The Trade Event on Water That Comes to You

A trade fair without travel time, parking stress or anonymous halls – but with valuable content, high quality and personal contact?

In September 2025, RiverEvent Netherlands is coming to you. This innovative trade event for architects, interior designers and construction professionals takes place on board the luxury ship Blue Rhapsody, docking in Zwolle (16 September), Rotterdam (18 September) and Den Bosch (19 September). On board, visitors will find an exclusive selection of 75 leading brands, inspiring speakers, innovative materials and top-class hospitality – all tailored to the demands of today’s design practice.

A Trade Fair with a Radically Different Format

Initiator Raymond Scheepers knows the ropes. As the founder of RiverEvent, he has spent 40 years promoting building products to architects across six countries. “We often hear that visiting a trade fair these days takes up practically a full working day,” he says. “That’s why we’re coming to them.”

The Blue Rhapsody serves as a floating event platform, travelling between cities overnight. “We’ve chosen intimacy and quality,” explains Scheepers. “Instead of a large hall filled with products, this is a more localised event, with less travel time and more opportunity for real encounters. You don’t waste half a day in traffic – you simply board the ship in your own region.” (For the nautically inclined: the ship remains moored during the event.)

Visitors are welcomed into a clear, daylight-filled environment with great coffee, freshly prepared meals and a relaxed atmosphere. “Exhibitors tell us they have more in-depth conversations in one day than during an entire trade fair week,” Scheepers says. “And visitors often say it feels like an inspiring break, at just the right moment in their working week.”

RiverEvent is part of an international concept. The week before, RiverEvent Belgium will take place, and the week after, the ship will continue to Germany. Each edition features a unique group of exhibitors and a tailor-made content programme, attuned to the local market – always maintaining the same high standard.

Curated for Relevance and Substance

Unlike large trade fairs with hundreds of stands, organiser PlusPoint opts for a carefully curated selection: a maximum of 76 exhibitors, each with a compact and equal presentation. “You decide on location what you really need to see,” says Mark Jacobs (Johari Gulf), one of the participants. “There’s calm on board, and the visitor is central. You get the chance to really explore each stand, ask questions and have personal conversations.”

Networking also happens more spontaneously here. The intimate setting, measured pace and overall experience create a natural atmosphere for connections to form. “We often hear that exhibitors have more meaningful discussions here in half a day than during an entire week at a traditional fair,” says Scheepers.

Hospitality as a Core Concept

Beyond content, the event also offers a total experience. A common topic of conversation is the excellent catering – no limp sandwiches, but refined snacks, both hot and cold, served throughout the day. “We consciously invest in hospitality,” Scheepers says proudly. “Think a welcoming interior, attentive service and food that people spontaneously comment on.”

The event also charts a progressive course in terms of sustainability – quite literally. The Rhapsody runs on HVO100, a plant-based fuel that emits 90% less CO₂ than diesel. A deliberate choice that fits the fair’s vision for circular and climate-conscious working practices.

Content Curation by MaterialDistrict

As of this year, RiverEvent is co-organised by MaterialDistrict. “We’re bringing in our expertise in content,” says Jeroen van Oostveen, Director of MaterialDistrict. “That translates into a sharp lecture programme, a dedicated start-up zone, and a biobased & timber construction zone. No isolated stands, but a carefully curated narrative that aligns with the real-world practice of architects and designers.”

In the biobased & timber zone, companies such as Reduco, Finti and VanHier present their latest solutions using natural residual streams. The start-up zone features pioneers like Aectual (3D printed bioplastics), Cooloo (waste-based coatings), and Nabasco (biocomposites made from flax and hemp). “We’re looking for brands that truly add something,” says Van Oostveen. “What you’ll find here is current, practically applicable and content-driven.”

Forward-Thinking Voices

Each day features a compact theatre programme with speakers who think ahead. Pablo van der Lugt speaks in collaboration with PEFC Netherlands about the future of timber construction. Robert Winkel (NICE Developers) demonstrates how to scale circular building. Hedwig Heinsman (Aectual) and MVRDV share their vision on biobased façades, while VanHier and Cooloo show how design, circularity and identity can come together in new material applications.

Practical Information & Registration

• Tuesday 16 September – Zwolle | Scaniahaven | 11:00–19:00
• Thursday 18 September – Rotterdam | Piet Smitkade | 11:00–19:00
• Friday 19 September – Den Bosch | Empelsedijk | 11:00–18:00

Entry is free, exclusively for professionals in architecture, interior design and project development. A maximum of 600 tickets are available per day.