Event Venue for Tech Companies: Where Innovation Takes Center Stage
A product launch no one will soon forget, a developer event packed with demos and discussions, or the annual kick-off where your team gets a sense of the new direction: every tech event requires more than just a screen and a microphone. You’re looking for a venue with a solid technical foundation, an atmosphere that inspires rather than intimidates, and enough space to transition seamlessly between presentations, networking, and celebrations.
In Utrecht, we offer exactly that combination. Nestled between the railroad tracks, the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal, and the A2 highway lies a former factory site that has been hosting events since 2001, featuring technology suited for both scale-ups and established tech companies, and an atmosphere that’s a far cry from the standard corporate venue. No cold conference room with a suspended ceiling—just raw walls, steel structures, and a century of industry: exactly the kind of environment where a tech organization feels at home rather than having to adapt.
We start by asking what your event needs, both technically and in terms of content. A demo that comes across flawlessly, a livestream that runs seamlessly, an atmosphere that suits a brand that stands out from the traditional corporate world—that calls for a venue that adapts rather than imposes limitations.
Why DeFabrique?
The site on Westkanaaldijk in Utrecht still exudes the history of 1921, when a factory producing linseed oil and cattle feed cakes stood here. Later, the site produced mixed feed, and since 2001, everything here has revolved around events. An old oil drum serves as a restroom, silos are filled with plants, and a vintage shower serves as a prop: details that give a tech event its own unique story.
Our event specialists—from account managers to event producers and project managers—work with you from start to finish on the program, technology, communication, and logistics. Whether it’s a developer event with multiple concurrent sessions or a product launch featuring one big stage moment, they’ll collaborate on the planning to ensure the technology perfectly aligns with the story you’re telling.
For a tech organization, accessibility often plays just as big a role as the atmosphere. Maarssen Station is a 15-minute walk away, with trains from Amsterdam and Utrecht, and for large groups, we provide an electric shuttle bus. For international guests, developers, or investors, Schiphol Airport is a short distance away. On the premises, there are 700 free parking spaces, along with 14 charging stations for electric cars and valet parking to ensure a smooth arrival.
Benefits of an Event Venue for Tech Companies
Strong technical foundation: We tailor sound systems and LED lighting to the event program, from a sleekly lit product unveiling to a dynamic show during a kick-off event.
A space that adapts: 21 warehouses, spread across four location blocks ranging from 903 to 1,887 square meters, seamlessly transition from an intimate developer event to a large-scale launch for thousands of guests.
Inspiring, informal atmosphere: Steel trusses and industrial heritage replace standard corporate decor, giving a tech event a personal and distinctive look rather than a generic one.
Sustainable profile: Green Key Gold certification, 334 solar panels, 99% LED lighting, and electric shuttle service align with the sustainability goals of many tech organizations.
Accessibility for international guests: Schiphol Airport is a short distance away, ideal for international developers, partners, or investors attending a launch or kick-off event.
Hassle-free parking and charging: 700 free parking spaces, 14 charging stations for electric cars, and parking assistance ensure a smooth arrival for large groups.
What makes DeFabrique unique?
Industrial history: Built in 1921, it was used for decades to produce linseed oil, cattle feed cakes, and mixed feed; since 2001, it has served as an event venue. That history is reflected in the oil drum, the silos, and the vintage decor.
Four distinctive building complexes: Copraloods, Kalvermelkfabriek, Perserij, and Smederij, each with its own unique atmosphere and a floor area ranging from 903 to 1,887 square meters.
Large-scale, with flexible configuration options: From 150 to 3,500 guests, depending on which warehouses you combine to accommodate the size of your event.
In-house event specialists: A dedicated team of account managers, event producers, and project managers works with you every step of the way to plan every detail from start to finish.
Catering with local ingredients: From a quick lunch between sessions to a full-course dinner after the final presentation.
Sustainability as a core value: Green Key Gold certification, solar panels, and electric vehicles make sustainability an integral part of the venue itself, rather than just an added bonus.
For what kinds of events?
A tech company rarely plans just one type of event, and that fits well here. A product launch at the Perserij or the Smederij gets a stage with the right sound system and LED lighting for the big reveal. You can effortlessly spread out a developer event with multiple breakout sessions across the Copraloods and the Kalvermelkfabriek, while participants gather in between for lunch or drinks.
Combine two venue blocks for a conference with a separate networking area, or use a single warehouse for a compact team-building day: the scale grows along with the event’s ambition.
Consider, for example, a trade show where multiple tech companies join forces, each with its own booth and a central space for keynote speeches. Or a sit-down dinner following a large conference, where the team and guests linger a bit longer at the venue where the day began. The combination of multiple venue blocks makes each of these scenarios feasible within a single day and at a single location.
Frequently Asked Questions
What technical facilities are available for presentations and product launches?
We tailor the sound systems and LED lighting to each program, ensuring that a presentation, demo, or unveiling looks and sounds exactly as your team envisions it.
Is DeFabrique suitable for a developer event with multiple concurrent sessions?
The 21 booths, spread across four blocks, are easily divided into separate session rooms, plenary areas, and a central gathering space.
Where is DeFabrique, and how do I get there?
The venue is located on Westkanaaldijk in Utrecht, between the railroad tracks, the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal, and the A2 highway. 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 international guests, Schiphol Airport is a short distance away.
Is there enough parking, including for electric cars?
The grounds feature 700 free parking spaces and 14 charging stations for electric cars, with parking assistance to ensure a smooth arrival for large groups.
How many guests can fit in the rooms?
Capacity ranges from 150 to 3,500 guests, depending on which venue block or combination of venue blocks you use.
Is there time for team-building during a kick-off meeting?
Yes. Kartfabrique, the go-kart track on the same grounds, serves as an active side event alongside the main program of a kick-off or team-building day.
Is DeFabrique a sustainable event venue?
Yes. Green Key Gold certification, 334 solar panels, 99% LED lighting, and electric shuttle service make sustainability an integral part of every event here.
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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