Customer case: Big company parties on the water in Amsterdam: An unforgettable business event
Organising a big corporate party in Amsterdam requires a special location, a professional organisation and a program that brings fellow ’s together. More and more companies therefore opt for a company party on the water in Amsterdam. An exclusive event ship not only offers space for large companies, but also combines a unique environment with extensive opportunities for catering, entertainment and business events.
At Event on the Water we help companies to find the right event boat for their staff party, anniversary, company drink or large-scale business meeting.
The challenge: an original company party for 250 employees
For this example case we assume an international company that wants to organise a large-scale staff party in Amsterdam. The company is looking for an exclusive event location where 250 employees can enjoy a festive evening together.
The organisation has different wishes: a unique location, sufficient space for all guests, extensive catering, a professional DJ and the possibility to discover Amsterdam from the water.
In addition, the event must be suitable for both Dutch and international employees. The atmosphere should be informal, but at the same time appropriate to the professional character of the company.
The principal wishes of the client:
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A private event ship for 250 people.
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A sailing trip over the IJ and along the Amsterdam waterfront.
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An extensive walking dinner with vegetarian and vegan options.
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Unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks during the agreed arrangement.
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A professional DJ, sound system and atmosphere lighting.
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Enough seats and room to dance.
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A central, easily accessible starting point in Amsterdam.
The solution: an exclusive event ship in Amsterdam
For a company party of this size, a large passenger ship or event ship is a suitable choice. These ships have spacious salons, different layout options and facilities for business events.
In this example we choose an exclusive rented event ship with sufficient capacity for 250 guests.
The ship has a large interior space, a dance floor, a professional bar and room for catering. Depending on the chosen ship there are also several decks and an outdoor terrace.
Why a big event ship?
An event ship offers important advantages over a traditional party location.
Guests enjoy a constantly changing view, while all parts of the event take place in one location. From the reception and dinner to the speeches and the closing party.
In addition, no one has to move between different locations.
At Event op het Water in Amsterdam, depending on the available offer, ships can be found for groups of about 40 to 700 people.
What do guests say about us?
Our customers
The programme: from reception to festive closure
5.30 p.m.
Guests will be welcomed at the starting location at the IJ in Amsterdam. On board the staff is ready with a welcome drink and starts the evening with relaxed background music.
6:00 p.m.
The event ship leaves for a cruise across the IJ. Guests can enjoy the views of modern architecture, historic harbour areas and the skyline of Amsterdam.
7 p.m. Walking dinner
During the sailing trip a walking dinner is served. The staff can walk freely and choose from different dishes, including vegetarian and vegan possibilities.
8:30 p.m. DJ and entertainment
After dinner, the event ship turns into a party location. The DJ takes care of the music and the dance floor opens. Colleague’ enjoy a cozy evening with drinks and entertainment.
11.30 p.m. Return and closure
The ship returns to the agreed berth. The employees leave the ship after an evening of cosiness, special views and joint experiences.
Catering and drinks arrangements during major corporate parties
An important part of a successful company party on the water is catering. Various culinary arrangements are possible on large event boats in Amsterdam.
Popular catering options
Walking dinner: ideal for large corporate parties where employees want to network with each other. Small dishes are served during the evening.
Extensive buffet: a varied selection of hot and cold dishes, suitable for larger groups.
BBQ on board: an informal and cozy way to eat together. Depending on the ship, a barbecue arrangement can be provided.
Luxury dinner: For formal business events, a well-kept multicourse dinner can be organised, provided the ship's layout and capacity permit.
The catering can take into account dietary requirements, allergies and vegetarian, vegan or halal dishes.
Drinking arrangements can also be prepared in advance. Think of beer, wine, soft drinks and possibly cocktails or other special drinks.
Entertainment: make a company party a unique experience
Besides catering, entertainment plays a major role in a successful staff party on the water.
A large event ship offers space for various forms of entertainment depending on the facilities available.
