De Boer Coverstory 10

COVERSTORY 10

Diary: constructing a temporary theatre At De Boer: smart designs, made-to-measureVolvo Ocean Race: weatherproof pavilion

Farnborough Airshow 2008: biggest project ever

BELGIUM | GERMANY | FRANCE | GREAT BRITAIN | THE NETHERLANDS | AUSTRIA | QATAR | RUSSIA | SPAIN | US | SWEDEN | SWITZERLAND

Content

Barcelona fashion week sets the tone

More than just a fashion show 10

Mobile showrooms for Audi

A stylish experience

26

Bravo for Le Mans

De Boer in 'pole position' 8

Björn Brännberg, Director of the Volvo Ocean Race:

"Volvo and De Boer, a winning team" 16

Fire at TU Delft: De Boer rescues the academic year

Graduates housed in temporary lecture halls 6

Temporary Sales Office in Dubai

The art of elegant engineering 24

Coverstory

Farnborough in Brief 18

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Table of Contents

Online atwww.deboer.com/cs10

Bank Austria GolfOpen (AT)

Garage Paolini (BE)

Filmfestival Gent (BE)

Graz-Reininghaus ATP Tennis Masters (DE)

Open de España (ES)

HISWA te water (NL)

All Weather Hall Storage (SE)

Southampton Boat Show (UK)

Goodwood Festival of Speed (UK)

COVERSTORY 10

Publisher:De BoerBerend-Jan Rietveld, Onno Koole, Corporate Marketing & Communications Laanenderweg 11 1812 PW Alkmaart | +31 72 – 5400 444f | +31 72 – 5400 244e | [email protected] | www.deboer.com

Contributors:Irene Beatty, Isabel Benjumeda, Kai Beste, Berber de Boer, Mical de Boer, Emelie von Bothmer, Cristina Cabezas, Niclas Nohrén, Tim Smedts (De Boer).Ron Bongers (chief editor), Rachel Van der Werf (account manager), Elles Ernste (magazine coordinator), Dorien Dijkhuis, Joost Scholten (editor), Marion Moes (corrector), Sofie Sinoo, Ronald Fruin (design), Francis Vos, Ron van Dam (production & traffic).

Circulation:10,500 copiesNo part of this publication may be reproduced without the publisher's express permission.

Concept/editing/production:ATP Agencyt | +31 346 – 55 90 90f | +31 346 – 55 90 99i | www.atpagency.nl

deboer.com | Coverstory 10

Around the globe

4The World Revolves Around the Alps

Live from UEFA EURO 2008™

12De Meerse Op Locatie

Opening night at temporary theatre

14A look behind the scenes in the R&D Department

Smart design, made to order

22Air Space

Destination: Barcelona

28Business Continuity Services

Business as usual

30The Brewers of Europe Celebrate Fifty Years

Nothing is impossible

32The De Boer brand means added value

33A Selection of International projects for 2009

What's ahead

343

The National and Urdd Eisteddfods are among the oldest cultural gatherings in Wales and therefore a great opportunity to promote the language and culture of this country to the rest of world. The Youth Eisteddfod ran first, followed by the National Eisteddfod in August. Pop, rock, hip-hop, hymns, ballads, literature, arts & crafts, classic plays and comedy shows - all art forms were represented. For the National Eisteddfod, De Boer provided the spectacular Pink Galaxy, measuring an impressive 4,600 m2. Furthermore, De Boer built an additional 30 accommodation areas that were used as theatre and large exhibition areas, where literature was recited and Welsh language classes were taught. More than 250,000 visitors are able to look back at two very successful festivals. £

An entertaining evening in the middle of the Olympic stadium, a gala hosted under a starry sky visible through a transparent roof. This was the special setting that Fonds Gehandicaptensport, a Dutch charitable fund, wanted for the National Gala for disabled sports, an annual event that comes about thanks to sponsors and partners. As De Boer's Alu Hall is available fully transparent, it was the solution that the Fund was looking for. Not only in the sky, but also

inside the Alu Hall stars were shining. The gala was hosted by TV sports presenter Toine van Peperstraten and there was music by singer/pianist Julian Thomas, cabaret by entertainer Freek de Jonge and an auction, organised by auctioneer Job Ubbens of Christie's. The fully transparent structure not only lent itself as an ideal venue for a special evening, but also enabled the theme of the evening to be beautifully demonstrated. £

Around the globe

4

The figures are impressive: in Belgium alone, no fewer than 1.2 million people visited the big music festivals this year. A record, and with 152,000 and 319,000 visitors respectively, Pukkelpop and Rock Werchter made a significant contribution. De Boer has enjoyed a good relationship with both festivals for many years. For

Pukkelpop, it annually builds all the tents where performances take place and in Werchter it provides food and drink stalls, artists' restaurant and all VIP areas. De Boer also provides Pukkelpop with flooring for the audience, to save them from wet feet on the usually swampy ground. The flooring guarantees the 'dance-ability' of the site. £

Swinging music festivals

'Traditional pink'

An evening under the stars

The sky is the limitAt the end of May, ILA Berlin 2008 welcomed more than a thousand exhibitors from forty countries and over 250,000 visitors. The gathering, also known as the International Aerospace Exhibition & Conferences, is one of the world's largest aviation and aerospace exhibitions/air shows. It is also the oldest aviation event in the world, founded nearly one hundred years ago in 1909. Though the partnership

between De Boer and ILA was only established in recent years, the company's reputation in the world of international aviation was already well established. For instance, for many years De Boer has been partner and supplier to the impressive Farnborough International Airshow, the world's largest aviation event (see pages 18 to 21). £


At the beginning of October, Alicante was transformed into the sailing capital of the world when a temporary village of 38,000 m2 appeared in the Spanish harbour city. On October 11th, the starting signal of the Volvo Ocean Race 2008-2009, a sailing race around the world that lasts nine months, was sounded. Several events and activities, open to the general public, were organised in the village around the harbour. Among various facilities, De Boer built the hospitality area for the Volvo Ocean Race Telefonica Team that participated in the sailing race and the hospitality area for Volvo Cars Spain as well. A guest column by Volvo Ocean Race director Björn Brännberg on page 16 provides further information on the race and the collaboration with De Boer. £

More on www.deboer.com/cs10

There were many intense racing moments on the circuits of Spa-Francorchamps, Silverstone, Hungaroring, Nürburgring, Le Mans, Estoril and Catalunya during the Renault World Series as dozens of Formula Renault 2.0 and 3.5 racing cars tore along the tracks. And De Boer travelled along with the Renault World Series. At every circuit, several temporary areas were built,

allowing spectators to feast their eyes on the latest Renault and Renault Sports models, all Renault F1 cars and sporty Renault old-timers and purchase all kinds of merchandise. Formula 1 simulators enabled visitors to take the wheel themselves, and provided unique memories for all types of drivers. All in all, the event was an unforgettable experience. £

Volvo Ocean Race

Hospitality areas for Telefonica and Volvo Cars Spain

Renault World Series

Opening with a playful themeHosting an annual get-together for clients and showcasing a new head office were reason enough for international software and ICT specialist Unit 4 Agresso to host a party – a really special party. The event – in Sliedrecht – had to feel like a festival, hence the name 'Software Valley', a playful variation on Silicon Valley and dance festival Dance Valley.

