Amsterdam. Despite the challenging economic climate, 2012 was a very successful year for Amsterdam RAI with a record turnover achieved from its core activities. The RAI posted a net turnover of 134.7 million euros; 0.8% higher than the 133.6 million euros in 2011, and 7.8% more than 2010, a similar year in terms of the event calendar (125 million euros). The results from the core activities of the RAI – the organising and facilitating of exhibitions and events – rose by an impressive 26.4% compared to 2011. This rise, which is also important due to the spin-off the RAI creates for the city of Amsterdam and surrounding region, can be partly attributed to a notable calendar of international and national events as well as a growing attraction for international conferences.
The costs in 2012 increased by 2.9 million compared to 2011 due mainly to setbacks at the subsidiaries RAI Langfords (publishing company) and MECC Maastricht. As a result, the operational profit fell from 7.8 million euros in 2011 to 6.0 million euros in 2012. The net profit of 2012 was determined at 2.0 million euros (2011: 3.1 million euros).
Some 629 events were organised in the RAI complex in 2012, attracting more than 1.4 million visitors. Almost 400,000 of these attended international exhibitions and conferences, an increase of 30% on previous years. The total number of exhibitors in 2012 remained stable at 16,364. The RAI-organised events were key cornerstones for the RAI’s success. International trade exhibitions such as Intertraffic and ISSA Interclean saw growth, while METS remained stable. Editions of RAI-organised events (in the field of water management, traffic technology and professional cleaning) in China, the US and India made an increasing contribution to the results. National events including the Horecava and Huishoudbeurs as well as the revitalised BedrijfsautoRAI (road transport show) performed as expected.
General Director Hans Bakker of Amsterdam RAI is content with the results: “With a surplus of 26.4% on the core activities and a visitor increase of 30% at our international events, last year showed that companies continue to enjoy coming together to seek inspiration and create added value, despite the economic climate. The international character and market-leading positions of many events organised by Amsterdam RAI and others have strengthened the resilience of the RAI to the ongoing recession. At the same time, it ensures continuity in the spin-off that the RAI generates for the city of Amsterdam and the surrounding region. Every euro spent at the RAI equals four euros spent in the city.”
