Investments in sustainability generate significant savings
RAI Amsterdam’s revenue increased by 28 percent in 2023 compared to the previous year as COVID-19 restrictions no longer impacted the events and trade fair sector. The company has also invested in sustainability over recent years, resulting in significant savings in energy consumption and much lower CO2 emissions.
RAI Amsterdam’s revenue amounted to €151.4 million over the past year with an operational profit (EBITDA) of €27.3 million. After tax, the convention centre recorded a profit of €7.6 million. "This has been an excellent year for us in every respect," comments CEO Paul Riemens. "Not every conference and exhibition is held annually and, considering our cycle, it was impressively busy for an uneven year. International events have returned to Amsterdam and we have been very active abroad with our own events in the past year. Furthermore, we have succeeded in creating additional value for the city and region with our buildings and events."
1.5 million visitors
A total of 322 events took place at RAI Amsterdam in 2023. They attracted almost 1.5 million visitors, which is an increase of some 20 percent compared to 2022. The most visited event was the broadcast exhibition IBC, which attracted over 43,000 visitors from more than 170 countries. Additionally, the IT and tech fair Cisco Live was held at RAI Amsterdam for the first time and the European Society of Cardiology brought 24,000 doctors together in the Dutch capital. "We have built up a portfolio of events which are leaders in their respective sectors and bring the key players from these sectors together," says Riemens. "Our goal with all these different events is to have societal and economic significance, which is exactly what our customers are increasingly asking for too. And of course, the events held here stimulate innovation and provide an economic boost to the city."
Over the past year, RAI Amsterdam has further emphasised its social and societal significance, especially through its role as a partner in the sustainability efforts of the Amsterdam metropolitan region. It has also focused on addressing various issues that are on the societal agenda. For example, the gas consumption of the convention centre has almost halved compared to five years ago, with total energy consumption decreasing by about 20 percent in the same period and CO2 emissions falling by over 16 percent. In addition, taps have been installed to reduce water consumption, the RAI kitchen predominantly uses plant-based and local products, all carpets in the RAI are being replaced with circular carpet tiles, and all shoes, helmets and used employee clothing are reused or recycled into raw materials for car upholstery.
Transformation
Riemens emphasises that RAI Amsterdam aims to contribute as much as possible to the overall well-being, development and transformation of the city. "For some years now, we have been working on on a programme of integrated area development that will address these issues even more effectively. This is a long-term trajectory but, as we work together more closely, the city and RAI Amsterdam are increasingly recognising how valuable we can be to each other.”
According to Riemens, 2024 promises to be an even better year for RAI Amsterdam: "Our agenda is very well-filled and we are innovating in a wide range of areas, from small changes such as water-saving toilets to major investments in a private 5G network. In addition, we will continue to develop the vision for our part of the city together with Amsterdam council and other stakeholders. In doing so we will ensure that the RAI premises have even greater added value for organisers, exhibitors, visitors, the city and the region.”
Check out the annual report here.