Event venue for the construction and industrial sectors: where craftsmanship sets the tone
A product presentation set against white walls and a suspended ceiling doesn’t tell the story of the construction and industrial sectors. That story belongs with rough walls, steel structures, and a site where the weight of machinery and materials poses no problem at all. On Westkanaaldijk in Utrecht, between the railroad tracks, the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal, and the A2 highway, stands an old factory site that provides exactly that setting: industrial, robust, and built to handle heavy-duty use.
Whether it’s a conference with industry peers, a trade show with exhibitors, a product presentation featuring actual materials on the floor, or a company party celebrating a successful project—here, the construction and industrial sectors get a stage that’s perfectly suited to their trade.
Why DeFabrique?
The construction and industrial sectors require a robust space. Machinery drives onto the site, space is needed for loading and unloading, and demonstrations require floors and spaces that can handle that weight and scale. That’s exactly what this site offers: 21 warehouses, spread across four blocks, built at a time when industry was still a daily reality here.
The Copra Warehouse, the Kalvermelk Factory, the Press Shop, and the Forge each measure between 903 and 1,887 square meters and can be flexibly combined to accommodate groups ranging from 150 to 3,500 guests. Wide doors and accessible loading and unloading areas on the grounds make it easy to bring in heavy equipment or an entire machine.
Our team of event specialists works with you every step of the way: account managers, event producers, and project managers are dedicated to handling the program, technology, communication, and logistics for your event. They know the grounds, the warehouses, and the capabilities of each space, and step in whenever a demonstration, a presentation of heavy equipment, or a large-scale trade show requires a specific approach.
Benefits of an Event Venue for the Construction and Industrial Sectors
A venue that suits the industry means less need for customization and more focus on the event’s content.
Sturdy spaces for demonstrations. Machinery, equipment, and heavy setups fit perfectly here.
Wide doors and direct access. Loading and unloading areas on-site ensure a smooth delivery process, even for large or heavy demonstration pieces.
Flexible scale: 21 warehouses in four location blocks can be combined as needed, from a private presentation for 150 industry peers to a trade show for thousands of visitors.
Effortless industrial decor: Raw walls, steel structures, and visible heritage elements provide every event with a setting that aligns with the industry.
Accessibility for large groups and heavy transport Its location between the railroad, the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal, and the A2 highway in Utrecht makes the site easy to find for visitors and for suppliers delivering materials.
Event specialists with expertise in complex programs Account managers, event producers, and project managers collaborate on technical, logistical, and communication aspects—exactly what a demonstration or trade show requires.
What makes DeFabrique unique?
An industrial setting: An old oil drum serves as a toilet, silos are filled with plants, and a vintage shower stands as a prop among the guests. Details from over a century of industry give every event a setting that reflects the sector itself.
Four distinctive venue blocks —the Copraloods, the Kalvermelkfabriek, the Perserij, and the Smederij—can be flexibly combined to create a customized program, ranging from a small-scale session to a production for thousands of visitors.
Technology That Moves With You We tailor sound systems and LED lighting to the content—from a presentation with visual material to a demonstration where the sound of machinery is part of the show.
Catering with local ingredients From a quick lunch between sessions to a full-course dinner after a long day on the floor: the catering keeps pace with the program.
With 700 free parking spaces, 14 charging stations for electric cars, and parking assistance, arrivals for large groups go smoothly. Maarssen Station is a 15-minute walk away, with trains from Amsterdam and Utrecht, and we provide an electric shuttle bus for large groups.
For what kinds of events?
The setting of raw walls and steel structures is well-suited to a wide range of events within and around the construction and industrial sectors:
Conferences and trade shows, with ample floor space for exhibitors, demonstrations, and visitor traffic.
Product presentations, including demonstrations with actual machinery or materials on the floor.
Trade shows focused on building materials, machinery, or technical innovation.
Company parties and anniversaries following a major project or a milestone within the organization.
Public events, ranging from open houses to broad-based information days about the sector. Combine multiple venue blocks, and a daily program takes shape in which a morning of professional content at the Kalvermelkfabriek flows into an afternoon trade show at the Copraloods and a festive evening at the Smederij—all on a single site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DeFabrique suitable for demonstrations involving heavy machinery?
Yes. The warehouses were built for industrial use and feature sturdy floors, wide doors, and accessible loading and unloading areas on the premises, so that machinery and materials can be brought in without any hassle.
Where exactly is DeFabrique located?
On Westkanaaldijk in Utrecht, between the railroad tracks, the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal, and the A2. This location makes the site easily accessible to visitors and for the transport of heavy equipment.
How many guests can DeFabrique accommodate?
Together, the four venue blocks can accommodate between 150 and 3,500 guests, depending on which halls you combine. This means that both a private trade presentation and a large trade show can be held at the same venue.
Are there wide doors and facilities for loading and unloading materials?
Yes. The site features wide doors and accessible loading and unloading areas, specifically designed for the delivery and removal of machinery, materials, and demonstration models.
Is there enough parking at DeFabrique?
The site has 700 free parking spaces, along with 14 charging stations for electric cars and parking attendants to assist guests.
Can DeFabrique be reached by public transportation?
Maarssen Station is a 15-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.
Get in touch with our team
Do you have a question about our venue or the options for your event? Or would you like to brainstorm ideas for an event venue that fits your program? Please contact us. We’d love to work with you to create an impactful event that aligns with your goals.
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