Popular possibilities include a professional DJ, live band, saxophonist, singer, cocktail workshop, quiz or a combination of different activities.
For business events, presentations, speeches and awards can also be organised.
With suitable lighting, decoration and audiovisual equipment, the look of the event ship can be tailored to the corporate style or theme of the company.
Big corporate parties at the IJ or through the Amsterdam canals?
Not every ship can travel the same route. Therefore, it is important to determine in advance which type of cruise best suits the group size and the program.
Big corporate parties at the IJ
For groups of 100 to 700 people larger passenger and event ships are often the most suitable solution. The IJ offers space for large ships and views of the Amsterdam skyline.
Corporate parties through the canals
For smaller companies salon boats and luxury boats are suitable. These offer an intimate experience through the historic Amsterdam canals.
For very large companies it is also possible to use several boats. For example, a company party can be divided among different ships, for example with separate program’s or teams.
Why companies choose Event on the Water
Event on the Water has been mediated in private sailings, company trips and business events on the water since 2017.
Thanks to our extensive network of shipping companies we can offer different types of boats and packages for both small and large groups.
Whether it's a corporate drink for 30 employees, a staff party for 150 people or a big business event with 500 guests: We help to find a suitable ship.
Our options include exclusive boat rental, catering, drinks packages, entertainment and support in the preparation of the program.
Besides Amsterdam, we also provide applications for business sailing events in Rotterdam, Utrecht, Haarlem and The Hague.
The result: a complete company party
In this example case, 250 employees are brought together in one exclusive location. The program combines relaxation, entertainment, catering and the special surroundings of Amsterdam.
The chosen design offers different advantages to the client.
The company does not have to coordinate different suppliers. The catering, operation, boat rental and entertainment can be arranged in advance in one package.
In addition, there is an informal environment in which employees from different departments can get to know each other better.
The result is a coherent corporate party where the ship is not only the location, but also an important part of the experience.
Frequently asked questions about big company parties on the water in Amsterdam
Can you organize a company party for 200 to 500 people on a boat in Amsterdam?
Yes. Large passenger and event ships are available in Amsterdam for corporate parties with hundreds of guests. Depending on the ship, events for groups of up to 700 people are possible.
How much is a big company party on the water in Amsterdam?
The costs depend on the group size, the type of ship, the sailing period, the duration of the event and the chosen catering and entertainment. A tailor-made offer is required for an accurate price.
Can we hire an event ship exclusively?
Yes, many large event ships can be hired exclusively. This means that the ship is only available to your company and guests.
Is catering included at a company party on a boat?
Catering can be part of the arrangement. Think of a buffet, walking dinner, BBQ or luxury dinner. The exact content is pre-tuned.
Can we book a DJ or live band for a corporate party?
Yes, on suitable event ships professional DJ’s, live bands and other artists can perform. The possibilities depend on the technical facilities and the noise regulations in force.
What happens in bad weather?
Many large event ships have covered and heated indoor spaces. As a result, a company party can also continue in case of rain or lower temperatures. In extreme weather conditions, for safety reasons, navigation can be adjusted or cancelled in accordance with the agreements in force.
Where can guests quit for a big corporate party in Amsterdam?
Frequently used boarding areas are around Amsterdam Centraal and the IJ. The exact location depends on the ship, the sailing route and the availability of berths.
How long does an average corporate party last on the water?
Many business events last about three to five hours. Shorter and longer arrangements are possible in consultation.
Are large event ships wheelchair accessible?
Several large passenger and event ships offer opportunities for guests with reduced mobility. Accessibility varies from one ship to another and must be verified in advance.
How far in advance do you have to book a big corporate party?
For large company parties it is wise to book several months in advance, especially during popular periods such as spring, summer and December. There is more choice of ships available.
Questions or a tailor-made solution?
The advisors of Event op het Water are happy to answer your questions and offer free advice. Feel free to contact us, available 7 days a week.
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