The past year was once again an eventful one. Flexibility proved to be of great importance to our industry once again. How do we look back on the past year as Unique Venues of Amsterdam? And with what perspective do we dare to look ahead? We ask our chairman, Ronald van Lopik. 

What is your most memorable moment of the past year? 

The most memorable—you often think of grand events. For me personally, this year it is a smaller event. Namely, the moment we saw each other in person again at the Hermitage after a long time, internally as an association. The magic that immediately arose from being together, sparring, and the energy coming back to life gave such a positive feeling. 

If you had to describe the past year in one word, which word would that be?

The first thing that comes to mind: uncertainty. The only certainty of the past year was that everything would remain uncertain. Both internally as an association and at each venue itself with our clients. With everything you plan, you don't know in what form > always adapting. For every event this year, multiple scenarios were devised. Each time, it was uncertain in what form it would be allowed to take place. However, uncertainty does not feel fitting for how resiliently we responded to this. I prefer to choose flexibility, something we are becoming increasingly strong in. Our venues, all partners, and of course clients remained flexible. They kept adapting, adjusting, and rethinking towards a form that was possible. 

What have you learned from the past year? 

What has become very clear to me personally is that maintaining connection does not happen automatically. It requires a lot of effort from everyone involved. Even though the word 'unification' sounds like being 'united,' it is not a given that people will stay engaged. And that is not surprising, of course. 

From a business perspective, we do nothing but constantly seek connection. With CRM systems and a great deal of personal attention, we hold on to relationships with clients and partners. We need each other, and it is in our nature to prioritize that personal aspect. But internally, and certainly given the structure of our association, you tend to 'lose' sight of one another a little. Slowly, the separate islands—referring to the various companies—drift apart. 

In the early days of COVID, that connection remained very strong. Consulting together, discussing how we all interpreted the measures, and how to deal with various matters. Sharing knowledge and standing strong together. Gradually, that faded more and more; you focus internally and on survival, and it is difficult to maintain that together. 

On a positive note to close out the year: What are you most proud of this past year? 

That’s an easy one! All venues have remained members, which is incredibly nice. In addition, we have even been able to onboard two new venues. Something we, as the board, had not expected in these times. To me, that demonstrates the value of the association, and that is encouraging. Venues want to remain involved and are committed to that. 

And of course, a brief look ahead... What can we expect from the coming year? 

Re-establishing the connection we have missed so much – 'behind the scenes' – in other words, internally. Especially much more live interaction, both internally and externally. Meeting each other more and continuing to brainstorm. Finding that energy again. Additionally, attending more trade fairs and remaining visible to our clients. Putting the association back in the spotlight. We are also planning a new edition this year of the successful client event we organized before COVID. A unique look inside various locations in a single day. And now that this is on paper, it must of course be made a reality. 😉

So, the theme that 2022 will really revolve around is seeing each other, live. Having our clients visit us again and showing them what we are proud of. But also being able to offer new colleagues at various locations a warm welcome to their new place within the association. And, of course, getting to know the new partners who are joining us and strengthening the connection.  

We are really looking forward to it and hope to see each other again in the coming year. Stay healthy in the meantime and enjoy these holidays, within your possibilities.