The Amsterdam RAI is a large complex of conference and exhibition halls located on the Europaplein in Amsterdam-Zuid.
The RAI complex currently has a total size of 112.200 m², divided over 70 conference- and meeting spaces, and 12 exhibition and event halls. The largest event hall has room for 12.900 seated visitors. The RAI complex is host to about 500 events a year drawing close to two million visitors per year.
Although the RAI was originally built for transport and mobility related conventions, most of the events hosted nowadays are no longer connected to these industries. Apart from conventions, exhibitions and conferences representative for a large variety of sectors and industries, the RAI also hosts large cultural events, concerts and dance parties.
History
The RAI exhibition centre has its origin in the late 19th century/ early twentieth century when a society initiated by the Dutch bicycle and automobile industry (Rijwiel- en Automobiel-Industrie), decided to create a permanent exhibition centre and event location on the Ferdinand Bolstraat in Amsterdam.
The RAI exhibition and convention centre was relocated to a new set of buildings especially designed for the purpose at the current site on the Europaplein in the 1960's. New buildings have been added through over several decades, such as the Congrescentrum, the Amstelhal, the Hollandcomplex, the Parkhal and most recently the Elicium, and the Amtrium, in 2009.