Event Venue for the Marketing Industry: Where Your Brand Story Comes to Life in a Setting You'll Never Forget
Marketing agencies, media companies, and brands are often looking for a backdrop that tells a story right away: a setting that reinforces the concept rather than letting it get lost in a neutral background. On Westkanaaldijk in Utrecht, you’ll find exactly that kind of backdrop. Nestled between the railroad tracks, the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal, and the A2 highway lies a site with over a century of history, where every warehouse exudes its own unique atmosphere.
Whether it’s for a content production, an influencer event, a client dinner, or a major brand launch, that industrial character instantly gives your campaign a distinctive look that stands out. Here you’ll find a factory complex where the setting itself becomes part of your story.
Why DeFabrique?
In 1921, a factory producing linseed oil and cattle feed was built here, which later switched to producing compound feed. Since 2001, we’ve been writing a new chapter: from a production site to an event venue in Utrecht, guided by the tagline “Together we make history.” That industrial past remains visible everywhere. An old oil drum serves as a restroom, silos are overgrown with plants, and a vintage shower stands as a prop among the guests.
For a marketing team looking for contrast and a distinctive angle for a photo shoot or video, that material is right here for the taking. An authentic venue with its own history that reinforces—rather than overshadows—your brand story.
We actively work with you to find the best solutions. Our event specialists—from account managers to event producers and project managers—work with you to determine which venue best fits the vision you have in mind. From the initial concept to the final camera setup, we join you for the briefing and contribute our ideas on the program, technology, communication, and logistics.
Benefits of an Event Venue for the Marketing Industry
A brand launch, content shoot, or client event requires more than just space. This venue in Utrecht offers a number of concrete advantages for the marketing sector:
A photogenic setting that suits any concept: Raw industrial elements, an oil drum, silos, and a vintage shower give every campaign, every shoot, and every event a visual dimension that a neutral space simply can’t offer.
Four venue blocks, each with its own character: The Copraloods, the Kalvermelkfabriek, the Perserij, and the Smederij range in size from 903 to 1,887 square meters and together consist of 21 warehouses that you can flexibly combine. This allows you to choose exactly the atmosphere that suits your brand, from intimate to large-scale.
A scale that adapts to your event: From a private influencer dinner for 150 guests to a large public event for 3,500 visitors—the capacity adapts to your target audience, not the other way around.
Technology that enhances the visual experience: Sound systems and LED lighting, tailored to the program, showcase a product launch, a talk show format, or a DJ set in exactly the right light for both cameras and guests.
Catering that aligns with a brand experience: Local ingredients and concepts—from lunch to a full-course dinner—are tailored to a client event or an exclusive guest list.
In-house event specialists who put the pieces together: Account managers , event producers, and project managers collaborate from start to finish on the program, technology, communication, and logistics, ensuring the creative concept remains intact.
Accessibility for guests from home and abroad: Maarssen Station is a 15-minute walk away, with trains from Amsterdam and Utrecht. Schiphol Airport is a short distance away for international guests—convenient for an international influencer or a foreign client.
Sustainability as part of the story: The Green Key Gold certification, 334 solar panels, and 99% LED lighting give a brand launch a sustainable edge—something many brands are consciously highlighting these days.
What makes DeFabrique unique?
Four location blocks form the foundation: the Copra Warehouse, the Kalvermelk Factory, the Pressing Plant, and the Blacksmith’s Shop. Each block measures between 903 and 1,887 square meters, and together they consist of 21 warehouses that can be flexibly combined. For a marketing team, this means: a single space for an intimate content shoot, or multiple warehouses connected together for a product launch with hundreds of guests and multiple program segments taking place simultaneously.
For what kinds of events?
This venue in Utrecht is ideal for a wide range of marketing and brand-related events:
Brand launches and product presentations: where the industrial setting adds character to the unveiling itself.
Content productions and photo shoots: with plenty of different angles and backgrounds to shoot an entire campaign in a single day.
Influencer events: where the setting itself provides the perfect backdrop for content, even before the program begins.
Client events and networking days: featuring a seated dinner among the silos or a private program in one of the smaller warehouses.
Corporate festivals: with space for multiple stages, activations, and program elements happening simultaneously.
Trade shows and conferences: where the industrial setting instantly gives a brand or theme a distinctive look.
Company parties and anniversaries: where brand and experience come together in a single evening.
Public events: with enough scale to accommodate large numbers of visitors and the associated logistics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DeFabrique suitable for a photo shoot or content production?
Yes. The industrial setting—with details like an oil drum, silos filled with plants, and a vintage shower—immediately provides visual material with a unique atmosphere. The four location blocks also offer enough variety for multiple scenes in a single day.
How many guests can attend a brand launch or influencer event?
That depends on the setup. Capacity ranges from 150 to 3,500 guests, depending on which venue block or combination of venue blocks you choose.
Does DeFabrique contribute ideas regarding the program and the technical aspects?
Yes. Our dedicated account managers, event producers, and project managers work with you every step of the way—from the initial concept to the technical setup on the day of the event. We tailor the sound systems and LED lighting to the specific program.
Is DeFabrique located in Utrecht?
Yes. The location is on Westkanaaldijk in Utrecht, between the railroad tracks, the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal, and the A2. Maarssen Station, a 15-minute walk away, is the nearest station.
How do international guests find their way to DeFabrique?
Schiphol is a short distance away, which is convenient for international clients, influencers, or members of the press. From the Maarssen train station—which is served by trains from Amsterdam and Utrecht—the venue is a 15-minute walk away. For large groups, we provide an electric shuttle bus.
Does a sustainable brand message fit with DeFabrique?
Yes. The Green Key Gold certification, 334 solar panels, 99% LED lighting, and electric shuttle service make every event here an instantly sustainable choice, perfect for brands that are committed to sustainability.
Is there enough parking for a large guest list?
Yes. With 700 free parking spaces, 14 charging stations for electric cars, and parking assistance, we can accommodate any group, from a small guest list to a large-scale public event.
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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