Emmen: the surprising event destination of the Northeast

Emmen works best when you make a conscious choice to visit. Don’t go there just because it happens to be nearby. Go there because you want an event that’s truly unique. That intention shapes the program, the communication, and the experience.

The type of event that’s a perfect fit for Emmen: company retreats where getting away from the office environment is essential. Team-building days where nature and open spaces set the tone. Multi-day off-site events with overnight stays on an estate or in a wooded area. Incentive programs for groups looking for a unique experience.

Actively communicate your choice of Emmen to your guests. When people understand in advance—before the event even begins—that you’ve deliberately chosen this unique landscape, they’ll arrive with the right expectations. That makes the event immediately better upon arrival.

Plan ahead. Emmen may not be the busiest event destination, but even here, the best estates and outdoor venues are not available in unlimited supply. For a multi-day event: allow 3 to 4 months’ lead time. For a one-day event: allow 8 to 10 weeks.

Please consider transportation for participants coming from outside the region. A shared shuttle service from Zwolle or Hoogeveen will make the trip more enjoyable and ensure that everyone arrives together.

Emmen has a number of special locations that reflect the unique character of Drenthe.

Emmen Zoo is one of the most beautiful zoos in Europe and offers unique venues for corporate events. Exclusive evenings in the park, surrounded by the sounds of the jungle—it’s an experience no one will soon forget. Available for events upon request.

The hunebeds of Drenthe—prehistoric burial monuments dating back more than 5,000 years—are a unique venue in the Netherlands for team-building activities and guided tours. Not merely as an event space, but as a program element that adds depth.

De Bosrand Hotel and Conference Center in Emmen offers modern meeting and event facilities in a wooded setting. It is well-equipped to host medium-sized business events. Practical, affordable, and set in a green environment that instantly promotes relaxation.

Estates and bungalow parks in the area offer accommodations and event facilities for multi-day events. The combination of lodging and activities—all in one location surrounded by nature—is ideal for team-building and management retreats. Learn more about finding unique event venues →

Emmen and the natural beauty of Drenthe add a dimension to your event that urban events simply don’t have. Make the openness, tranquility, and timelessness of the landscape a key part of your event.

A walk past the dolmens to start the day—while a guide tells the story of the people who lived here 5,000 years ago. It sounds unusual for a corporate event. But that’s exactly why it works so well. It puts things into perspective. And perspective is sometimes exactly what a team needs.

Outdoor team-building in Drenthe has a unique character. Orienteering treks across the heath, mountain bike trails through the woods, canoe trips on the Drenthe Canal—nature provides the setting, and the activity brings people together.

Culinary: Drenthe’s products are authentic, fresh, and full of surprises. Zandhaas (a local dish featuring venison), local cheeses, wild mushrooms—a Drenthe menu tells a story. Pair that with a dinner by the fire or on a terrace in the woods for a memorable finale.

End your event on a peaceful note, not with a big show. In Drenthe, a quiet conclusion is more fitting than fireworks. A drink on the terrace, the sound of the wind in the pine trees—that’s the memory people will take home with them. Read more about the program and entertainment →

Emmen is a cost-effective choice. Venues, lodging, and catering are significantly cheaper here than in the Randstad. For multi-day events that include overnight stays, the savings are substantial: you can get two full days in Drenthe for the same budget as a one-day event in Amsterdam.

A multi-day team retreat for 30 people, including two nights’ accommodation, meals, and a program in Emmen, costs between €10,000 and €22,000. A team day for 60 people with outdoor activities and catering costs between €8,000 and €18,000. The cost depends heavily on the quality of the venue and the choice of activities.

Plan three months in advance for multi-day events. For one-day events: eight weeks. The best venues in Drenthe are popular with teams from all over the Netherlands who specifically seek peace and nature.

Consider transportation for guests coming from outside the region. A coordinated shuttle service or carpool group from the Randstad will make their arrival more pleasant. This costs very little extra but helps create a better atmosphere upon arrival.

Buffer: 10% for unforeseen expenses. Outdoor events are weather-dependent—always invest in an indoor program as a backup.

Organizing events in Emmen is a specialized field. Not everyone is familiar with the region, the venues, and the vendors. We are. Live Impact has a network throughout the Northern Netherlands and knows how to make the most of Drenthe for your corporate event.

We help you develop the concept. Why did you choose Emmen? What impact should the experience have on your daily environment? How do you want your team to feel when they drive home two days later? Those questions determine everything.

We handle the logistics, the venue, the activities, and the catering. We make sure that Drenthe’s natural surroundings work to your advantage—as an integral part of the program, not just an afterthought. And we keep a close eye on the budget from start to finish.

Emmen is special. Not for everyone, but for teams that dare to think outside the box. If that’s your team—then we’re your partner. Learn more about our approach and pricing →

Evenement organiseren in Emmen? Live Impact maakt het mogelijk. Bel 070 - 711 68 46, mail philip@live-impact of gebruik het contactformulier. Serieus Leuk.