Multi-room event venue: one site, various programs
A conference with a plenary opening session in one warehouse and three breakout sessions in another. Or two company parties taking place side by side on the same evening, without one group noticing the other.
At DeFabrique, anything is possible! The 21 warehouses can be flexibly combined to create exactly the layout your program requires. From 150 to 3,500 guests, spread across one or more venue blocks: the scale adapts to the number of parallel programs.
Why DeFabrique?
This site, located between the railroad tracks, the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal, and the A2 highway in Utrecht, was built in 1921 as a factory for linseed oil and cattle feed, and later expanded into a producer of mixed feed. Since 2001, the raw industrial walls have served as the backdrop for various events. An old oil drum serves as a restroom, silos are filled with plants, and a vintage shower serves as a decorative feature among the guests. That atmosphere permeates each of the four venue blocks.
Our event specialists—from account managers to event producers and project managers—work with you every step of the way: we coordinate the program, technology, communication, and logistics. For a conference with separate breakout sessions, we arrange the route, the schedule, and the technology for each room, so that a group can move seamlessly from the plenary session to a session in another hall.
Benefits of an event venue with multiple spaces available at the same time
A program with multiple components running simultaneously requires a different approach than an event held in a single space. These advantages are perfectly suited to that.
Independent programs running side by side. Each venue block operates independently of the others, with its own schedule and technical setup. A plenary session at the Kalvermelkfabriek runs smoothly alongside a breakout session at the Copraloods.
Flexible layout. We can combine 21 warehouses—spread across four venue blocks ranging from 903 to 1,887 square meters—to create exactly the setup the program requires: from two smaller spaces side by side to a combination of multiple venue blocks for a large-scale event.
Room to grow without moving. If a conference grows from 150 to thousands of guests, we simply add an extra location block instead of moving to a different venue.
One point of contact. Our event specialists coordinate all aspects—from planning breakout sessions to catering for each space—so you don’t have to juggle multiple locations yourself.
Customized technology for each space. We tailor sound systems and LED lighting in each venue block to the program taking place there, so that a plenary opening and an informal breakout session each have their own unique atmosphere.
Simultaneous arrival and parking for everyone. 700 free parking spaces, 14 charging stations for electric cars, and parking guidance accommodate large, mixed guest flows, even when guests are heading to different venue blocks at the same time.
What makes DeFabrique unique?
Four building blocks, one site, and an industrial vibe you won’t find anywhere else. Raw walls, steel structures, and repurposed items give each space its own character.
Spaces full of character that share a common history. The four building blocks share the same industrial roots—from oil drums used as toilets to silos filled with plants—and yet each block has its own unique atmosphere.
Catering with character, available everywhere at once. Local ingredients form the foundation, from a quick lunch between two breakout sessions to a full-course dinner as part of the main program.
21 venues that can be flexibly combined. From a compact breakout session to a main hall for thousands of guests: the layout adapts to your program.
Technology that adapts to the space. We tailor the sound systems and LED lighting to each room’s specific use, ensuring that each area retains its own unique atmosphere.
In-house event specialists. Account managers, event producers, and project managers work with you every step of the way, even when a program spans multiple venue blocks.
For what kinds of events?
Some events simply require more than one space at the same time. Consider:
A conference with a plenary opening in one venue block and separate breakout sessions in another block, followed by a networking reception in yet another space.
Multiple company parties or anniversaries taking place side by side on the same evening, each in its own venue block with its own atmosphere.
A trade show with exhibitors in one block and seminar rooms or matchmaking in another block.
A product presentation where the unveiling takes place in one room and the tasting table or exhibit is right next to it.
A corporate festival with program components spread across multiple venue blocks, allowing visitors to choose their own route through the program.
A seated dinner that transitions into a party with a DJ, either in the same warehouse or in an adjacent space.
A public event featuring a main program alongside a separate program of activities for a different target audience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you combine multiple location blocks for a single event?
Yes. The Copraloods, the Kalvermelkfabriek, the Perserij, and the Smederij can operate independently or in combination. This allows you to put together a program with a plenary session in one block and breakout sessions or a party in another block—all on the same grounds.
What is the total capacity of the venue?
The four venue blocks combined can accommodate 150 to 3,500 guests, depending on which venue blocks you combine. Each block ranges in size from 903 to 1,887 square meters, spread across a total of 21 warehouses.
Do you arrange the technical setup and catering separately for each room?
Our event specialists tailor the sound systems and LED lighting in each room to the program taking place there at that moment. Catering featuring local ingredients can be handled just as easily across multiple venue blocks as it can at a single location.
Is there enough parking when multiple programs are hosting guests at the same time?
The site has 700 free parking spaces with parking assistance and 14 charging stations for electric cars. Need more? Then we'll expand!
Can DeFabrique be reached by public transportation?
Maarssen Station is a 15-minute walk from the Utrecht site, with trains from Amsterdam and Utrecht. Need a shuttle bus? We’ve got you covered! Our electric shuttle buses run back and forth from the station.
Is a combination of venue blocks suitable for every type of event?
From conferences to trade shows, from company parties to corporate festivals: every program with multiple concurrent events can be accommodated with a suitable setup.
Is your program packed with events happening simultaneously? Tell us what story you’re telling and how many chapters it has, and we’ll find the right combination of venue blocks to fit your needs. Contact us for a tour of the grounds or request a quote right away.
Get in touch with our team
Do you have questions regarding our venue or the options for your event? We’re here to brainstorm with you and create a high-impact experience that perfectly matches your goals.
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