Event Venue in Central Netherlands: History in the Making

Looking for an event venue in the central Netherlands that’s suitable for a group of fifty or a production for three thousand people? Then DeFabrique in Utrecht is the right place for you. Nestled between the railroad tracks, the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal, and the highway lies a factory complex over a hundred years old, where raw industry has given way to one of the country’s most distinctive event venues.

No cold, sterile space with white walls—just warehouses, silos, and halls that tell a story even before your first guest walks in. Located right in the heart of the country, so every direction is within easy reach. And if you’re looking for a distinctive venue, with atmosphere in every corner, you’ve come to the right place. 

Why DeFabrique?

DeFabrique began in 1921 as a factory producing linseed oil and cattle feed cakes and eventually grew into a compound feed manufacturer. In 2001, the site was given a new lease on life as an event venue. That history is embedded in the walls: an old oil drum serves as a restroom, silos are overgrown with plants, and a vintage shower stands as a decorative piece among the guests. 

You don’t just book a space here. Our experienced team works with you every step of the way—from the initial outline of your program to the moment the last guest walks out the door. Account managers, event producers, and project managers sit down with you and take care of the logistical puzzle, so you don’t have to worry about the details. Together, we make history: every event here writes its own story.

Advantages of an Event Venue in Central Netherlands

Choosing an event venue in the central Netherlands means choosing the heart of the country: everything and everyone within easy reach.
‍Central Location DeFabrique is located in Utrecht, right where the Randstad meets the rest of the Netherlands. Whether visitors are coming from the north, south, east, or west, everything is close by. 
‍Accessibility You can drive onto the grounds in no time via the A2, and with Schiphol just a stone’s throw away, international guests can arrive just as easily as guests from the region.
‍Parking 700 free parking spaces, parking attendants who welcome and direct guests, and fourteen charging stations for electric cars. No hassle with paid parking from a distance. Need even more parking spaces? We’ll expand!
‍Public Transportation Maarssen Station is a fifteen-minute walk away, with trains from Amsterdam and Utrecht stopping there directly. For large groups, we provide an electric shuttle bus between the station and the venue.
‍Nationwide Appeal Thanks to this central location, you’ll easily attract visitors from all over the country. 

What makes DeFabrique unique?

DeFabrique has been around for years. And you can feel it in the walls. 

  • Industrial Look Raw walls, steel structures, and a century of history give every space a character you won’t find anywhere else.
  • Spaces Full of Character The Copraloods, the Kalvermelkfabriek, the Perserij, and the Smederij: four building complexes, each with its own unique atmosphere, ranging in size from 903 to 1,887 square meters.
  • Flexibility : You can slide 21 tents together as needed. Whether it’s a small meeting or a large festival, the space adapts to your program—not the other way around.
  • Large Capacity From an exclusive gathering of 150 people to an event for 3,500 guests: you decide the scale.
  • Technical Capabilities: High-quality sound systems and LED lighting ensure your speakers, performers, or exhibitors are showcased in just the right light. Our technicians tailor everything to your program, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
  • In-house event specialists—account managers , event producers, and project managers—support you from start to finish: they’re passionate, flexible, and focused on what your event needs.
  • Catering Local ingredients and flavorful concepts are replacing standard catering trays. From a full-course dinner among the silos to a quick lunch between sessions.
  • Sustainability Green Key Gold certification, 334 solar panels, 99 percent LED lighting, and electric shuttle service make every event here a sustainable choice—without you having to do anything yourself.

For what kinds of events?

DeFabrique isn't limited to a single format. There are many different possibilities here. For example:

  • Conferences and meetings, ranging from plenary sessions for hundreds of participants to breakout rooms for small working groups.
  • Company parties and anniversaries, where the industrial setting serves as both a party venue and a backdrop for the story.
  • Trade shows and product presentations, with ample floor space for exhibitors and visitor traffic.
  • Corporate festivals and seated dinners, ranging from an informal get-together to a dinner among the silos.
  • Public events and charity events, where DeFabrique works with you to create an experience that works just as well for a thousand visitors as it does for a private group.

Thinking big is the norm here. Combine multiple venue blocks, and you can create a day-long program where a conference at the Kalvermelkfabriek flows seamlessly into an evening party at the Copraloods, without guests having to set foot outside the grounds even once. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is DeFabrique located? DeFabrique is located on Westkanaaldijk in Utrecht. Its central location makes it easy for guests from every province to reach.

How many guests can DeFabrique accommodate? The four venue blocks combined can accommodate 150 to over 3,500 guests. From a small, intimate meeting to a large-scale festival: the capacity scales to fit your plans.

Is there enough parking at DeFabrique? There are 700 free parking spaces on the premises, along with 14 charging stations for electric cars and parking attendants to assist guests. Need more parking spaces? We’ll expand!

Is DeFabrique accessible by public transportation? Maarssen Station is a fifteen-minute walk from the venue, with trains from Amsterdam and Utrecht. For large groups, we provide an electric shuttle bus between the station and the venue.

What kinds of events is DeFabrique suitable for? From conferences, meetings, and trade shows to company parties, corporate festivals, and sit-down dinners: the industrial setting adapts to any format.

Is DeFabrique a sustainable event venue? Yes. DeFabrique holds the Green Key Gold certification and uses solar panels, LED lighting, electric vehicles, and local suppliers.

Can I combine multiple spaces for a single large event? Absolutely. DeFabrique’s 21 warehouses can be connected as needed, so that plenary sessions, breakout sessions, and entertainment programs come together seamlessly.

How do I request a quote or a tour? Please contact us through our website or by phone. We'd be happy to help you!

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