With Software Valley, Unit 4 Agresso wanted to professionally entertain their associates, customers and employees by creating a unique party and festival atmosphere. De Boer's Olympia was eminently suitable as

a special reception area; stylish with the perfect atmosphere for an event. From serious panel discussions to light-hearted cabaret, from a laser show with DJ to presentations of new software solutions; the area lent itself perfectly to the diverse activities that took place during Software Valley. Spread over four days, no fewer than 2,500 people visited Unit 4 Agresso's 'festival' in Sliedrecht. £


Photography: Sander van der Torren

August was yet again a thrilling month in Sweden when the annual SAS Masters golf tournament took place on the Arlandastad Golf Course in Arlanda/Rosersberg. The SAS Masters is Sweden's most prestigious golf event and is always eagerly anticipated by the international golf world. 2008 marked the fifth occasion that De Boer had taken care of building the sponsors' village and the press, staff, starters' and players' tents. The showpieces of the temporary accommodation were the Skyboxes at the 18th green,

consisting of double-deck structures combined with Alu Halls, providing a perfect view. When this configuration was first used

last year, countless golf magazines praised the unique atmosphere it created, making it a certain feature for this year. £

5

Around the Globe

Golf from a Skybox

Fire at TU Delft: De Boer rescues the academic year

Graduating in a temporary lecture theatre

6

It was front page news: in mid-May an enormous fire destroyed a 13-storey building within the architecture faculty at the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands. A huge amount of student work went up in flames and for some of the students, the

same nearly happened to their graduation. Based on De Boer's extensive international experience and reputation in offering emergency accommodation in the event of disaster, the university got in contact immediately after the fire.

The next morning, De Boer Senior Account Manager Pieter Rol visited the site in order to draw up plans for setting up temporary accommodation at a nearby university site as soon as possible. Two days later, the first accommodation structures were constructed; the following two days were spent on fitting out: placing two units for security and data input, (emergency)

First Impression

7

lighting, heating, air-conditioning, electricity, fl ooring, sanitary facilities and steel ramps to ensure accessibility. As well as Alu Halls, De Boer built three Pyramid structures that functioned as smoking areas. A week later, the entire temporary campus was ready to receive more than 1,200 students and lecturers. Of the fi ve Alu Halls built (all inter-connected by a walkway), four had a surface fl oor area of 825 m2; the fi fth had a surface fl oor area of 425 m2. Dividing walls separated the areas into lecture theatres, open plan offi ces with meeting rooms and a large reception area, with room for the Service point and coffee and cold drinks machines. The fi rst impressions from students and lecturers were very positive and several 'architectural' remarks followed as the temporary campus was becoming home to the Faculty of Architecture. Naturally, we welcome structural criticism, especially from those who know about structural design, as our future designs will only benefi t from it.

Fokke Wind, university lecturer"It was impressive how swiftly problems were dealt with after the fi re and how quickly the accommodation was built. Our aim was to resume lectures and research as soon as possible. No-one had dared

to hope it would be only a week after the fi re. An additional benefi t of the layout of the temporary facilities is that I now get to speak with colleagues who I would normally never have met."

Merel Cornel, service point employee"The Service point answers questions and ensures that problems and complaints are

passed on to the correct person within the architecture faculty. It was vital that we were able to resume this front-of-house role for students and lecturers as soon as possible after the fi re. I was mainly hoping for a new work area. I had no idea what it would look like so I was pleasantly surprised when the temporary accommodation was set up. It's a large and light area. I had never thought it would look this professional and that the faculty and the Service point would be up and running a week after the fi re."

Marloes Janssen, architecture student"Together with a number of other students, I was aiming to graduate at the end of October, beginning of November. This dream

seemed to go up in smoke together with the building. Luckily this was not the case! No-one had thought we would be able to resume our everyday life so soon. The area is lovely and light thanks to the 'sky lights' in the roof of the accommodations and the windows. The walkway is also brilliant. You're able to walk from tent one to tent fi ve without getting wet. An additional advantage is that we 'have to have' picnics on the grass as we've lost our canteen. All in all, the accommodation exceeds my expectations in all respects. The architecture faculty was more than just a building; the people who work there and study are also part of it. The building is no longer there, but the special architecture atmosphere remains thanks to the design, decoration and division of the replacement areas. I hope that the atmosphere continues to grow during the new academic year when more students arrive, but we will probably have graduated by then. In a tent!"£

Total floor area of 5 Alu Halls 3,725 m2

Walkway of 60 m2

3 Pyramids of 9 m2 each

The temporary accommodation for the architecture faculty was ready to use in one week, another good example of De Boer's business continuity services. These services ensure that replacement accommodation is provided very shortly after a disaster or catastrophe, in order to ensure continuity of normal business and activities. Project Manager Johan Hogervorst of Delft University says: "De Boer was the partner who was able to deliver a suitable solution in a very short timeframe. They delivered accurate work and all agreements were perfectly executed." More information about De Boer's Business Continuity Services is available on page 30.


Fully furnished space

Marloes Janssen, architecture student (left)

One of the fi ve lecture halls

Fokke Wind, university lecturer (left)

Merel Cornel, service point employee

Grand bravo for Le Mans

De Boer in 'pole position'

8

Le Mans, June 2008. For the 76th time since the start of the event, the 24 Hours of Le Mans is taking place. People come to see and enjoy the race and - thanks to De Boer - they are also able to sleep soundly...

Dozens of fast cars, driven by the best drivers in the world, tear around the 13.65 kilometre long Circuit de la Sarthe, named after the river that runs through the town of Le Mans. Whoever drives the greatest distance in 24 hours, wins the race. The winning team of drivers sit behind the wheel for more

than 5,000 kilometres; a distance similar to the total distance driven by a single driver during an entire Formula 1 season. Talking or writing about the race can only be done in superlatives and large numbers: the 24 Hours of Le Mans is the oldest and largest car race in the world. More than 200,000


9

spectators, 2,500 journalists and 200 million TV viewers keep a close eye on the developments in the league table. This makes the 24 Hours of Le Mans the biggest annual sports event in Europe.

Temporary hotelAs in many previous years, De Boer has provided a wide variety of temporary accommodation along the circuit. This year most structures have been built for Peugeot. The combination of a large Olympia with several Alu Halls served as a public area, the so-called Garage Vert. A Double Decker

was erected trackside which housed nine chalets on the fi rst fl oor, providing Peugeot's guests with a perfect view of the race. An All Weather Hall in the pit lane served as a 'working paddock' for Peugeot. In addition, De Boer built a temporary hotel with 600 beds for Peugeot employees complete with shower and toilet facilities. The interior of the Double Decker's ground fl oor was built

to exacting specifi cations for the team's management to be able to enjoy the race in complete comfort. On the top fl oor, there were facilities for the drivers to rest, sleep, shower and relax.

Top accommodation for top brandsVarious other well-known brands

called in De Boer to provide temporary accommodation. For example, Michelin entertained its VIPs in a number of Alu Halls with interior designs supplied by De Boer, and the organiser ACO (Automobile Club de l'Ouest) was provided with spacious merchandising areas and dozens of stands, each measuring around 200 m2. Audi used two large hospitality areas supplied by De Boer whilst Aston Martin enjoyed a Delta Double Decker of 400 m2; a turn-key delivered pavilion for guests of the luxury sports car brand. Aside from arranging the actual structure and decoration, De Boer also sourced the desired furniture and organised water and electricity supplies.

