Which event venue in Amsterdam is ideal after a trade show or conference at the RAI?

The ideal event venue after a trade show or conference at RAI Amsterdam is one that is literally just around the corner, easy to reach, and capable of hosting both a casual drinks reception and a full group dinner. The Traveller Amsterdam ticks all those boxes: The Traveller Zuid is located right next to the RAI on Europaplein and offers packages for groups of any size. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about choosing an event venue near the RAI.

What makes a venue suitable for drinks or dinner after a trade show?

A great event venue after a trade show combines three things: a short walking distance from the exhibition hall, enough space for groups, and an atmosphere that makes the transition from professional to relaxed feel effortless. After a long day at a trade show, guests are tired and don’t want to travel far or wait before they can enjoy food and drinks.

Beyond accessibility, there are several practical factors that set a venue apart:

Flexible capacity: a venue that can accommodate both small groups and large parties without losing its atmosphere
Diverse menu: at international trade shows, guests come from all over the world, so a varied selection of food and drinks is essential
Private hire option: for companies looking to organize an exclusive networking reception or team dinner
Efficient service: conference attendees often have limited time and appreciate prompt, attentive service
Atmosphere and ambiance: an environment that encourages conversation and networking, without the stiffness of a meeting room

In practice, a restaurant with a strong concept and an international menu performs better than a generic hospitality venue, because it gives guests something to talk about and naturally sparks conversation.

How far is The Traveller Zuid from RAI Amsterdam?

The Traveller Zuid is located on Europaplein, right next to RAI Amsterdam. The walk takes just a few minutes, making it one of the closest dining venues for conference and trade show visitors. There’s no need to take a taxi or public transport.

That proximity is a major practical advantage, especially at the end of a busy trade show day. Groups can walk straight to The Traveller Zuid after a session ends or the exhibition floor closes, with no logistical planning required. The venue is situated in the vibrant Rivierenbuurt neighborhood, an area known for its lively character and excellent connections to Amsterdam city center and the surrounding districts.

For attendees arriving by train or metro, access is equally convenient. RAI station is within walking distance, and the Europaplein location is also easy to reach by bike or car.

What group packages are available after a conference?

Several options are available for groups after a conference, depending on group size, the desired program, and budget. The most popular formats are a standing networking reception, a share-plate dinner where dishes are passed around the table, or a combination of both. Many organizations opt for an informal setup that encourages networking without the structure of a formal meeting.

When putting together a group package, these are the most relevant choices:

Drinks and bites: a standing arrangement with snacks and drinks, ideal for networking events lasting one to two hours
Share-plate dinner: a seated dinner featuring dishes from world cuisine served family-style, creating a relaxed and sociable atmosphere
Combined program: a standing drinks reception followed by a shared dinner for a longer evening
Private arrangement: an exclusively hired space with a custom menu and drinks package

When booking a group package, it’s a good idea to communicate in advance how many guests are expected, whether there are any dietary requirements, and how long the program will run. This allows the venue to tailor both the service and the menu accordingly.

Can the Upper Deck be hired exclusively for a private event?

Yes, the Upper Deck at The Traveller Zuid can be hired exclusively for a private event. The space is flexible in its layout and suitable for a wide range of occasions, from an intimate networking reception and corporate dinner to a product launch or team outing after a conference at the RAI.

Hiring a private space offers several concrete advantages over a standard reservation:

The space is exclusively yours, with no other guests present
The program and layout can be fully tailored to the organization’s wishes
There is room for presentations, a welcome address, or other program elements
The menu and drinks package are put together to order

For companies organizing a conference or trade show at the RAI, a private event in the Upper Deck is a natural next step: guests barely have to travel, and the transition from the professional program to a relaxed gathering is seamless.

What are the alternatives to The Traveller Zuid as an event venue near the RAI?

Several dining venues and event spaces are available around RAI Amsterdam, but the right choice depends heavily on walking distance, capacity, and the desired character of the event. The most relevant options are:

The Traveller Zuid (Europaplein): right next to the RAI, an international restaurant concept with the option to hire the Upper Deck privately, suitable for drinks receptions and dinners
Hotel restaurants in the area: several hotels near the RAI have their own restaurant and meeting facilities, but the atmosphere tends to be more formal and less suited to informal networking
The RAI itself: the RAI offers its own catering options within the complex, but these are generally more expensive and less suitable for smaller or informal groups
Restaurants in the Rivierenbuurt: within walking distance there are various dining options, but most have limited group capacity or no option for private hire
The Traveller Zuidoost: the other location of The Traveller in Amsterdam Zuidoost is a little further away, but offers a comparable concept for those with more flexibility on location

For conference attendees looking for a venue that is immediately accessible, has an international feel, and can handle both small and larger groups, a restaurant on Europaplein is the most practical choice.

