Why Rotterdam: Europe's best city for global conferences
The Rotterdam 'make it happen' mentality fuels innovation across the city, driving breakthroughs in key industries and powering events with world-class connectivity, premium venues, and reliable infrastructure.
1. Best connected European city
Rotterdam is Europe’s best-connected large city, making getting here simple and easy, ensuring greater attendance to your event:
- 2 international airports within 24 minutes
- 300+ direct international destinations
- High-speed rail connections to major European cities
Once here, getting around for groups and individuals is simple. The city has a walkable layout, efficient public transport system and various group transport services. The city is supported by a stable environment that ensures a seamless delegate experience.
2. Wide range of event venues & hotels
Rotterdam is a leading choice for international conferences, offering both scale and character. The city combines three state-of-the-art convention centres with inspiring, unconventional venues. Highlights include the Netherlands’ largest auditorium with 4,400 seats, as well as venues focused on sustainability.
By 2027, the city will offer over 11,400 hotel rooms, extended to 18,300 when including nearby cities The Hague, Schiphol and Delft, with many four-star options available. To make planning seamless, the Rotterdam Hotel Label provides organisers with:
- Favorable rates and guaranteed availability
- 12% commission included
- Streamlined booking support
3. Effortless event planning with support
Organising a conference or business event can be daunting, but Rotterdam makes it easy. As Rotterdam Convention Bureau, we are your partner in the city, with our in-depth local and congress knowledge, we help you succeed. Tap into our network of 170 + industry partners to create a lasting delegate experience and benefit from:
- Guaranteed visa for every participant
- Financial support
- A well-established legacy framework - The Rotterdam Collaboration for Change
4. Leader in key industries
Rotterdam is a future-focused city, known for its resilience and innovation. Government, businesses, and institutions such as Erasmus University, Erasmus MC, and TU Delft work closely together to drive progress. As home to Europe’s largest and most innovative port, Rotterdam is a true gateway to the world. The city leads in several key sectors, offering direct access to expert knowledge, talent, and international networks.
5. An innovative and unexpected destination
Rotterdam is a city that refuses to follow the script. Rebuilt after World War II with bold reinvention, it has become a place where resilience fuels creativity and innovation. From iconic architecture and experimental urban spaces to its diverse, youthful energy, Rotterdam creates an atmosphere as unconventional as it is inspiring. For delegates, this means each event comes with surprises at every turn, from unexpected venues to bold cultural experiences that leave a lasting impression.
Related information
Why the Netherlands
The Netherlands is the perfect destination for conferences and events thanks to the global connectivity, top convention infrastructure and strong appeal to delegates. A diverse, hospitable, progressive, and innovative country where everyone speaks English and collaboration comes naturally.
Resilient Rotterdam: the sustainable and inclusive city
This is how things are done in Rotterdam: we collaborate, innovate, and find new ways to tackle today’s and tomorrow’s challenges. From climate change adaptation and the energy transition to digitalisation and inclusive growth, Rotterdam is a resilient city, with sustainability and inclusivity at its core.Key sectors & industries in Rotterdam
Rotterdam is Europe’s gateway and a hub for strategic sectors: Life Sciences and Health, IT, Tech, Energy to name a few. With leading institutions the city fuels collaboration and innovation, making it the ideal destination for sector-focused conferences and events.
Financial support for international conferences
When you plan an international multiday congress or conference in Rotterdam, there are financial support mechanisms available that can help you manage financial risks, cover upfront costs, and make your event more feasible.