Grand bravoIt was an exciting race. Peugeot was in pole position for a long time and Audi seemed to be lagging behind. Eventually, Audi won the race for the eighth time in the last nine years. The 24 Hours of Le Mans was also a test of organisation, concentration and co-ordination for the employees of De Boer. Luckily, they

had more than 24 hours to prove themselves and to show that good organisation is everything. All accommodation was built and delivered on time and De Boer came through Le Mans with fl ying colours. Recently, De Boer received a 'grand bravo' from the organiser ACO, in a letter full of praise to thank De Boer once again for excellent service and co-operation.£

For Peugeot, ACO and Michelin, De Boer built:

An Olympia of 30 by 36 metres

Several Alu Halls

2 Double Deckers

9 Chalets of 5 by 5 metres

An All Weather Hall of 14 by 20 metres

Full terrace bordering on the race track

Event report

Hospitality areas for Audi

An All Weather Hall in use as a working paddock

Barcelona Fashion Week sets the trend

More than a fashion show

Event report

The first Barcelona Fashion Week took place from March 5 to 7 this year. Its goals were to attract worldwide attention to Catalonian and international talent, to bring together creative spirits and the city's fashion industry and to support budding talent. To do this, showroom presentations and fashion shows were organised at a

spectacular venue in one of Barcelona's most beautiful parks.After a trial run in 2007, this year marked the first full-scale Barcelona Fashion Week. The Ciutadella Park, in the heart of the 'City of Wonders', was the unusual location chosen for the event by its organisers, who envisioned a catwalk over a pond leading to a fountain designed by Catalonia's famous native architect and artist Antoni Gaudí.

De Boer's team designed a stylish stage, set against a magnificent backdrop, which formed the ideal showcase for the fashion designers' work. In the evenings especially, the stage was a breathtaking sight as it showcased exquisite works by young designers. While the location could hardly have been more exciting aesthetically, it also presented a number of potential risks. A stage above a pond will inevitably lead to moisture on the catwalk, which can become

10

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The first Fashion Week attracted over 4,000 visitors as well as international media attention, boding well for years to come

The 12 local and international young designers that took part in the first Barcelona Fashion Week were selected by an international jury and are at the forefront of a new generation of designers

De Boer built three structures for Barcelona Fashion Week: an Alu Hall for dressing rooms, an Alu Party for catering services and a Delta, which was used as a showroom for the designers' new winter collections


very slippery. Happily, the models' steadiness of foot equalled their poise and beauty.

Tailor-made for our clientIn addition to catwalks, De Boer provided showrooms in which designs could be presented to the media and other audiences. The Delta proved the perfect structure for this, with its high ceiling and an abundance of natural light. De Boer also built dressing rooms and spaces for catering operations. Because of the company's close involvement in the four-month preparation period, every aspect of the accommodation could be tailored to meet the client's needs. De Boer's contribution helped greatly to ensure that Barcelona Fashion Week was a great deal more than simply another fashion show.£

The perfect showroom for Spanish fashion talent

Event Solutions | Events & Hospitality tent accommodations | Dagboek

The Alps at the centre of the world

Live from UEFA EURO 2008™

12

Show, excitement and sensation characterise the European Football Championship. The 13th UEFA EURO 2008™, which took place in Austria and Switzerland, maintained that tradition. The event will be remembered as

one big sports feast without a single glitch and with a worthy winner.In some respects, the European Football Championship can be more enjoyable than the World Cup. Whereas Brazil, Germany and Argentina are the usual suspects to win the World Cup, more surprising countries

have regularly popped up as winners in the history of the UEFA Cup. Countries such as The Netherlands ('88), Denmark ('92) and Greece ('04) are traditionally not favourites to win large tournaments. In 1992, the Danes did not even qualify and were only called back from holiday after the former Yugoslavia dramatically ceased to exist!


November 2008 | CoverStory #10 | Jaargang 7

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From the beach to the championship; it is only possible in a European competition.

Emotions"Expect Emotions" was the slogan of the championship. And there were plenty of emotions. From the Dutch fans, delirious with joy after the surprising victory over

Italy and France in the group stages, to the tears of disappointment from the defending champion Greece when it was knocked out of the tournament without any points. Who can forget the tears of the Spanish and Germans who met in the fi nal, or the joy of the Russians who, once again, had reason to be proud of their impressive team? The fan areas in the centre of the cities hosting the games were fl ooded by fans from different countries who enjoyed the games on large screens.

Living rooms and pubsThe perfectly organised UEFA EURO 2008™ burst with show, excitement and sensation. The gathered press couldn't praise the organisation and games enough. De Boer was asked to provide press centres in Innsbruck, Salzburg and Vienna to house hundreds of reporters from all over the world. Through a combination of the Emperor double-decker and Jumbo and Alu Halls, De Boer created excellent media centres. Naturally, the areas provided professional work space, well equipped with all the amenities for radio, TV and print journalists. The structures also housed small

restaurants and pubs which, aside from being perfect 'editorial offi ces', provided buzzing meeting points for the gathered international sports press. This came in more than handy as all the games combined were watched by a record eight billion viewers in living rooms and pubs all over the world.The UEFA Cup would not be the UEFA Cup were it not for a surprising winner. Spain, one of the favourites with fi rst class footballers, often failed to deliver during the fi nal matches. However, for the fi rst time in 44 years, the Spanish fulfi lled their role as one of the favourites. The genuine happiness of the players and audience was a feast for the eye. Football was the winner of this tournament, but so too were the organisers who staged the event so greatly enjoyed by fans across Europe and the rest of the world.£

A beautiful setting for a beautiful tournament

Innsbruck, a suitable work environment for hundreds of international reporters

The Emperor rules in Vienna

Trix and Flix in Vienna

Event report

Salzburg

In Innsbruck, Vienna and Salzburg the press areas of De Boer were located next to the stadia

In total, De Boer created a floor space of more than 7,000 m2 for more than 1,500 reporters from all over the world

De Meerse Op Locatie

The first temporary theatre

14

Due to the forthcoming renovation works of the existing Theatre De Meerse in Hoofddorp, the theatre management and town council were challenged to fi nd temporary housing. This search resulted in De Meerse Op Locatie (De Meerse On Location), a pioneering and ingenious building to house and maintain the atmosphere and cosiness of De Meerse for a two year period.In close co-operation with Theatre De Meerse and the town council of Hoofddorp, De Boer built a special temporary structure on the industrial estate 'De President', at the edge of town. Senior Project Manager Anke Reiz of De Boer was closely involved in all preparatory work. When the process moved from consultation and drawing board to the actual build, she recorded this unique project in a photo and film diary.

"Finally! After long meetings and preparations, we are now digging and laying the foundations for De Meerse Op Locatie. It is hard to imagine that soon a temporary theatre will be built in this field. It's a special moment when the idea of a building finally becomes reality.""Now the building works have started,

there are still matters that need to be discussed. I'm regularly on site to check if everything is running smoothly and also because I'm curious to see the result of all meetings and consultations!""It is always impressive when the skeleton of a construction is raised.

As the construction is rather heavy and the ground swampy, the building is constructed on concrete foundations."

"Some of the largest challenges of De Meerse Op Locatie are the extremely stringent requirements for the construction. Firstly, no outside noise is allowed to penetrate the area. Therefore, the insulation has to be perfect. Furthermore, the interior acoustics have to be good and the roof construction will be used to hang theatre technology and

heavy pieces of scenery. This all adds to the challenge. Thanks to the thorough

preparations and agreements, we were able to, once again, provide custom-made work as promised."

"Ten metres in the air! One of the reasons why Theatre De Meerse opted out of using an existing building was due to the requirement that the interior height of the theatre had to be ten metres. There are not many temporary constructions that match the height of our All Weather

Diary

Start of the building works

Fully insulated theatre hall

Impressive construction

15

Hall, making this the perfect structure to achieve our aim."

