Amsterdam Dinner
The Amsterdam Dinner is an annual benefit gala to raise money for the fight against HIV and AIDS. The gala is organised by the Amsterdam Dinner Foundation, a partner of the Dutch AIDS Fund. Each year, the leaders of the business community come together at AFAS Live for a special gala dinner for more than 1,000 guests, full of surprises and outstanding entertainment. In addition, politicians and representatives of the royal family are always in attendance. Everyone comes with a common goal: to raise as much money as possible for the fight against HIV and AIDS.
Frank van der Laan on working with AFAS Live:
‘AFAS Live is the perfect venue for the Amsterdam Dinner. Because the Black Box is a blank slate, we can create a completely new and unique look every year. Even after 15 years, we can still surprise our guests. The solid foundation of its infrastructure makes it possible to do many different things.
AFAS Live is also a sponsor of the Amsterdam Dinner Foundation, and you can feel that during the organisation of the event. It has a committed team that’s great to deal with: the team members respond quickly, and they understand that when you’re organising a charity dinner, different rules sometimes apply. That’s why we’re looking forward to organising next year’s Amsterdam Dinner at AFAS Live again!’
History of the Amsterdam Dinner
The Amsterdam Dinner was first organised at Dam Square in 1992, when the International AIDS Conference took place in the Netherlands. All hotels in the city were fully booked, so the Krasnapolsky hotel took the lead to organise a dinner along with other five-star hotels in a show of gratitude and support. Thanks in part to the generous sponsorship of event organiser Frank Wentink, the evening was a great success. The dinner went on to become an annual event. Following five consecutive editions held at Dam Square, the dinner was organised at HMH/AFAS Live for the first time in 2002.
Contemporary themes
Every year, the Amsterdam Dinner has a surprising theme. These themes are based on current events and issues in society. During the financial crisis in 2008, for example, there was a fantastic ice-breaker activity with the message that we must work together in difficult times. The more than 100 tables were covered with white linen, there were no decorations in the room, the only lighting was the work light in the Black Box, and cutlery, glasses and decorations were presented in cardboard boxes on the tables. After the opening song 'Let’s get the party started', guests were able to set their own tables and the mood lighting was turned on. Each year, the Amsterdam Dinner puts on yet another evening to remember.
Ending AIDS through equality and justice
The Amsterdam Dinner Foundation believes it is unacceptable that more than 10 million people still do not have access to life-saving medications. Many countries are even taking major steps backwards. Nevertheless, the medical developments in recent years have been particularly hopeful. The goal of the Amsterdam Dinner is to ensure that all live-saving innovations are available to everyone: no matter who they are, where they live, or whom they love. The Amsterdam Dinner Foundation wants to put an end to AIDS by tackling discrimination, inequality and injustice.
Upcoming editions of the Amsterdam Dinner will put major international themes like diversity, equality and acceptance in the spotlight each year. All in all, this makes organising a benefit event like the Amsterdam Dinner just as relevant after all these years as it was during that first summer evening back in 1992.
