The iconic Beurs van Berlage – a former stock exchange in the heart of Amsterdam – is the stunning location for this spring’s IamExpat Fair, where internationals can find out everything they need to know about life in the Netherlands.

Once a busy trading floor, the exchange was designed by HP Berlage, considered one of the founders of the Amsterdam school of architecture, and now hosts concerts, exhibitions and debates. On March 8, this iconic brick building becomes the new home of the IamExpat Fair, now in its 17th edition.

Easy to get to

“We are so excited about the new location,” says Claire Leunissen, event manager for the IamExpat Fairs in The Hague and Amsterdam. “It could not get any better. We are only a couple of minutes’ walk from Centraal Station and two minutes away from Dam Square, another good public transport hub. There is also a handy underground bike park next door.”

It is, says Claire “a gorgeous building with a lot of character and the whole team is really looking forward to it.”

As always, the IamExpat Fair will have a full roster of 30 workshops with a specific focus on housing and careers. “We know these issues are very important to our visitors,” says Claire. “For example, newcomers and expat partners who have travelled to the Netherlands can find out what they need to get a job here, level up their CV and stand out

People who want to buy a house will also find plenty of advice on hand.

Learn Dutch

Language schools will also be taking a central role, and this year two of the workshops will offer a more advanced Dutch language lesson for people who already know the basics.

“People often know a few words, but may not understand when to use de or dat, for example,” says Claire. “So we are very pleased to be able to offer them this opportunity.”

Check out the full workshop line-up here.

The fair’s slogan is “for global citizens with local needs” and aims to help the country’s international community get answers to the questions they have directly from the experts. “Nothing beats being able to talk to people face to face,” says Claire.

Back to school

If you are thinking of going back to school for example, you can meet people from Nyenrode, Erasmus and Maastricht universities, as well as Tio Business School and Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences.

Banks, estate agents, tax advisers and insurance agencies will be at the fair to provide help and advice for newcomers and more experienced “new locals.” If you want to get into shape, buy the perfect food for your dog or go Dutch with a Swapfiets bike, you can find out more as well.

You’ll also be able to check out the classic Dutch cuisine offered by the Beurs van Berlage catering company.

IamExpat is currently offering two tickets for the price of one – €5 plus tax – so you can sign up to come along with a friend and share the experience. “So invite your friends, a new arrival at work, or fellow international parents from daycare… The more the merrier!,” says Claire. “Order your ticket today.”

Get your tickets here.

The day out is also a great opportunity to get a sneak look inside one of Amsterdam’s most landmark buildings!