"Blue skies above the All Weather Hall. It will, without doubt, regularly rain in The Netherlands in the coming two years. As with any other building, the structure is therefore fitted with a drainpipe system.

"The Emperor arrives on the building site. An exciting moment as this is the first time we are combining this model with the All Weather Hall. Luckily, it looks even better than we'd hoped when sitting at our drawing tables, and everyone is really pleased. Many 'oohs' and 'aahs' from the council people during the guided tour as

they expected a tent. However, they feel like they're walking in a real building. Theatre De Meerse is also pleased

with the result. As a thank you, they will organise a special performance for everyone involved with the construction.""The result of several months of preparation and only 45 days of building! The two floors of the Emperor and the combination of two structures: in all aspects, De Meerse Op Locatie proves to be a real eye-catcher. Not only has the town of Hoofddorp a beautiful temporary theatre but De Boer has created a front piece at a central location; an achievement we're really proud of."£



With 250 performances per year and new exhibitions each month, Theatre De Meerse attracts approximately 100,000 visitors a year

De Meerse Op Locatie is located in two linked De Boer structures: an All Weather Hall of 20 x 40 metres houses the theatre and the Emperor containing two floors, with a total floor space of 600 m2 houses the entrance, foyer and restaurant

Just as the 'real' theatre, De Meerse Op Locatie seats 500 people

Blue skies above the All Weather Hall

The Emperor arrives

Anke Reiz in front of the temporary Theatre De Meerse


Björn Brännberg, Director of the Volvo Ocean Race:

"Volvo and De Boer, a winning team"

16

He's been employed by Volvo for 30 years in Advertising, Sales & Promotion, and Marketing Communication roles. Indeed he has contributed to most departments. Now Björn Brännberg is Head of Corporate Events and Director of the Volvo Ocean Race - known by participants as the Mount Everest of sailing. Especially for this race, De Boer developed two identical, demountable VIP pavilions, which travel ahead of the sailors and are built at every stop-over port for Volvo.

What is the background on the Volvo Ocean Race?"The race started in 1973 as the Whitbread Around the World Race. Volvo was looking for a large sailing event to sponsor and the

Whitbread turned out to be perfect. As a result, Volvo bought the race in 1998. The fi rst re-named Volvo Ocean Race took place in 2001/2002 and is now the largest sailing event in the world. Over the course of nine months, the sailors call at 11 harbours all over the world. For the crews it's a battle with the elements."

What connects Volvo to sailing?"Transport is everything for Volvo. Transport plays an important role in the development of society and the economy. At the same time, Volvo is aware of its responsibilities with regard to the environment. For decades, we have been developing cleaner cars and


Björn Brännberg, Director of the Volvo Ocean Race


17

more environmentally-friendly production methods. There is a reason why Volvo's three core values are Quality, Safety and Environmental Care. These three values are inextricably bound to each other; the quality of the air we breathe, the safety of our society, the protection of the environment... this is one of the reasons why Volvo loves sailing."

What does the Volvo Ocean Race mean to Volvo?"The Volvo Ocean Race is a worldwide event and refl ects Volvo as an international company. The race calls in at 11 different international ports that all represent markets which are important to Volvo. The race is therefore a perfect platform for sponsor activities. We are able to invite our key customers to experience the race and its festivities together with us in the pavilion. Furthermore, the Volvo Ocean Race represents cutting edge technology; exactly what Volvo represents in the car market."

What is different this year from previous Volvo Ocean Races?"This year, the race calls in to a number of

new ports which represent new markets for us, such as Singapore, India and China."

What is the biggest challenge? "The new course brings different challenges, especially for the crew. Due to the new course, they have to anticipate different weather conditions. In any case, the race is an enormous challenge for the sailing teams. Every sailboat has 11 crew members; 10 sailors and one person who keeps in contact with the media and takes care of documentation. Life on board is rigorous;

hard and wet. The longest stretch takes us from China, around the tip of Chile, to Rio de Janeiro. This will take approximately 34 days."

And what is the biggest challenge for Volvo?"This challenge lies in the new markets. The logistics have to run smoothly. Not only does the pavilion need to be built, taken down and transported every time, it also needs to look as perfect in Cochin or Qingdao as it did in Stockholm or Boston. In addition,

new markets are not all aware yet of the magnitude of sailing and the opportunity this event offers as a platform. Therefore the challenge is to invite the right key customers to the pavilion."

What do you personally look forward to the most?"Alicante, the start of the race. I look forward to seeing the pavilion in action after months of hard work and preparation. All kinds of activities will take place here; dinners, seminars, shows, demonstrations and VIP meetings. Earlier this year, we ran a trial in Gotenburg but the pavilion was not entirely ready. We will see the fi nished pavilion for the fi rst time in Alicante. I can hardly wait to see all these fantastic ideas become reality!"

Why did you choose to engage De Boer?"De Boer is a solid and reliable company with substantial international experience and good references. Both their material and their service are top quality. As the course takes us through extremely hot and cold locations, we were looking for a construction that could stand up to all weather conditions and simultaneously keep a pleasant climate inside the pavilion. And we did it! Anything can happen during a project of this size; people become ill, things break or stop working. It is therefore crucial to work with the right partners; fl exible and loyal people and companies. I have a very good feeling about our co-operation; Volvo and De Boer form a winning team. I rest assured that all problems coming our way will be resolved by this team, which is a pleasant feeling. This is also why we enjoy working with De Boer." £

More information: www.deboer.com/cs10 www.volvooceanrace.orgwww.sailing.org

Interview

The pavilion's atrium measures ten by ten metres

The Volvo pavilion consists of:

An Emperor of 20 by 25 metres, with a 20 by 20 metre indoor floor area and a 5 metre deep balcony over the entire length An atrium of 10 by 10 metres in the middle Specially made blinds and white panelling all around A solid oak floor and stairs Air-conditioning Kitchen containers that are connected to the

pavilion via a specially-made steel frame An interior in the Volvo house style with lights, music, video screens and furniture

Coverstory

Largest project ever for De Boer

Farnborough in a nutshellThe largest air show in the world has celebrated its 60th anniversary this year, which was all the more reason to organise an unforgettable event that outdid all the previous ones. The show was bigger and better with regard to the number of visitors, spectacle, aircraft, contracts and accommodation. The Farnborough International Airshow 2008 was De Boer's largest ever project!Farnborough is home to the UK's biggest business airport - situated 38 miles outside London. However, in mid-July 2008, thousands of aviation fanatics and airplane fans from all over the world flooded the

town. For one week, Farnborough became the centre of the aviation world.

Old friendsThe airfield was swamped with spectacular aircraft of all shapes and sizes. Old friends, such as the classic biplanes and triplanes from World War I, but also the very latest and experimental models from the aviation world, such as the LH-10 Ellipse, a small two-person aircraft, were on show. The enormous gathering of aircraft pulled in the crowds, but there was more. The airspace above the airfield hosted dozens of air shows. A stand, providing hundreds of seats, was separated from the runway by a large fence. The entire afternoon, helicopters, stunt planes, fighter aircraft, biplanes and

passenger planes took off. High above the ground, pilots performed their magnificent tricks in their flying machines.

