The first six months of 2025 are already over. And what a great period it was! Literally and figuratively it was all about movement, during which we facilitated and organised beautiful events. A few highlights highlighted:
Magic that brings people together
The final weeks of the year are always special. And the end of 2024 was no exception. It was a spine-tingling moment: thousands of expectant faces and favourite Disney stories set against metres of glistening ice. Disney On Ice came to Jaarbeurs! A wonderful multi-day event where everything came together perfectly: from the preparations right through to the final round of applause. A textbook example of the power of connection; where people came together to share wonderful moments. We look back with pride and forward to this collaboration, because Disney On Ice is coming back in December! This year, once again with a unique group discount and special catering packages. A magical moment to round off the year with colleagues or business partners!
AutoClassiqa
For the first time, AutoClassiqa & De Nationale Autobeurs took place at Jaarbeurs: an exhibition packed with supercars, iconic classic cars and innovations within the automotive sector. It was the place to be for anyone with a passion for cars. And it was an immediate success: 41,500 visitors, more than 350 vehicles and 100 exhibitors. To put it mildly, an impressive launch for a new automotive event in the Netherlands.
WOCODA
In January, WOCODA brought its second edition to Jaarbeurs with the aim of growing the event. And it succeeded. From 1,000 visitors in 2024 to 2,500 participants in 2025! It became a national meeting place where government bodies, housing associations and market players came together to address one key question: how can we build more and better homes, faster? From ministers to councillors, the stages were packed with sessions on accelerating progress, improving sustainability and driving innovation.
AJN Day
In early April, paediatricians, paediatric nurses and researchers from across the country gathered at Supernova for AJN Day. This was no ordinary conference, but a general meeting of members, followed by a unique programme on the latest developments in healthcare research. It was also referred to as a ‘knowledge boost’. And a valuable opportunity to meet one another. We are proud of this long-standing collaboration!
New names and familiar faces
From Microsoft and Praxis to Exact: in the first half of the year, major companies (once again) chose Jaarbeurs as their central meeting place – for meetings, customer days and inspirational sessions. Wonderful days that we look back on with pride.
International conferences in Utrecht
Not one, not two… but 21 were on the schedule. A record we’re proud of! Recurring themes include life sciences and sustainability; themes that help put Utrecht even more firmly on the map as a conference city. These were valuable learning experiences. The insights gained over the past few months will also form the basis for the conferences still to come. In this way, we continue to learn and improve together.
Adapting quickly to rail strikes
Although the NS strikes came as a surprise – they were announced just a few days in advance – we weren’t caught off guard. One of our key strengths is our flexibility. For us, that means thinking proactively and being able to adapt quickly. This enabled us to downsize venues or relocate meetings at the last minute. Some sessions were converted to a hybrid format. We’re proud of our team’s hard work and, together, we deliver on our promise: to create wonderful encounters. In whatever way we can.
