Back in 2004, Expatica launched its “i am not a tourist” Lifestyle Fair for Internationals, a day where expats could come together and learn everything there is to know about living in the Netherlands. The 2011 Fair is scheduled to take place on October 23rd at the Beurs van Berlage in Amsterdam from 10am-5pm. This October will mark the Fair’s 8th anniversary.
The idea behind the event is to provide expats and internationals living in the Netherlands with the “opportunity to get all the information and contacts [they] need in one place.”
For the past two years, the fair has seen more than 4,000 visitors, who come to connect with companies and organizations catering to the international community as well as to meet fellow expats.
Volunteers will greet you at the door, check your tickets, and hand you a free goodie bag. A free coat check is also provided. What you choose to do next is up to you.
There is much on offer for both the long and short term expat: workshops, performances and art, food and drink. There will also be raffles with excellent prizes like hotel accommodations, workshop tickets and magazine subscriptions. Many of the exhibitors also have their own raffles and games where additional prizes can be won.
Some 100 international organizations and businesses are on hand each year, offering their services to the expat community. In the past, such organizations have included Expat Women, Dutch News, Typical Dutch Stuff, Women’s Business Initiative, Worldwide Brokers, ABN AMRO bank, Hard Rock Cafe, Tulip Expat Services, Expatcenter Amsterdam, American Women’s Club Amsterdam, International Women’s Clubs of Amsterdam and The Hague, British School of Amsterdam, English Breakfast Radio, Webster University, Pet Travel Clinic, and Undutchables… just to name a few!
Pick up a complimentary copy of ACCESS Magazine, Time Out Amsterdam, or The Xpat Journal. Freebees are offered everywhere you turn and games and raffles can be played and prizes won.
You can also meet and chat with other expats and internationals by participating in any number of available workshops. This year’s offerings include workshops in personal branding, chocolate making, writing, buying a house in the Netherlands, Genever tasting, job hunting advice, salsa dancing, starting your own business, and more.
Single expats can also take part in any one of the speed dating events on offer throughout the day. Or you can wander through the art exhibition corner, admiring the work of fellow expats in the Netherlands.
For a break, grab a seat in the main hall to catch any one of the numerous performances. This year, audiences will be treated to the likes of eXtremoS dance company, American comedian Greg Shapiro, Wijnand Stomp stand-up storytelling, and jazz singer Curtis Darby.
Tickets are free if ordered online in advance and €10 at the door. The venue is located by the Dam Square, within walking distance from Amsterdam Central Station. Check out the website for more information and to order your tickets.
Whether you’ve lived here a day, several years, or your whole life, this is an event not to be missed. See you there!