Air balletOne of the most spectacular shows was that of the Red Arrows, the Royal Air Force demonstration team. The audience watched with bated breath as the nine bright red jets performed half an hour of acrobatic stunts - a faultless routine of air ballet. The jets produce trails and figures in the air with red, white and blue smoke. Still, it was not this spectacle that stole the show at Farnborough, but the Airbus A380, the largest passenger plane in the world, which was clearly the public's favourite. Toys, jigsaws and inflatable versions of �

19


100,000 m2 floor area

More than a kilometre of hospitality chalets

Alu Halls, Jumbo Halls, Emperor, Deltas and Panorama

Also smaller accommodations such as Chalets, Pyramids, Acropolis and Sunstar

the A380 could be found everywhere. After seeing all these mini versions, it was rather overwhelming to see the real thing. The main tyres alone measure one and a half metres across.

Take-offThe packed audience held its breath when the large Airbus began to move and prepare for take-off. It only took a few seconds for the plane to reach 250 kilometres per hour and just after the main stand from where the

audience was watching, it became airborne. The engines were hardly audible. The plane went straight up in the air and banked sharply to the right. It then power dived past the stand three times, demonstrating its manoeuvrability and showing the enormous ease with which this giant aircraft can be piloted.

From the airNot only was there plenty to look at from the ground, the views from the air over the

Farnborough International Airshow must also have been rather spectacular too. As it was the 60th anniversary of the Airshow, the temporary exhibition halls were larger and more extensive than ever. The airfi eld was transformed into an enormous temporary 'village', showing more aircraft and receiving more visitors than ever before. To see all this from the air was sadly only a privilege for the pilots and occasional lucky passenger.

88 billion EuroFarnborough is not just a public attraction. It is also an extremely important exhibition for the professional aviation world. All famous aircraft and engine manufacturers are present with their new products, as well as all airlines, which place orders for their new aircraft here. During this event, no less than GBP 70 billion worth of orders were placed, an absolute record and twice the previous record set in 2006! The order books of manufacturers such as Airbus, Boeing and Rolls-Royce are rather full for the foreseeable future.

Largest project everFor De Boer, which has been a partner of the Airshow since 1996, the event this year was a massive logistical achievement: supplying more than 3,600 tons of material

Business is a pleasure in the stylish ambiance of the Emperor

20


None of the big engine builders would dream of missing Farnborough

for the construction of nearly 100,000 m2 of temporary accommodation. After months of preparation, the result was spectacular and everyone agrees: this year, the Airshow was a true spectacle both from the air and the ground. More visitors than ever attended and never before were that many orders placed or was the event praised so highly. All in all the 2008 show was a perfect foundation for continuing the successful co-operation between the organisers at Farnborough and De Boer.£

Impressive: De Boer's biggest project ever


21

Nearly 100,000 m2 of temporary accommodation was erected at Farnborough this year, including four enormous exhibition halls, a special Centennial Pavilion, and hangars to house historic aircraft. Aside from the 60th birthday of the Farnborough Airshow, the 100th anniversary of the Royal Air Force was also celebrated. Furthermore, De Boer provided the event with more than a kilometre of hospitality chalets housing business meeting rooms, marketing facilities, bars and restaurants.

Coverstory

A record number of orders were placed

A look behind the scenes of the R&D department

'Smart designs, made to order'

22

Behind all of De Boer's wide ranging and multifaceted products is an extremely busy development team. Impressive designs such as the Millennium Dome, Panorama and Emperor are brilliant examples of this key department's work. Here is a look behind the scenes of a department that never stops.In the Research & Development department (R&D), eleven people are spread over three locations, working continuously on operational and strategic product

development. From its leading position on the international event market, over the past few years De Boer expanded more and more to answer the commercial demand for longer-term rental of its temporary structures by producing storage and baggage areas, shops, restaurants, sports facilities, emergency housing space for use in crisis situations and even temporary prisons, to name just a few examples. This innovative process adds an extra dimension to the R&D department's work, as these new structures tend to be strictly regulated by building and safety codes, and often

come with additional specifi c requirements for use. Still, whatever the product, De Boer's own product development guidelines are stringently adhered to, ensuring that structures are of the highest quality and that they are attractive, functional and innovative, while assembly time is kept to a minimum.

Our customers' priorities are our prioritiesFrom a hospitality area at a 3 day sports event to a temporary shop for a period of three years: R&D does not simply produce temporary accommodation, it

At De Boer

Technical Manager Paul van Leeuwen

23

creates complete space solutions. In both new developments as well as further developments to existing accommodation, our customer's needs are our main interest. "Product development is a continuous process. The foundation for what we do is what our customers want and need, developments in the market and input from all of the other departments at De Boer," says Paul van Leeuwen, De Boer's Technical Manager. "We have to constantly make sure that we meet all the requirements of international laws and regulations, not only for our commercial customers but increasingly for the events market as well."

Ready to face the futureThe R&D department at De Boer's head offi ce in Alkmaar is charged with developing hardware, which includes frames and joint constructions but also tools such as lifting and loading equipment for construction operations. The commercial CAD department transforms preliminary plans and sketches from Sales into attractive visual presentations for customers. Now we are even able to position our structures on Google Earth, which allows customers to 'fl y' over and around them – albeit virtually – and thus get an amazingly realistic impression of what a fi nished project will look like. But to be completely prepared for the future, R&D has recently switched to special 3-D design software that makes it possible to produce complete designs of structures in which every aspect is accurate to the millimetre.

The right tools"Temporary structures are becoming

more and more complex. It is essential that parts from different structures are interchangeable and that structures offer a fl exible range of possibilities. We could not do this without specifi c 3-D software. With this, De Boer has the tools it needs and which are essential in modern engineering," notes van Leeuwen. He adds: "Structural accuracy is extremely important because of our modular building systems. If you're

setting up twenty components next to each other, every single one has to be exactly the same size. This means that measurements have to be accurate down to a half or even a tenth of a millimetre."

Laws and regulationsEach European country has its own system of laws and regulations for various types of buildings, and care must be taken to adhere to all of them. Structures need to meet as many of these requirements as possible, which generally means fi nding common denominators and compromising where regulations confl ict with each other. Over the years, De Boer's work on large, complex projects and our cooperation with national regulatory bodies and governments has provided plenty of experience in responding

to these regulations, which are becoming steadily more stringent. Because of this additional demand, the R&D department has not only grown in size but with regard to expertise in solving specifi c problems and using special, complex software to do so. Variations in regulationsEvery structure is provided with a Construction Book, a technical building fi le providing proof that it is suffi ciently solid for the specifi c conditions of its construction. There are series of European norms governing the construction of temporary structures; in the Netherlands, for example, durable structures are subject to national construction guidelines, and construction permits are mandatory. For commercial structures, which are often let for longer periods, laws and regulations can vary enormously from country to country and even from region to region, with different demands placed on strength, security and safety. And there can be different regulations as well for urban structures and those in coastal areas.

