VGF - Pre-financing & Guarantee Fund

Interview with project manager Paul Gruijthuijsen, pt 2. – Meeting Magazine Over the past ten years, the VGF has seen significant growth, with around 200 applications resulting in 115,740 conference participants and more than 656 conference days. The number of applications increased from an average of 5-8 per year to 20 per year, with peak years in 2015 (25 applications) and 2019 (29 applications). During the pandemic, 2020 and 2021 were relatively quiet, but numbers picked up again with 22 applications in 2022 and 24 in 2023. According to the NBTC, the average expenditure per conference participant is €1,131, meaning the VGF has indirectly contributed €130,901,940 to the Dutch economy over the past ten years. Paul: ‘We have been able to support conferences with the most diverse subjects; from heat pumps, concrete and peat soil to cattle, hypertension during pregnancy and GPS navigation systems in satellites. The annual conference of the Global Network on Women’s shelter in 2015 was even inaugurated by Queen Máxima.’ The efforts and results of the VGF are admirable, especially considering that the foundation consists of four board members, director Joyce Wittelaar, CMP and Paul himself. ‘We have a small marketing budget, but we promote the foundation effectively through smart choices. Each year, we attend European fairs like IBTM and IMEX. We also organise regional lunches for various people affiliated with universities or academic hospitals together with the regional conference bureaus of several big Dutch cities. At a location near their workplace, we explain in an hour what role the conference bureau and the VGF can play in the organisation of their event. As for the programme, the organisers and/or initiators carry the responsibility for this themselves, but it is good to know that a PCO and a conference bureau can help with the logistics and that the VGF can offer financial support.’ In 2025, the VGF is planning to focus more on European conference organisers, as well as on associations that have their own conference bureau in which an in-house PCO is responsible for the conferences and meetings. ‘In doing so, we would like to concentrate on requests for conferences with between 100 and 1000 participants. In practice, this means an average conference size of between 300 and 500 participants. These are organised by associations that usually do not have large financial resources for their conference and therefore would like to get some financial support. Our aim is to help them organise their event. Naturally within the Netherlands!’ Want to find out what VGF can do for you? Visit https://lnkd.in/gasCGpt or feel free to contact Paul Gruijthuijsen via paul@vgfholland.nl. #vgf #vgfisready #eventprofs #prefinancing #guarantee #conference #eventplanners #events #locationowners #reunite #MeetinNetherlands #NBTC #location #financialadvantage #funding #tradeassociation  #PaulGruijthuijsen #meetingmagazine 

Interview with VGF project manager Paul Gruijthuijsen – Meeting Magazine In 2013, Paul Gruijthuijsen was appointed as project manager for the Pre-Financing & Guarantee Fund (VGF). Since then, the VGF uses a more pro-active approach for the promotion of their activities, which resulted in excellent outcomes. ‘We are only a small cog in the whole process, but we did manage to make an indirect contribution to the Dutch conference market.’ In 1986, the organisation was founded, and around the year 2000 the VGF was structured in the way that we still know today; support for pre-financing, interest-free loans and a financial guarantee without any strings attached. ‘In the previous years, the number of applications was relatively low’, Paul reflects. ‘In 2007, the VGF received between five and eight applications a year. With two million euro in the bank, the board decided in 2011 to look for a more pro-active approach in the Dutch conference market. In collaboration with NBTC (Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions), a marketing and communication plan was drafted. I was appointed as project manager to actively promote the foundation to our stakeholders.’ These stakeholders are the regional convention bureaus, the Dutch PCOs and the representatives of conference centres and hotels. ‘Our ultimate target group is the researcher who is considering bringing a European conference of the professional association they’re part of to the Netherlands. It is difficult for us to reach that specific researcher, but they often come into contact with our stakeholders, after which they find us.’ Paul emphasises that the efforts of the VGF only make an indirect contribution. ‘But when you make your maximum joint effort with all players in the Dutch conference market and the parties work well together, you create a powerful conference product. And all elements and efforts together ensure that an association chooses the Netherlands as a destination for their conference.’ In 2025, the VGF wants to focus more on European conference organisers. ‘The Dutch PCOs already know how to find us. That’s why we want to start focussing on the European PCOs who are, for example, located in Germany or Belgium. Through organising regional lunches, close to where they’re located, we can tell them in an hour what role the conference bureau and the VGF can play for them. And hopefully, they will ask us for support during the organisation of their event in our country.’ Want to find out what VGF can do for you? Visit https://lnkd.in/gasCGpt or feel free to contact Paul Gruijthuijsen via paul@vgfholland.nl. #vgf #vgfisready #eventprofs #prefinancing #guarantee #conference #eventplanners #events #locationowners #reunite #MeetinNetherlands #NBTC #location #financialadvantage #evaluate #communication #network #planning #international #fund #funding #tradeassociation #professionalization #interview #PaulGruijthuijsen #meetingmagazine

