RAI Amsterdam can remain open safely and responsibly, with the latest Covid-19 measures announced by the Dutch government having only a limited effect on upcoming national and international events. The Pan Amsterdam exhibition for art, antiques and design began on Saturday 13 November as planned, the Superyacht Forum will start on Monday 15 November, Metstrade – the world’s largest B2B show for the leisure marine sector – will open its doors as scheduled on Tuesday 16 November, and the luxury lifestyle Masters Expo kicks off on Thursday 18 November.
The new Dutch government guidelines do mean a change to the opening hours at the RAI, which for the next three weeks will be from 06.00 to 18.00. This means that any scheduled evening programmes will be cancelled. A maximum number of 1,250 visitors per indoor space will apply to events, with fixed seating for visitors such as congresses. Trade fairs are not limited to a number of visitors.
Focus on health and safety
“Health and safety are of the utmost importance to us,” explains RAI Amsterdam COO Maurits van der Sluis. “We proved when we reopened at the beginning of September that we are able to organise all kinds of large-scale business events in full compliance with public health and safety measures. All necessary measures are taken to ensure that visitors can participate in the events safely and responsibly. Working in close collaboration with the organisers of the events themselves, we do everything possible to maintain the highest levels of public health and safety. The Dutch government’s latest measures are also now being integrated into our updated protocols.”
Covid entry rules
Visitors to events organised in the RAI must be able to show proof of a complete course of vaccinations with matching ID, a valid certificate of recovery from Covid or a negative Covid test certificate (valid for a maximum of 24 hours). All visitors are also given a quick health check upon arrival. Fixed seating is required for any catering/dining facilities available during events, with the exception of takeaway food services.
Updated opening hours
A few things will change over the next three weeks for people wishing to visit the city of Amsterdam after a day at RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre. Here too a valid Covid entry pass will be required and all restaurants and cafés have to be closed from 20.00 to 06.00. These new opening hours do not apply to cultural sites such as museums, cinemas and theatres but a valid Covid entry pass is now required to access cultural sites and events.
