A strong story stands or falls with the room you tell it in. Whether you are launching a product, convincing investors or taking your team through a new strategy, you lose your audience the moment people cannot see the screen or the technology fails. These seven tips will help you rent a presentation room in Amsterdam where your story really lands.

7 tips for renting a presentation room

1. Choose the layout that fits your goal

A keynote or product launch works best theatre-style, with everyone facing the same way. If you want interaction, choose a U-shape or separate tables. Decide first what your audience needs to do, then ask for the capacity per layout, as it differs from venue to venue.

2. Check the sightlines

Can people in the back row still see the screen and the speaker clearly? Pillars, a low screen or a long, narrow room can block the view. Ask for a floor plan, or walk through the room from different seats beforehand. If your meeting is mainly around one table, read our tips on renting a boardroom as well.

3. Test the technology well in advance

Ask which screen is available, how to connect your laptop and whether you need to bring your own adapter or clicker. For a larger group, a microphone is well worth having. Arrive early on the day so you can try everything once more before the first guests walk in.

4. Combine daylight with a readable screen

Daylight keeps a room fresh, especially during a long session. At the same time, your slides need to stay easy to read. Ask where the screen stands in relation to the windows and how the light falls throughout the day.

5. Make room for what happens afterwards

A presentation is often followed by questions, follow-up conversations or small-group work. A separate breakout room makes that easy, without rearranging the main room. It is also a good place for a confidential conversation with a client or investor.

6. Plan breaks and catering around your story

Presenting straight after a heavy lunch is hard work; schedule your key moment in the morning or after a short break. Drinks afterwards give guests the chance to talk things over, and that is often when your message really sinks in.

7. Visit first and rehearse in the room

A short viewing shows you how the room sounds, how the light falls and where you will stand. Stand where the speaker will be and look out over the room. Knowing the space helps you present with more confidence.

Four presentation rooms in the heart of Amsterdam

The Playing Circle has four historic venues in Amsterdam city centre. You always rent them exclusively, so you never share the space with other groups.

The Vaudeville Theatre

A real theatre dating from 1850 on the Singel, close to the Flower Market. With an eight-metre-high ceiling and canal-facing windows, it makes an impressive setting for a launch or keynote. Afterwards, you can move to a separate breakout room.

Atelier de Vijzel

Our largest venue, on Vijzelstraat opposite the City Archives: up to 60 guests theatre-style and 44 for dinner. Two glass skylights let daylight in from above, and the windows look out over the canal gardens.

The Frederik

On Frederiksplein, within walking distance of Utrechtsestraat and Carré. Art Nouveau windows, an inner garden and two separate breakout rooms make The Frederik well suited to a presentation followed by group work.

The Achtergracht

On a quiet canal near theAmstel. Domed windows bring in soft daylight, and there is a separate breakoutroom. A place where your audience can give your story their full attention.

Practical information: getting there and catering

Getting there and parking

All venues are within walking distance of trams and the metro: tram stops Muntplein, Koningsplein, Rembrandtplein and Frederiksplein, and metro stations Rokin and Vijzelgracht(North/South line). If you come by car, you can park at QPark Prins & Keizer(exit tickets on request) or with ParkBee at a 20% discount.

Coffee, lunch, drinks or dinner

We work with local caterers with passion. From lunch between sessions to shared dining, a buffet or a multi-course dinner, and from a good glass of wine to a fully staffed bar. If you would like to dine together after your presentation, we can host a seated dinner for up to 40 guests or a walking dinner for up to 60, depending on the venue.