From May 29 to 31 Rotterdam’s Van Nelle Factory will open its doors to Design District 2024, the leading annual interior design trade event for industry professionals to discover the latest developments in the sector, make new connections, and get inspired.
For three days around 200 indoor and outdoor brands’ presentations will take place on the exhibition floor, featuring exhibitions by design academies and young designers, and captivating talks by industry professionals.
Design District is a wonderful networking opportunity for interior designers, architects, project designers, stylists, retailers, and other interior professionals. Those interested in design will be able to find furniture, lighting, sanitary, tiles, flooring, acoustic panels, fabrics, and other materials from a wide range of artists—from young designers and new labels to well-known brands. In just one day you will get the scoop of all the latest interior design trends and news.
Worth mentioning, that the general public can only attend the event on May 31, the last day of Design District. Due to the first two days being accessible exclusively to interior professionals.
Design District’s Significance
Design District has become the leading event for interior design in the Netherlands. More importantly, it is the annual meeting place for the design industry.
Last year precisely 7,111 visitors came to Design District, with 43% of the visitors being interior architects, architects, or designers, while most of the visitors were involved in the decision process. The quality of the event is monitored by an advisory committee, which helps the organization select exhibitors.
Key Speakers
Throughout the three days of the Design District’s program, four daily talks will be given by professionals in the Dutch language and will be free of charge, with the exception of Friday, May 31, when only two talks will be given that day.
Among the speakers are Hans Lensvelt, CEO and owner of Lensvelt, Anna Hutten, housing sector advisor at INretail, the largest non-food retail organization, Lianne Bongers, interior designer of Studio Lime, interior architect Esther Stam, hospitality entrepreneur and designer Casper Reinders, and others.
The variety of topics includes artificial intelligence in interior design, the future of interior design, the 2025 housing trend report, and lighting tips by The Lighting Design Academy.
Other Perks
Additional program activities include free guided tours with Van Nelle guide. This tour will allow you to get to know this monument of Dutch modernism. In 2014, UNESCO completed the international recognition of this exceptional building by granting it the World Heritage status. The tour starts daily at 1 pm and 3 pm, with maximum amount of 20 people.
Besides that, you have the opportunity to view the designs of five selected graduated students from the HMC, also known as Hout-en Meubileringscollege, at the old Tobacco Factory.
And if in the middle of the fair, you might need a break, you are more than welcome to go to Design District’s garden. Here you can also observe additional presentations from five outdoor design brands.
Last but definitely not least, is the Bubble Bar, Ball Bar, and DJ set. Whether hungry, thirsty, or in need of a break, you can get anything you need here. Besides drinks from the Bubble Bar and a range of delicacies from the Ball Bar, you get to enjoy DJ sessions in the outdoor garden, in the last three hours of each fair day.