Interview met projectmanager Paul Gruijthuijsen in Meeting Magazine   In 2013 werd Paul Gruijthuijsen door het Voorfinancierings- & Garantiefonds (VGF) aangesteld als projectmanager. Sindsdien hanteert het VGF ook een meer proactieve aanpak voor het promoten van diens activiteiten, dat heeft geleid tot mooie resultaten. In een interview met Meeting Magazine gaat Paul verder in op deze resultaten en op de toekomstplannen van het VGF. Lees het volledige interview in de link in de comments.   Meer weten over het VGF en wat wij voor jou kunnen betekenen? Kijk op vgfholland.nl voor meer informatie of neem contact op met Paul Gruijthuijsen via paul@vgfholland.nl   #vgf #vgfisready #eventprofs #prefinancing #guarantee #conference #eventplanners #events #locationowners #reunite #MeetinNetherlands #NBTC #location #financialadvantage #evaluate #communication #network #planning #international #fund #funding #tradeassociation #professionalization #interview #PaulGruijthuijsen #meetingmagazine

Another busy week filled with events supported by the VGF. Let’s take a look at what’s been going on. Our partner from Den Bosch, Congress Care, was in Amsterdam and organised the 14th International Conference on Frontotemporal Dementias (ISFTD) at RAI Amsterdam from 19-22 September. This conference is focussed on neurologists, psychiatrists, geriatricians, and neuropsychologists interested in FTD and/or dementia, as well as FTD caregivers. Furthermore, it hopes to attract basic scientists in the dementia and FTD fields. The ISFTD is a non-profit scientific society focused on frontotemporal dementias. It’s their mission is to advance the understanding of the nervous system and diseases associated with frontotemporal dementias and neurodegeneration, including the part they play in determining behaviour; to bring together scientists from various backgrounds and disciplines; to facilitate the integration of research directed at all levels of biological organisation; to promote education in the neurosciences and inform the general public on the results and implications of current neuroscience research; and to promote other activities that will contribute to the development of neuroscience. And on the 23 September, the 25th International Psycho-Oncology Society (IPOS) World Congress of Psycho-oncology started at MECC Maastricht. A conference organised by our Southern partner Klinkhamer | conferences & events. With a congress theme of ‘Cancer in Context’ and psychosocial academy workshops addressing timely issues in research and practice, the upcoming World Congress highlights the circumstances in which cancer plays a significant role in the lives of people facing the disease. IPOS’ goal is to improve the lives of people facing cancer worldwide. The upcoming World Congress represents a huge opportunity for practitioners and researchers in the field to share their experiences, work, and research with professionals from across the globe. Maastricht is an excellent location to offer an enjoyable environment to host such a meaningful event. We’re honoured to have been part of their success, and we look forward to welcoming them to the Netherlands again in the future! Want to know more about what VGF can do for you? Visit https://lnkd.in/gasCGpt or feel free to contact Paul Gruijthuijsen via paul@vgfholland.nl. And please don’t hesitate to share and/or like this post so even more organisers of international conferences are introduced to the VGF and can apply for financial security when organising their conference in the Netherlands. #vgf #vgfisready #eventprofs #prefinancing #guarantee #conference #eventplanners #events #locationowners #reunite #MeetinNetherlands #NBTC #location #financialadvantage #evaluate #communication #network #planning #international #funding #tradeassociation #professionalization #ISFTD #IPOS #Maastricht #Amsterdam