Unlimited possibilitiesOne clear trend is that long-term construction is becoming increasingly modular, while, in response to market demand, the production methods and fl exibility of our temporary structures are shifting towards those of more permanent constructions. In broad terms, there is more and more demand for temporary, relocatable and modular structures that can be put in place relatively quickly.£


3-D software is necessary

Innovative: virtual fl ights over projects

Special 3-D design software

makes it possible to produce

complete images of structures

in which every aspect is

accurate to the millimetre

Event Solutions | Events & Hospitality tent accommodations | Dagboekdeboer.com | Coverstory 10

Sales offi ce in Dubai fi t for an Emperor

The art of elegant engineering


25

It has been called the eighth wonder of the world: Palm Jumeirah, the fi rst of three artifi cially created islands just off the coast of Dubai. Now that the palm-shaped island itself is nearly completed, sales of the many spectacular houses and apartments can begin. Interest in homes here is intense, so Nakheel, one of the region's largest real-estate developers, asked De Boer to design a temporary sales offi ce in the stem of the palm frond, offering a splendid view of the island.Palm Jumeirah is shaped like a palm frond. With the creation of the long 'stem' and 16 'leaves', 72 kilometres of coastline were formed around 'The Palm', as it is popularly known. Nakheel, its developer, needed a smart-looking sales offi ce for its private and commercial real-estate activities on the island. "We found De Boer, and then we were captivated by the Emperor," says Jacob Joby, Nakheel's Development Manager. "The sales centre will be used for two to three years, until all of the houses and apartments have been sold. We needed accommodation that could be set up quickly and removed later. Additionally,

we had specifi c requirements for the look and layout of the building. We wanted two storeys and a balcony overlooking the sea:

just try fi nding a supplier of temporary accommodation who can provide that. But it was no problem at all for De Boer. The Emperor, with its unique design and construction combining wood, glass and aluminium, is the perfect solution for us, and it is really striking." Inside the Emperor, full-scale mock-up rooms have been fi tted with examples of furnishings for the prestigious grand houses and apartments. Dedication and precisionThe temporary sales offi ce is De Boer's fi rst project under the extremely strict regulations of JAFZA (the Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority), which runs a free economic zone in the Jebel Ali, Dubai region of the United Arab Emirates. Jacob Joby continues: "It is

fantastic to see how much dedication and precision De Boer brings to this project. It is also unbelievable how quickly they put up a fully functioning structure." The constructive and friendly collaboration between De Boer and Nakheel has produced a solid basis for further impressive projects in the region, one of which is the temporary cruise terminal planned for Port Rashid. "De Boer understands engineering like no one else. They have the knowledge and experience to come up with elegant and appropriate accommodation solutions, even in the face of technical challenges. This is exactly the type of company that this region so badly needed," concludes Jacob Joby.£

Project developer Nakheel was captivated by the Emperor

Interview

Dubai is one of the seven states that make up the United Arab Emirates. Aside from its oil reserves, Dubai's economy is based on trade and tourism. It is a paradise for luxury shopping and holidays, with more fi ve-star hotels than anywhere else in the world, and shopping opportunities that are virtually endless. Visitors' gastronomic desires are equally satisfi ed: all world cuisines are amply represented, and quality is superb while prices are relatively low.

"The Emperor is the perfect

solution for us and it is really

striking"

Mobile showrooms for Audi

A stylish experience

Event report

27

A real caravan travelled through fi ve German cities in May. A modern one, that is, with cars instead of camels, and the Delta by De Boer as a modern variation on the travelling accommodation. A perfect environment for the 'nomads' to present their goods in, with justifi able pride to a large audience: the newest Audi models A4 Avant and A3 convertible.A modern caravan should have a modern name and therefore, the event was named 'Audi Roadshow 2008', with stopovers in the cities of Hamburg, Cologne, Frankfurt am Main, Munich and Berlin. It was an enormous challenge for De Boer, as the event's organiser had asked for the accommodation to be designed in accordance with Audi's new showroom concept. With constructions that function as mobile showrooms, the audience is able to feast their eyes on the new models. In other words the accommodation had to be in line with the stylish design for which Audi is renowned.

Glass showroomIt was no problem for De Boer. It immediately became apparent that the Delta structure was most suitable for this job. Thanks to its large open space and inner height, and the option of delivering it

with glass walls, the Delta is able to create the impressive effect of a real showroom. Furthermore, a fl oor area of 1,500 m2 offered suffi cient space to design the showrooms entirely according to the Audi showroom concept. Aside from the Delta, De Boer also provided other accommodation for the catering and crew, including a beechwood-style terrace offering visitors and guests the opportunity to relax after all the activity.

Effi cient planningA showroom that comes to you, rather than the other way around, is an innovative

concept and typical of Audi. The roadshow attracted many visitors in all cities. What

would a roadshow be if there was nothing to take for a spin? The A4 Avant and the A3 convertible were not only on display in the 'showrooms'. Outside, 50 of the newest Audi models were present, providing visitors with the opportunity to test drive them and to really familiarise themselves with their attributes. Furthermore, the two models

were presented in a daily visual show, lasting three hours, in a purpose-designed presentation area of the Delta.It is crucial for a roadshow to have the accommodation up and ready in a fl ash. This requires effi cient planning. Although time was limited, the temporary accommodation was always completed on schedule, resulting in praise for the team's fast work and the product's fl exibility, charm and style. Despite the time pressure before and after the roadshow, De Boer managed to create an event worthy of Audi.£

1,500 m2 floor area

Separate accommodation for the catering and crew

Delta with presentation area


Entirely in keeping with the new

Audi showroom concept

Innovative Audi: a showroom that comes to you


Instant space for the aviation industry

Destination Barcelona

28

De Boer has further extended its portfolio of work within the aviation industry by building a temporary baggage hall at Barcelona International Airport. But when it comes to airport projects, this was not De Boer's maiden flight: before Barcelona, previous projects have included accommodation at London Heathrow, Cardiff International Airport, Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport and Doha International in Qatar.

With the summer months approaching, Barcelona's airport authority AENA realised that the existing baggage handling area was no longer adequate, says Miguel Nombela, Head of the Flight and Planning Maintenance Department. "The stream of people flooding through the airport over the summer increases every year, and all those suitcases and bags have to be processed." As of May this year, baggage handlers at the airport have had more space, thanks to an extra baggage hall built by De Boer. The additional space is mainly needed during the four month high season, and in consultation with De Boer, AENA opted for the versatile

All Weather Hall. Miguel Nombela said: "We chose this structure for its large, free span and its substantial interior height, which provided us with plenty of storage capacity." The hall, with a floor area of 825 m2 and an interior height of more than seven metres, was built within one week by a special De Boer team flown in from Sweden.

193 million passengersAENA is a nationalised company which operates all Spanish airports and is also responsible for air traffic control. In addition to Spain it operates a number of airports in Mexico, the US, Cuba, Colombia, Sweden



29

and the UK. In 2006 alone, 193 million passengers used AENA's airports."The All Weather Hall was exactly what we needed: a hall of a high quality that is also extremely strong. It can withstand heavy load on the roof as well as wind speeds of up to 90 miles per hour," says Miguel Nombela

Optimum fl exibilityStructural alterations and renovations are constantly necessary at airports so that they can comply with increasingly strict security requirements and cope with growing numbers of passengers and cargo. These are enormous logistical challenges for airport authorities, and this is where De Boer's versatile solutions are most useful. A good example of this has been at Schiphol Airport, where a temporary baggage handling hall of nearly 4,000 m2 was constructed for use over a four year period. Thanks to the extra space provided by the temporary structure, alterations to the existing baggage handling area could be carried out with no loss of capacity to the airport.

Room for developmentDe Boer's project at Schiphol was noted by airport authorities in Qatar, where the exponential growth of Qatar Airways had brought about a signifi cant increase in

air traffi c. The existing airport was not designed to handle this expansion, so a new, much larger airport was being built off the coast of Doha, the capital of Qatar. The accommodation solution at Schiphol served as a model for a temporary baggage handling facility at Doha's existing airport, and allowed the growth to continue while the new airport was being constructed. The temporary facility was specifi cally designed to withstand the extreme conditions in Qatar, where temperatures regularly exceed 50 degrees Celsius. The construction, measuring 35 by 100 metres, was fully insulated and fi tted with air conditioning and high-speed automatic doors, preventing the heat from entering while keeping the building cool.

