Red Carpet Dinner Rotterdam
The Red Carpet Dinner Rotterdam is our prestigious annual event that welcomes international companies who arrived in the city over the past year with the support of Rotterdam Partners. This evening is our way of showing appreciation to the businesses that chose Rotterdam as their base. By settling here, they strengthen the heartbeat of Rotterdam’s entrepreneurial spirit and contribute to the city’s international growth. We also thank all guests for being an important part of our business network.
Red Carpet Dinner, edition 2026
On 5 October 2026, the Red Carpet Dinner Rotterdam took place at the Oceandiva, a unique floating event venue that combines the energy of the city with the freedom of the water. Vice Mayor Tim Versnel welcomed 30 newly arrived international companies that established their business in Rotterdam over the past year. They did this with the support of Rotterdam Partners, strengthening the city’s thriving international business community.
Flagship networking event
The Red Carpet Dinner Rotterdam is recognized as one of the most important networking events for international companies in the region. It offers unique opportunities to connect with directors and representatives of leading national and international enterprises. Guests include innovative SMEs, foreign startups, scale-ups, ambassadors, (honorary) consuls, and aldermen from local authorities. The Red Carpet Dinner offers a high-level platform where decision-makers exchange insights and explore opportunities for collaboration. Together with RotterdamSquare, Port of Rotterdam, Innovation Quarter, Invest in Holland and Up!Rotterdam we are happy to expand on our business ecosystem in the Rotterdam region.
Celebrating new companies in Rotterdam
The newly landed companies represent countries from all over the world. By operating across key sectors such as data and AI, marine engineering, offshore technologies, sustainable aviation fuel, logistics, healthcare, and agri & food, these newcomers contribute to shaping the future and strengthening Rotterdam’s position as an international business hub.
"We are all Team Rotterdam – and our team aims to win."
Aftermovie Red Carpet Dinner 2026
Evening highlights
The evening programme featured an inspiring keynote by Nadia Fani, founder of Coastruction, who shared her vision and experiences in building a purpose-driven organisation. Companies in the spotlight included IOEMA and Coronet Ventures, which showcased their ambitions and connection to Rotterdam’s business ecosystem.
Guests were then treated to a cultural intermezzo by Scapino Ballet Rotterdam, featuring a piano performance from its newest production. The evening officially opened with welcoming remarks by Vice Mayor Tim Versnel, who reflected on Rotterdam’s international character and the value of innovation and entrepreneurship in the city. Throughout the evening, a walking dinner provided ample opportunity for networking, meaningful conversations, and new connections. A symbolic highlight of the event was the presentation of personalised Feyenoord Rotterdam shirts, featuring each company’s logo.
Impression of the 2026 Red Carpet Dinner
Photos by Guido Pijper.