September is a month filled with events supported by the VGF. From 12-13 September our client Klinkhamer Conferences & Events organised the PROSA2024 conference. Following the success of the PROSA2022 conference, the third European Conference on Paediatric Procedural Sedation and Analgesia (PSA) took place on 12 and 13 September at the Maastricht Exhibition and Congress Centre (MECC). PROSA2024 is a 2-days interdisciplinary meeting for paediatricians, emergency physicians, surgeons, anaesthesiologists, nurses, nurse specialists, pain specialists, psychologists, child life specialists, scientists, patient representatives, health care managers, healthcare educationalists and any other health care professionals involved in procedural care for children. The focus is on creating a trusting relationship with the patient (child and parent) as a health care professional to make medical procedures less stressful. And from 15 –19 September our client Partners in Congress Organisation (PCO) organised the IMARS conference in Maastricht The 15th International Maillard Reaction Society (IMARS) symposium takes place from 15 to 19 September at the Crown Plaza, Maastricht. During these days, different international professionals (food scientists, biochemists and health professionals) will gather and share the progression in glycation research in combined sessions. Keynotes, various speakers, short talk presentations, and poster presentations will be part of the programme, as well as providing young researchers a scientific podium to present their research and to build up their (inter)national network. We’re positive that these events were a great success, and we look forward to welcoming them to the Netherlands again in the future! Want to know more about what VGF can do for you? Visit https://lnkd.in/gasCGpt or feel free to contact Paul Gruijthuijsen via paul@vgfholland.nl. And please don’t hesitate to share and/or like this post so even more organisers of international conferences are introduced to the VGF and can apply for financial security when organising their conference in the Netherlands. #vgf #vgfisready #eventprofs #prefinancing #guarantee #conference #eventplanners #events #locationowners #reunite #MeetinNetherlands #NBTC #location #financialadvantage #evaluate #communication #network #planning #international #funding #tradeassociation #professionalization #IBTM #PROSA2024 #IMARS #Maastricht #MECC

At the VGF our colleagues enjoy sharing their knowledge! This week Joyce Wittelaar, CMP had the honour to give a presentation at the Congress by design Academy.   In 45 minutes, a personalised talk took place at the office of Cbd.  We started with a fun short quiz about the VGF. Did you know the VGF was initiated in 1986? And that we have supported conferences with 150 to 4,500 participants in recent years? Of course, the team collectively passed the quiz by sharing their knowledge and expertise!    The main focus of the session was to cover the ins and outs of the application procedure and how the VGF can best be applied for. A nice introduction for the new colleagues and a wonderful way to refresh everyone’s memory. But also valuable for our team to understand the challenges PCO’s encounter and how the VGF can support the conference organisers in the best way possible.    Let us know if you want to know more about the VGF and the application procedures!   Thank you for attending Maureen de Graauw, Anna Hall, Lisa MacPherson Francesca Sabba, Marije Sant Evelien Kolen Samantha Slagter Inge Bommezijn Marie Jacobs | Congress by design   More information on how to apply via Paul Gruijthuijsen or www.vgfholland.nl

The summer is almost at its end and we’re getting ready for a new season. A season filled with new opportunities for VGF to help you get started with your conference! We understand that you might still be in summer mode, so here’s a short recap of who we are and what we do. The Pre-Financing & Guarantee Fund (VGF) assists organisers of international conferences to get started financially and in making sure that your conference will go ahead, even when things don’t go as planned. To reach our goal, VGF collaborates with various organisations in the Dutch conference industry and economy to make your event a success. Because we believe that making an international conference successful is always a joint effort! And we have lots to look forward to in the upcoming months. For example, we will be attending the IBTM World event in Barcelona from 19 to 21 November. This event is globally leading in the industry of conferences, meetings and events, and they have one goal: to inspire the events world to deliver exceptional experiences for their customers. We attend this event every year with our NBTC stand to stay up to date with the trends in the conference world, so we can make your event more memorable. Aside from IBTM, we will also be hosting the regional lunch in Amsterdam in Q4 (date TBD). This lunch is meant to inspire, inform and motivate potential organisers of conferences and everyone interested in organising an international event for the sharing of knowledge is welcome to join. To sign up or for more information, send an email to paul@vgfholland.nl. Lots to look forward to indeed!   Want to know more about what VGF can do for you? Visit https://lnkd.in/gasCGpt or feel free to contact Paul Gruijthuijsen via paul@vgfholland.nl. And please don’t hesitate to share and/or like this post so even more organisers of international conferences are introduced to the VGF and can apply for financial security when organising their conference in the Netherlands. #vgf #vgfisready #eventprofs #prefinancing #guarantee #conference #eventplanners #events #locationowners #reunite #MeetinNetherlands #NBTC #location #financialadvantage #evaluate #communication #network #planning #international #funding #tradeassociation #professionalization #IBTM #backtowork #eventplanning

