RAI Amsterdam positions conferences as catalysts for change

At two major international medical conferences, RAI Amsterdam demonstrated that conferences can be far more than professional meetings for exchanging knowledge. They can act as catalysts for social change, awareness, and prevention. By opening their doors to the public and collaborating with local partners, RAI Amsterdam helps bridge the gap between science and society.

For decades, RAI Amsterdam has been a trusted venue for international conferences, trade shows, and events. But in recent years, its role has evolved beyond that of a traditional meeting venue. The convention centre is increasingly becoming a platform for societal impact.

This year, that ambition came to life during two major medical congresses, where Amsterdam residents were invited to receive free lung and liver screenings. The initiative not only raised awareness but also highlighted the potential of conferences to contribute to public health and knowledge sharing – both locally and internationally.

Through an extensive PR campaign, RAI Amsterdam promoted the testing opportunities to local residents and even nationwide audiences. The public-health actions around lung and liver health generated media attention and reached policymakers at both the national and municipal level.

A crucial step in preventive care

On Sunday, 28 September 2025, RAI Amsterdam hosted a public event in conjunction with the European Respiratory Society (ERS) Congress, the world’s largest respiratory gathering. Hundreds of Amsterdam residents took advantage of the offer for free lung testing. The initiative was organized by the European Lung Foundation (ELF) and ERS, in collaboration with RAI Amsterdam, the Longfonds, and the Amsterdam Convention Bureau.

The lung tests formed part of the “Healthy Lungs for Life” campaign, which this year focused on lung health in Amsterdam and protecting the lungs of children and young people. Visitors could take a simple breath test measuring lung capacity and vitality.

Paediatric pulmonologist Mariëlle Pijnenburg explained: “The test result shows the size of the lungs and how easily air can pass through them. It’s a simple test but highly informative.”

In the Netherlands, 1.2 million people live with chronic lung disease, including over half a million with COPD. Lung diseases are the fourth leading cause of death among adults. By offering easy-access testing, the initiative not only raised awareness but also enabled early detection – a key step in preventive healthcare.

Addressing a silent epidemic

During the EASL Congress (European Association for the Study of the Liver), held from 7 to 10 May 2025, health awareness reached directly into the local community.

Residents and delegates could have their liver checked free of charge via a painless FibroScan, with immediate results explained by medical professionals. RAI Amsterdam supported the effort with an extensive PR campaign, highlighting the importance of liver health and how to maintain it.

Gastroenterologist Bart Takkenberg of Amsterdam UMC underlined the importance of early diagnosis: “Liver diseases are often discovered at a late stage. In the Netherlands, an estimated two million people have fatty liver disease, often without knowing it. About 400,000 are at risk of severe liver damage or liver cancer. By offering accessible testing, we may be able to reverse this trend.”

Education and youth engagement

The main causes of liver disease are lifestyle-related – excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and unhealthy diet. The liver screening campaign therefore aimed not only to raise awareness but also to encourage behavioural change. Visitors could even explore an inflatable walk-through liver to learn more about its function.

To engage younger audiences, the “Love Your Liver Project” was launched – a school programme developed by the Amsterdam Convention Bureau in partnership with EASL. Aimed at 11- and 12-year-olds, the programme featured lessons on liver health and healthy habits, delivered by specialists from Amsterdam UMC and Haaglanden Medical Centre.

Social value that extends beyond the venue

These initiatives illustrate how RAI Amsterdam positions itself as an active partner in creating social value. By working closely with organizing associations and local institutions such as the Amsterdam Convention Bureau, RAI extends the impact of conferences well beyond its walls.

“We want to show that an international congress can have a positive local and societal impact,” says RAI Amsterdam spokesperson Katelijn Wilhelmy. “By connecting international expertise with local initiatives, we create opportunities for knowledge sharing and awareness that extend far beyond the event itself. That’s what RAI Amsterdam stands for.”

For the convention centre, this approach is strategic. RAI Amsterdam aims not only to facilitate but also to inspire and connect. Combining international expertise with local engagement allows it to create an impact that reaches far beyond the event itself.