Amsterdam’s RAI Convention Centre will host the Homemaker’s Fair 2012 from 18 to 26 February. With more than 400 exhibitors lining up to show off the latest products on the market, this is a homemaker's dream! As well as the varied shopping opportunities and health & beauty experiences, the Festival Fantastique brings the sparkle of carnival to the central square at the Homemaker’s Fair.
The Homemaker’s Fair sprang to life in 1950 as an occasion to bring Dutch homemakers up to date with the latest household products and trends.
But the fair has moved with the times - what began as a collection of demonstration stands and staid sales pitches has exploded into an array of themed squares offering the very best in homey delights.
The modern-day Homemakers Fair clearly isn’t only about vacuum cleaners and kitchen aids; fashion, beauty, food & drink and entertainment all play a leading role in the fair. Here’s a rundown of what the various halls have to offer:
Fashion and beauty - hall 1: exhibitors show off the latest and greatest in clothes and beauty products, as well taking a look at health and fitness.
Home - halls 1, 6 & 7: the Home section of the fair contains a world of inspirational products for the interior and garden. Find out which colours are in (and which are most definitely out), try out the latest time-saving cleaning products and get a bunch of tips and tricks from the experts.
Shopping - hall 4 & 5: Head to these halls and get ready to shop ‘til you drop! Discounts, bargains and the latest fashion trends!
Leisure time - hall 7: Leisure time is a far-reaching concept and while one person may prefer to collapse on the coach with a book, the other may prefer to be out exploring the countryside. This section of the fair proves that sometimes it is possible to please everyone - whichever way you prefer to spend your spare time, there’s something for you here.
Culinary - hall 8: Gone are the days of cooking being a daily chore, millions of us can’t wait to get into the kitchen to try out a new recipe, or of course a kitchen gadget! Whether you’re a fan of five-minute dinners and tasty snacks or prefer a seven-course deluxe dinner, a world of food awaits at the Homemaker’s Fair.
Household - hall 1 & 10: These halls take it back to basics with a wink of acknowledgment to the beginnings of the Homemaker’s Fair. Hall 10 is home to household products and gadgets galore; fun to see, great to own.
Introduced in 2011, the Festival Fantastique proved a great success and will be even bigger in 2012. Located in hall 2, expect to discover an interactive part of the fair, featuring a host of hands-on workshops, sample shops, quizzes and Dutch singers performing on stage. And perfect for tired feet after all that walking around the halls, you can even go for a ride on the big wheel.
The Homemaker’s Fair is at the Amsterdam RAI Convention Centre from 18 to 26 February. Tickets will be available to purchase in advance or at the event's box office during opening hours (to be announced).
For more information, check the Homemaker's Fair website (in Dutch).