Time flies, just a few days and the summer holidays will start again. These past six months we have done and achieved so much. We visited several trade fairs and organized regional lunches where we met so many new contacts and extended our network. All this with just one goal: to put the Netherlands on the map as the destination for multi-day international conferences. Add to that the VGF Pre-financing & Guarantee Fund and you have a formula for success. For now we will enjoy a well-deserved holiday so we can pick up where we left off in September. Let's meet one day in the Netherlands!   The VGF Pre-financing & Guarantee Fund offers organizers of international conferences in the Netherlands a financial head start, plus a guarantee. Do you want to know more about what VGF can do for you? Visit https://lnkd.in/gasCGpt or feel free to contact Paul Gruijthuijsen via paul@vgfholland.nl. #vgfisready #eventprofs #prefinancing #guarantee #conference #eventplanners #events #locationowners #reunite #MeetinNetherlands #NBTC #location #financialadvantage #evaluate #communication #network #planning #international #funding #tradeassociation #professionalization  

As VGF we help organizers of international conferences to get started financially. But we also believe that making such a conference successful is always a joint effort, we can help as well in finding the right partners to decide for, for example about the location.    This week, from the 18th until the 21st of June, the 3rd International Conference on Environmental Peacebuilding is held in The Hague. And for a reason! The Hague is renowned for being the “legal capital of the world” and has a long tradition of advancing peace and justice. And that makes the selection of this city as the location for this conference significant in a time of rising geopolitical tensions, for it is home to the Permanent Court of Arbitration, the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court. Daniëlla Dam-de Jong, Professor at the Grotius Centre for International Legal Studies at Leiden University: “Not only is The Hague considered to be the international city of peace and justice, it is also a vibrant city which has been hosting many international organisations.”   The Hague & Partners, Jeanine Dupigny    The VGF Pre-financing & Guarantee Fund offers organizers of international conferences in the Netherlands a financial head start, plus a guarantee. Do you want to know more about what VGF can do for you? Visit https://lnkd.in/gasCGpt or feel free to contact Paul Gruijthuijsen via paul@vgfholland.nl.   #vgfisready #eventprofs #prefinancing #guarantee #conference #eventplanners #events #locationowners #reunite #MeetinNetherlands #NBTC #location #financialadvantage #evaluate #communication #network #planning #international #funding #TheHague

Today is the second day of the Combined 61st NOF Congress and NOV Jaarcongres, held in the WTC in Rotterdam. This bi-annual international congress, which is organized by the Nederlandse Orthopaedische Vereniging (NOV) on behalf of the Nordic Orthopaedic Federation, presents an outstanding and innovative program with amongst others scientific topics and fruitful discussions where ideas and results can be exchanged. But it is also a social event where colleagues can meet each other and make new contacts.   As VGF - Pre-financing & Guarantee Fund we would like to wish all the participants – and of course the organizers – an excellent congress and a great time in Rotterdam.       The VGF Pre-financing & Guarantee Fund offers organizers of international conferences in the Netherlands a financial head start, plus a guarantee. Do you want to know more about what VGF can do for you? Visit https://lnkd.in/gasCGpt or feel free to contact Paul Gruijthuijsen via paul@vgfholland.nl.   Congress Care, Postillion Hotels   #vgfisready #eventprofs #prefinancing #guarantee #conference #eventplanners #events #locationowners #reunite #MeetinNetherlands #NBTC #location #financialadvantage #evaluate #communication #network #planning #international #funding