Rapidly growing reputationThese are only a few examples of De Boer's temporary solutions for the aviation industry. Other equally impressive projects have included a food production unit at Cardiff airport, a 1,000 seat restaurant at Heathrow and a baggage hall at Bulgaria's Varna airport. With projects such as these, it is no wonder that De Boer's reputation in the sector is growing. Mical de Boer, Business Continuity Director of De Boer UK, explained: "Increasingly, airports are realising the advantages of temporary structures in meeting short and medium to long term needs for extra space. Whether for public areas, baggage handling halls, staff accommodations, exhibition areas or hangars, all facilities can be built and dismantled quickly. Furthermore, clients can design them entirely as they wish. Clearly, De Boer's temporary structures provide exactly the multi-purpose solutions today's aviation industry is looking for."£

Plenty of storage space for a mountain of luggage

Interview

Temporary baggage storage hall at Barcelona airport

Accommodation: the All Weather Hall, measuring 25 by 33 metres and 7 metres high

The All Weather Hall is a very

cost-effective solution

30

Business Continuity Services

Business as usual

Portfolio

In situations where timing is essential, De Boer has the experience, knowledge and product portfolio to immediately provide replacement accommodation. The selection of solutions and services that De Boer offers in the event of calamities and disasters is called Business Continuity Services.The accommodation from De Boer can be constructed quickly and efficiently - the first team of builders is able to be on site within a few hours. The accommodation solutions from De Boer form an important part of the 'Business Continuity Plan' for companies, organisations and governments as they

ensure a fast resumption of essential services. De Boer can help guarantee the continuity of a business and in doing so reflect a client's state of preparation and decisiveness which may protect or even enhance their reputation in the months following a disaster. Steady expansion The basis of the Business Continuity Services is an extensive risk analysis that records potential emergency measures for companies, organisations and governments. In the past few years, De Boer's Business Continuity Services have undergone a steady expansion and growth as organisations and governments have

realised the importance of being able to continue their activities when unexpected incidents or accidents occur. With the aftermath of large international disasters such as the bomb attacks in London, the Tsunami in Asia and Hurricane Katrina, De Boer has also proven to play a significant role.

Proactive approachMical de Boer, Business Continuity Director for De Boer UK, explains: "Until a few years ago, organisations only thought about what to do next in case of calamities after the disaster had already struck. Research shows that companies that weren't able to respond quickly, were often declared bankrupt in the

Co-op Case study:Client:Midland Co-op SupermarketReason:Extensive fi re damageLocation:Leicestershire, UKDe Boer's solution: 1,200 m2 of temporary retail space, 105 m2 of storage spaceBuilding started: 22 September 2008Construction time:10 daysLife span: 12 monthsAdditional amenities: Lighting fi xtures, automatic doors, sliding doors, offi ce space, kitchen and eating area, fi re alarm system, space division system, electric installations, plumbing

31

months that followed. To counter this risk, De Boer joins the client to evaluate and draw up a set of measures that prepare them for possible calamities. This proactive approach enables organisations to rapidly resume their activities after, for example, fi re, fl ooding or a terrorist attack. It is essential to plan ahead for re-organisation, operation or relocation of activities."

Co-operation with expertsIn the United Kingdom, De Boer works together with recognised expert groups such as ICM, an organisation with 15 Business Continuity centres. De Boer and ICM have recently signed a contract to jointly provide Business Continuity Services to Travis Perkins, one of the leading suppliers in the British building sector. In the event of calamities at the head offi ce of Travis Perkins, they are able to immediately move all activities to the nearby Business Continuity Centre of ICM, where there is room for 75 employees. De Boer

will then build fully-functional emergency accommodation near Travis Perkins' head offi ce in order to minimise disruption to staff. This accommodation offers working space to 200 employees.

Speed is essentialLisa Walsh, Risk Analyst with Travis Perkins says: "It is important to have a business continuity plan in order to maintain our service to our customers, and to pay our suppliers and employees on time. The co-operation with ICM and De Boer is well thought-out. We are especially satisfi ed with the time it takes for De Boer to supply us with temporary offi ces. This is extremely important when you are trying to resume the company's activities."

According to Mike Osborne, Managing Director ICM Continuity Services: "The method taken by De Boer in its customer approach fi ts excellently with the attention to detail and bespoke service we pride

ourselves on giving to our clients. Our customers expect tailored solutions that best fi t their business continuity needs, and our award-winning premises and solutions deliver that. We are delighted to be partnering with De Boer in Northamptonshire – the similarities between our two fi rms are striking and we know that between us we will be offering Travis Perkins outstanding facilities."

Extensive experienceMany organisations have already used De Boer's expertise, Avon Cosmetics is one of them. They recently signed a contract with De Boer to supply them with replacement accommodation for their data centre in case calamity strikes. Richard Boyles, Disaster Recovery Manager of Avon Cosmetics explains: "I was immensely impressed with the scope of work that De Boer carries out for the Farnborough Airshow and the speed with which they responded after the blaze in a bakery in Scotland. If anything like that would ever happen to us, we wouldn't be able to quickly build an entire new data centre. It is reassuring to know that De Boer is able to help us in this case."Mical de Boer adds: "Organisations, companies and governments with an effective Business Continuity Plan feel reassured, and remain focussed on the future in case of a disaster or calamity. We have the necessary experience and expertise to draw up such plans and are able to quickly and effi ciently respond as soon as calamity becomes reality."£


Midland Co-op Supermarket rises quickly from the ashes

Production area gutted by fi re Temporary accommodation in no time


50th anniversary of The Brewers of Europe

Elevated party extension

32

The Brewers of Europe - sounding board of the European industry of brewers - celebrated its 50th anniversary this year. Therefore, a party was required that did justice to the respectable age of this Belgian classic. However, is such a thing possible in a city garden in Brussels? Organiser Dries Heyman had an idea. "Made-to-measure accommodation by De Boer.""The building where The Brewers of Europe is located is beautiful," says organiser Dries Heyman of Wow Communication. "It is an elegant, recently renovated town house with a back garden. As the house is not large enough to entertain many guests, extra space was required. Luckily there was still the garden."The garden is 12.5 by 12.5 metres, has two tiers, a marble staircase, many plants and

a tree. Not immediately a place where one would set up temporary accommodation. However, this did not put Heyman off. He looked at it more as a challenge. However, he needed a little help. Heyman said: "I know De Boer does not turn down any challenges. Previous projects that seemed impossible, such as building on top of the roof of the Flagey building, also turned out to be a huge success. I immediately thought of them."

MetamorphosisThe one-metre level difference between the front and the back of the garden became the basis of the construction. Heyman added: "We were able to create a flat surface measuring 12 by 10 metres on which we constructed an Alu Hall. The suspended front part was well secured and connected to the building via a walkway."The garden was metamorphosised. In order to avoid damaging the marble staircase, it

was protected and decorated and also the construction which raised the floor level was concealed from view . The result was a construction that perfectly complemented the splendour of the historic house, where guests could be entertained in luxury. Heyman looks back happily. "It was great seeing all the surprised looks on people's faces during the party. Many guests knew the location from previous events and didn't recognise the garden at all. That is obviously a huge compliment!"£

Event report

120 m2 floor area

Made-to-measure construction

Elevated area with walkway


33

The added value of the De Boer brandOnno Koole, Group Marketing Communications Manager, and Berend-Jan Rietveld, Group Products Marketing Manager, both work in the Corporate Marketing & Communications Department. Among this department's tasks is brand development for De Boer. After all, a strong brand is instrumental to a company's success.Onno Koole: "Our brand is much more than the De Boer logo. The De Boer brand represents our human capital, our products and our services; in fact it describes our entire organisation - our origins, where we are now, what we stand for and where we want to go. It is what makes De Boer unique, what sets us apart from other companies. Our brand makes us recognisable for our own personnel, for our customers and other stakeholders, and it is our guarantee of high quality goods and services, of a professional organisation with creative solutions and a passionate commitment to what we do."

