Massive exhibition centre complex, also stages 'theatre spectaculars'. The RAI exhibition and convention started life in 1893 as De RI (De Rijwiel-Industrie/bicycle industry association). The A for automobile was added in 1900. Today the organisation consists of 11 exhibition halls with a combined covered area of around 87,000m², plus 22 conference rooms, seven restaurants and an underground car park for over 3,000 cars. The RAI’s official pay-off line is ‘inspiring people’.
The annual woningbeurs - all about modern living - is one of the biggest shows it stages. Contrast that with the Nordic Orthopaedic Federation Congress, hosted in June 2008.
For some bizarre reason, the Rai also has a webcam