Rotterdam: Where the Innovation & Sustainability of a Destination are a State of Mind

Meeting attendees want an environment that fosters creative thinking, and access to knowledge that can’t be found at home. Entrepreneurship, innovation and sustainability are part of Rotterdam’s DNA, and at Rotterdam Partners Convention Bureau we work closely with planners to infuse that state of mind into all conferences and events. 

Our city is known for its Make It Happen spirit, which is reflected in our people and business climate. As a global innovation hub, Rotterdam is strategically located in the so-called Randstad, the thriving economic heart of the Netherlands, recently named the world’s 4th most innovative country.

And with a strong performance in Maritime & Offshore, Cleantech & Energy, Life Sciences & E-Health, Agro-food & Logistics, ICT & Smart Industry and Insurance & Business Services, it’s no wonder business leaders and intellectual capitalists are flocking to our great city, Rotterdam.  

The Rotterdam region is home to internationally renowned knowledge institutions – Erasmus University Rotterdam, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, and Delft University of Technology is very close by– and Rotterdam has robust start-up and innovation hotspots, such as the RDM Innovation Dock and the Cambridge Innovation Centre.

There are also a number of existent projects, or projects in development which can make up part of the technical or out-of-the-box programming for congresses and events looking to shake things up for their delegates.

The Floating Farm: Envisioned as the solution for feeding cities in an ever more populous and urbanized world, the Floating Farm will be a living lab, where partners will be encouraged to help create a better, cleaner & healthier world.

To be situated in Rotterdam's Merwe- Vierhaven (or M4H District) it will be in close proximity to the Rotterdam Science Tower, featuring a thriving life sciences environment for startups and research institutes (video).

The Water Hub: A new design for water based public transport, the Water Hub, which has been designed with the objective of reducing CO2 emissions by 50% in 2025

My favorite aspect of this? When I read one of the briefs about the project one specific statement jumped out at me. I am paraphrasing here, but the gist of it was that it would be good for the well-being of the citizens of Rotterdam to travel by water, as it has a positive effect on you, contributing to an overall sense of well-being.

The Smog Free Tower: The world’s first Smog Free Tower, which is essentially a giant vacuum cleaner which sucks in pollution and turns into fresh and clean quality breathable air. You can even buy jewelry made from the left over smog particles, but most importantly the project has global applications, crossing borders, and contributing to a solution for air pollution.

The Dutch Windwheel: A global icon for sustainability, and the evolution of a Dutch mainstay: from windmill to Windwheel.

The Dutch Windwheel will offer panoramic views of Rotterdam’s port, and as a mixed-use building will feature apartments, a hotel, a sky bar and an attraction, making use of the building both above water, and under water. The Windwheel will tap into alternative energy resources: water, wind, solar and organic waste, and is aiming to be an economic engine for the city, while also offering an interactive experience which will educate visitors on sustainability.

The Public Art Depot MBVB: a collection building the likes of which have never seen before. A public route will zigzag through the building, from the lobby and café up to an exhibition space, sculpture garden and restaurant on the roof. A visit to the Depot will be unlike any other museum visit, as the work of curating and restoration will become part of the viewing experience. The roof will feature a green oasis, open to the public. Visit the Online Tour to get a better idea; it's in Dutch, but worth the visit just for the images (...and we all know images are worth 1000 words). The building is due to open in 2019 and is striving to reach sustainability classification BREEAM Excellent.

At the Rotterdam Partners Convention Bureau, we work closely with you to tap into our local expertise and knowledge base, and develop programs that allow your attendees enter the right state of mind. 

You can make an appointment at IMEX America so that we can start working closely together on your next meeting experience. See you at Booth #C2230!