Company development"The needs of both our customers and the world in general are continuously changing, which means that we need to constantly improve and develop our products and our services as well as our company," says Berend-Jan Rietveld. "The underlying ideals behind our identity have evolved as the company has grown. This is an important starting point for our ongoing process of continual analysis and further development of the common qualities and strengths present in our expanding company. It means that we can put them to their best use in enhancing our uniqueness, which is our true added value."

Unique qualitiesOnno Koole continues: "A number of the important values which permeate the company set the tone for how we work, and for the products and services which

carry the De Boer brand. They give us the courage to try new things and develop innovative solutions for a huge variety of needs. We are not afraid to do things differently in order to create space solutions that really make a difference. We believe in what we do, and we also enjoy doing it. Our commitment and involvement are testimony to our passion for what we do for our customers. We put our heart and soul into providing service that is as good as we can possibly make it, and we are committed to providing only the highest quality in order to build up solid, lasting relationships with our customers. We are a professional organisation, providing innovative solutions and passionate involvement: that is truly unique added value."

Short term, long termBerend-Jan adds: "Our customers are distributed across a range of sectors and so have a wide variety of different needs. For our brand, this entire range of these needs falls into one category: sound accommodation, quickly built, which can be used for a single day or for several years. De Boer stands for complete accommodation solutions that are always developed with our customers' specifi c needs in mind. For

events, exclusive and unique solutions are needed to create a special atmosphere; in commercial applications, function comes fi rst, and special attention must be paid to speed, safety, continuity and comfort. Whoever the customer and whatever the requirement, whether it is specifi c dimensions, organisation or suitability for a particular use, we provide a made-to-measure solution."

Expertise, now and in the futureOnno concludes: "Since it was founded in 1924, De Boer has grown into a strong international brand with an outstanding reputation. With today's market dominated by an increasing need for speed, fl exibility and individuality, temporary accommodation will have a particularly important role to play in satisfying all kinds of requirements for extra space. This will expand even more in future years. We are determined to play an increasingly important role in enriching and enhancing the value of every space we provide. This will strengthen our position as market expert in professional, rapidly constructed temporary accommodation. The De Boer brand guarantees this: after all, De Boer covers all."£

My De Boer

Onno Koole (left) and Berend-Jan Rietveld

34

Outlook

As a sponsor and preferred supplier De Boer will also be present at the 2009 KLM Open. De Boer's contribution to this internationally renowned golfing event includes VIP hospitality, media areas, and a large promo village. £

The HISWA te water is Europe's most comprehensive boat show. With over 500 new boats, 5,700 m² of exhibition space and nearly 300 exhibitors the 2008 was bigger than ever. The 2009 show will take place from September 1 to 6. £

From 16 to 21 October, Kortrijk Xpo will be home to Busworld, the world's oldest and biggest specialised trade fair for the bus and coach sector. In 2007, De Boer provided over 10,000 m2 of temporary space and a number of buses and coaches were lifted into the exhibition halls via the roof. £

Potato Europe 2009, Europe's most important potato industry trade fair, will take place from 8 to 10 September in the city of Emmeloord. De Boer will be building an extensive temporary exposition centre that will provide plenty of space for a large number of international participants. £

KLM Open

The Netherlands

Belgium

Potato Europe 2009

FrancorchampsThe 24 Hour Race at Spa Francorchamps is a race event that has taken place annually since its inauguration by the Royal Automobile Club of Belgium in 1924. £

A selection of international projects for 2009

OutlookHISWA te water

Busworld 2009

De Boer will be at the heart of the Belgian pop festival circuit in 2009 at Werchter and Pukkelpop, which together attracted over 470,000 people in 2008. Restaurants, VIP areas, food and drink stands as well as stages and concert halls will all be part of De Boer's contribution. £

Werchter / Pukkelpop

35


The International Automobile Festival is an annual concept car show held at the Hotel National des Invalides under the auspices of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile. The 2009 event takes place in February. £

The world famous Le Mans 24 Hour Race will take place in June 2009. De Boer will also be on the scene again in 2009, motoring around Europe's most exciting racetracks with the World Series by Renault. £

Mobile World Congress, the world's biggest mobile communication conference, will take place in Barcelona from 16 to 19 February 2009 and as usual, De Boer will be there. In 2008, De Boer provided over 10,000 m2 of accommodation at the 'Fira de Barcelona' trade fair exhibition area, with structures including the Emperor, Alu Hall and Chalets. £

De Boer's Emperor is travelling around the world as a VIP pavilion for the Volvo Ocean Race. At each of the ten worldwide stopovers, Volvo can welcome its guests and customers in a high-class hospitality accommodation. £

Once again, De Boer will be building a large number of structures for the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters golf tournament, which is held in January. Additionally, an Emperor will serve as a sales office for Meraas Development over the coming eighteen months. £

The highly exclusive Leander Club, founded in 1818, is the world's largest and most successful rowing club. De Boer is Leander Club's preferred supplier of temporary accommodation during all prestigious sporting events, including the 2009 Henley Royal Regatta. £

The Hamburg Klein Flottbek equestrian event, to be held in May 2009, is a major showjumping derby and a highlight of equestrian sport. £

Dusseldorf's Rochusclub will be home to the 32nd ARAG World Team Cup in May 2009. Prize money of one and a half million Euro will be up for grabs in this important ATP tournament. £

Festival Automobile Internationale

Le Mans 24hr Race & World Series by Renault

Mobile World Congress

Volvo Ocean Race

Qatar Masters & Meraas Sales Centre

Leander Club

Flottbek-Derby Hamburg

Tennis World Championship Rochusclub Düsseldorf

France

Spain

Sweden

International

United Kingdom

Germany

De Boer's Pink Galaxy will be the brilliant central attraction in London and Edinburgh again in 2009 during the Playtex MoonWalk charity event. In 2008, 15,000 walkers, the vast majority of whom are women, participated in this powerwalk event to raise money for the breast cancer charity Walk the Walk. £

Playtex MoonWalk

De Boer is constructing a permanent hangar at Manchester Airport to house the flagship plane from the famous Concorde fleet, which has been exhibited at the Airport's theme park since 2003. After sitting more than four years in the open air, the plane will be protected from the elements in De Boer's gigantic All Weather Hall, which will be built in March 2009. £

Manchester Concorde

Right To Play is an athlete-driven international humanitarian organisation that uses sport and play as a tool for development of children and youth in the most disadvantaged areas of the world.

Right To Play programmes are currently implemented in 24 countries and aim to improve the lives of children affected by poverty, war and disease. We work closely with communities to set up sport and play programmes designed to teach important skills including leadership, teamwork, conflict resolution, self-esteem, communication and commitment.

www.righttoplay.com

De Boer is partner of Right To Play.

When childRen Play,The WoRld Wins

DBI 75 RTP Dutch.indd 1 10-11-2008 14:03:31

Documents

De Boer Coverstory 10