How do you book an event venue after a trade show in Amsterdam?

It’s best to book an event venue after a trade show in Amsterdam as early as possible — ideally weeks or even months in advance. Major trade shows at the RAI attract many groups simultaneously, meaning popular venues fill up quickly. Contact your preferred venue directly and provide the date, the expected number of guests, and the type of event.

When making a reservation, here are the steps to follow:

Determine the group size and type of event (drinks reception, dinner, private hire, or a combination)
Check availability for the desired date, taking the trade show calendar into account
Request a quote for a tailored package, including menu and drinks
Confirm the reservation in writing and record agreements on numbers, menu, and any additional requirements
Communicate dietary requirements and program elements to the venue in good time

Keep in mind that venues around the RAI are under extra pressure during major events. Booking early gives you the most flexibility and the best chance of securing an arrangement that perfectly matches your needs.

How The Traveller Zuid supports you after a trade show or conference at the RAI

At The Traveller Zuid, we offer a complete solution for anyone looking for an event venue after a trade show or conference at the RAI — one that is immediately accessible and has a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Our Europaplein location combines an international menu, a flexible space, and a team with experience hosting groups of all sizes and compositions.

Here is what we offer for groups after a conference or trade show:

A short walk from RAI Amsterdam, with no transport or lengthy detours required
Packages for both informal drinks receptions and full share-plate dinners
The Upper Deck as a private space, fully customizable to your preferences
An international menu suited to a diverse, international audience
Personal contact for a tailor-made arrangement

Want to find out what we can do for your group? Visit our venue page at The Traveller Zuid and get in touch with us to discuss the options and make a reservation.

Veelgestelde vragen

What is the maximum number of guests The Traveller Zuid can accommodate for a group event?

The Traveller Zuid is suitable for groups of varying sizes, from small parties of ten to larger groups. For the exact capacity of each space — including the Upper Deck for private hire — it’s best to contact the venue directly so they can put together a tailored proposal for you.

How far in advance should I book a group reservation during a major trade show at the RAI?

It’s strongly recommended to book at least four to six weeks in advance, and for major trade shows such as Amsterdam Dance Event or HISWA, several months ahead. Venues around the RAI fill up extremely quickly during busy trade show weeks. The earlier you book, the more choice you have in terms of date, time, and package.

What if some members of my group have dietary requirements or allergies?

The Traveller Zuid works with an international menu and is well used to a wide range of dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and halal. Please share any dietary requirements and allergies at the time of booking so the kitchen can make arrangements in good time and ensure no one in your group misses out.

Is parking available at The Traveller Zuid on Europaplein?

Europaplein is easily accessible by car and there are parking garages available in the immediate vicinity. RAI station is also within walking distance for attendees arriving by train or metro, and the venue is equally easy to reach by bike from Amsterdam city center and the surrounding neighborhoods.

Can I give a presentation or welcome address during a private event in the Upper Deck?

Yes, the Upper Deck is flexible in layout and has room for program elements such as a welcome address, a short presentation, or a product introduction. When booking, discuss which technical facilities you need — such as a screen or microphone — so that everything can be arranged in advance.

What is the difference between a drinks-and-bites reception and a share-plate dinner, and which should I choose for my group?

A drinks-and-bites reception is a standing arrangement lasting one to two hours, ideal for quick networking moments where guests can move freely and strike up conversations. A share-plate dinner is a seated arrangement where dishes are shared, creating a more relaxed and extended evening. If networking and flexibility are your priority, go for the drinks reception. If you want a more substantial, sociable meal to round off a conference day, the share-plate dinner is the better fit.

Can I also book a combination of a drinks reception followed by dinner on the same evening?

Absolutely — a combined program is actually one of the most popular choices for groups after a conference or trade show. You start with a standing drinks reception to catch up and network, followed by a shared share-plate dinner for a more complete evening. When making your reservation, let us know how long you’d like each part to last so the venue can align the service and menu seamlessly.