Where the river meets the city

A transparent and open location with a changing view over the IJ river that bisects Amsterdam on one side and one of the most popular European city centres on the other. And inside, any desired configuration is possible.

In March 2024, the members of the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) experienced the full package of Passenger Terminal Amsterdam (PTA). 

The annual meeting with 1,300 American travel advisors and suppliers opened with a welcome reception in the cruise terminal of the Dutch capital. On Day 2, the plenary session was in the same location in a theatre configuration, and on Day 3, the conference chairs made way for a trade fair with 50 table tops. This event immediately shows the flexibility of the location.

Combined with hotel rooms

The overnight stays were extra special because the participants slept on 12 river cruise ships moored next to the terminal.

The nearby Mövenpick Hotel Amsterdam City Centre, which has a direct walkway to Passenger Terminal Amsterdam, is usually where conference attendees stay. In close collaboration with PTA, the 400-room hotel can be fully rented for a conference. The hotel also offers an additional 11 break-out rooms.

Spectacular view

Passenger Terminal Amsterdam is located in a unique location with a spectacular view of the IJ, the ever-lively river that connects Amsterdam with the North Sea Canal. Cruise ships, river ships and canal boats can moor at the terminal. The mooring place for tour boats means that a boat trip through Amsterdam’s canals is a frequent feature of the leisure programme of conferences.

On the other side of the terminal, there is the city centre, where participants can easily walk or cycle for the real Amsterdam experience. Thanks to its location, PTA is easy to reach by bus, car, public transport, and, of course, by boat.

Transparent and open

You can fully enjoy the impressive and versatile view, thanks to the location’s glass façades. The transparent and open character of the location provides a beautiful backdrop for any event. Under the iconic undulating roof, which symbolises the connection between land and water, lies a sea of endless possibilities, as the members of many national and international clients have experienced.

While between the end of April and September, the location and its employees are entirely dedicated to receiving and helping cruise passengers, the same hospitality, service and organisational strength are used in the other months to make an event successful.

Custom furnishings

“During that period every year, we welcome some 30 international conferences,” says Rosanne Beekman, Head of Events. “It often involves two days of setup and three days of conference. We also do many other events, such as dinners, receptions, staff parties, product launches, and large-scale trade fairs.

The advantage is that we are basically an empty location, which we can fully customise. The canvas is a building with a modern appearance, bathed in daylight, and a view of the natural backdrop of the IJ. Here, we can create any desired setting, from an impressive hall to intimate spaces.

We also get many compliments about the hospitality of our team and how we help organisers solve their issues.”

 

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Three decks

Passenger Terminal Amsterdam consists of three open decks, connected by both a staircase and a lift. The glass façade ensures that all three decks offer a lively view of the water and city.

The Main Deck is located on the first floor and is often the centre of the event. It can accommodate a conference of 1,250 people or a company party of 2,000 people. Its shape and facilities make it very versatile.

The Main Deck extends from front to back of the building. The undulating shape of the sixteen-metre-high roof symbolises the connection between land and water, and the enormous wooden beams inside are a reminder of the shipbuilding tradition. The building’s transparency and abundance of glass provide natural daylight that is beautiful all year.

With its 340 square metres, the Panorama Deck immediately provides an intimate atmosphere for an event, accommodating 200 to 300 people. This deck has a permanent bar and is located at a height of ten meters. Here, you can see the activities of Amsterdam and the IJ during the day and the sparkling lights of the beautiful city centre in the evening.

The Promenade Deck also offers a spectacular view through the glass walls, while the large outdoor terrace on either side of the deck lets people enjoy this phenomenal view both indoors and outdoors. There are two LED walls on the Promenade Deck, which immediately give an event the desired ambiance upon arrival. There is also a permanent bar, a lift and a large catering area. Depending on the use, there is room for 500 to 700 people.

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