam is a unique location and, with an area of 24,000 m2, it is suitable for all types of fairs and events. The unexpected tranquillity between the bustle of the Randstad and the striking architecture allows the building to coincide perfectly with the lush greenery of the surrounding nature reserve. In addition, the glass walls allow the interior space to merge unnoticed into the beautiful outdoor space and the incidence of light adds something special to every event.