The innovation behind sustainable events in Rotterdam

Header photo: Luchtpark Hofbogen located at the former railway station Hofbogen / Hofplein. Copyright: Guido Pijper

During my recent visit to Rotterdam for the Urban Future conference, I discovered why it is the go-to destination for sustainable events. 

Rotterdam embodies its “Make It Happen” motto by offering direct access to social enterprises and sustainability projects that event planners can easily integrate into conference programs. 

The city’s practical innovations deliver real impact for delegates while supporting local initiatives. I spoke with Brenda Kamphuis, founder-director De Rotterdam Tours & City Programs who organized the social and sustainability excursions during the Urban Future conference. 

We discussed how these exceptions create meaningful connections between visitors and local projects. Below, I’m excited to share highlights from our conversation and my personal experiences visiting these inspiring initiatives.

Case study: AER Annual Conference 2023, Amsterdam

The AER Annual Conference 2023 marked a new beginning after two years of planning under pandemic conditions. Held in Amsterdam, this event for the Alliance of Independent Travel Agencies (AER) brought together 500 travel agencies and 400 specialized tour operators, with a large portion focused on sustainable travel.

About AER

AER is an alliance of 500 travel agencies and 400 specialized tour operators, many of whom focus on sustainable travel. The AER Cooperation AG manages all commercial offerings on behalf of AER e.V. (registered association). The annual conference plays a key role in AER’s broader strategy: strengthening its members, fostering ongoing education, and collectively developing innovative solutions for current and future challenges.

To bring this strategy to life, embedding the association’s member meeting within a creative and dynamic event format requires thoughtful planning. The event was able to strike the right balance between formal structure and an inspiring atmosphere—ensuring delegates leave both well-informed and highly engaged.

Event Goals & Planning Considerations

After planning under pandemic conditions for two years, the Annual Conference 2023 was designed to mark a fresh start. AER aimed to strengthen the industry and create an inspiring event for its members.

The focus was on addressing current tourism challenges and providing targeted training for participants. AER wanted to create a strong network and encourage exchange between members and partners, moving away from competitive thinking toward a community of learning and sharing.

The event was designed as flexibly as possible, enabling active participation and exchange. The varying needs of all participants were considered to create an atmosphere where everyone could develop and gain new impulses. The member meeting needed to be seamlessly and appealingly integrated into the conference.

Sustainable event venues and hotels in Rotterdam

Sustainable venues and hotels in Rotterdam set high sustainability standards for the events industry. This is how they do it.

Sustainability in action: Rotterdam Ahoy Convention Centre

Rotterdam Ahoy Convention Centre, at the heart of Rotterdam’s event infrastructure, combines sustainability with practical benefits for event organizers.

During my visit to cover Urban Future 2024, I experienced firsthand how The Rotterdam Hall, Ports, and Docks spaces welcomed about 2,500 attendees for the international conference.

I was impressed by The Rotterdam Hall’s natural daylight, which enhances attendee wellbeing while reducing energy use.

Throughout the venue, sustainable features serve multiple purposes: the moss sedum roof (1,713 m²) provides natural insulation, solar panels supply 25% of electricity needs, and a water reservoir system reuses rainwater. The entire facility operates gas-free.

Event case study: Sustainability at UEFA EURO 2024 in Stuttgart

In July 2024 I visited UEFA EURO 2024 in Stuttgart to get insights into the sustainability initiatives in place. I spoke to Ellen Schmid, Deputy Head of Sustainability @ UEFA Euro 2024 – Host City Stuttgart. The Stuttgart Convention Bureau provided the introduction to this valuable conversation with Ellen, which allowed me to gain insights into the sustainability efforts.

Though these initiatives were designed for a mega event, many can be adapted to suit events of any size and across various industries.

What are the key sustainability initiatives UEFA Euro 2024 is implementing to minimise the environmental impact?

Firstly, in all ten host cities, matches were held in existing stadiums that have been renovated and upgraded to improve climate efficiency. 

Additionally, preliminary matches were organised so that each team played in the region of Germany closest to its base, reducing travel, which is the primary source of emissions.

To further support low-emission travel, our partner Deutsche Bahn has offered attractive ticket options, encouraging as many fans as possible to travel by train. The tournament aims to be a multicultural event where minorities feel represented and integrated, with a strong commitment to gender equality and a strict stance against discrimination and racism. This vision also extends to ensuring comprehensive inclusion, with venues designed to be easily accessible and barrier-free for all.

Rotterdam: Your top choice for hosting sustainable and high-impact events

Rotterdam has established itself as a premier destination for sustainable events, earning international recognition from Arcadis. The city’s innovative approaches to climate resilience and practical, forward-thinking solutions make it a top choice for events that aim to create lasting impact.

Practical approach to sustainability and resilience

I was in Rotterdam to attend Urban Future 2024 and spoke to Chantal Zeegers, Vice Mayor responsible for climate, construction, and housing. ‘Innovation and entrepreneurship is really Rotterdam’s DNA,’ she shared with me. ‘We are known for our pragmatism, so we think that actions speak louder than words.’

This practical approach to sustainability and resilience manifests throughout the city’s infrastructure, policies, and most notably, its event venues.