Not a man of one company, but a man of movements. His strength? Not shouting from the sidelines, but starting new companies himself that set the market in motion and challenge existing systems. That's how the jury of the PROVADA Inspiration Award 2026 describes winner Michel Baars. 'Michel gives direction to our entire construction and real estate sector.'

For three days, the real estate sector stood shoulder to shoulder at RAI Amsterdam. With a record number of visitors, a packed programme and plenty of energy, PROVADA 2026 was an edition to remember. Below, we look back at the highlights — and at the end you'll find the photos and aftermovie to relive it all.

At PROVADA 2026, the PROVADA Inspiration Award 2026 was presented to Michel Baars. The award is presented annually to an individual who realises sustainable change within the built environment through vision, courage and decisiveness. This year's presentation marks the award's fifth edition.

The nominees for the PROVADA Inspiration Award 2026 have been announced! Three inspiring professionals who are truly making a difference in the industry are competing for the title. Meet the nominees:

On Tuesday 9 June at 10:00 AM, PROVADA will be officially opened by Lieutenant General Dick van Ingen, Deputy Director-General of Policy at the Ministry of Defence. Through his contribution, PROVADA underlines the current and growing intersections between Defence and the real estate sector.

During PROVADA, BouwLab R&Do and The Green Village will be providing the content programming for the Innovation Café. In collaboration with partners BPD, COD and VORM, and the Ministry of Housing and Spatial Planning, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, and the DMI Ecosystem, one central question takes the lead: how do we move innovation faster from idea to application?

The fiscal threshold for foreign pension funds and insurers to invest in the Dutch housing market must be significantly lowered. That is the view of Mark Siezen, CEO of asset manager Bouwinvest. 'Foreign capital is absolutely essential to meet the enormous housing construction challenge. That requires a stable housing policy and fiscal climate. I am hopeful: the new minister recognises this and will act on it.'

Following the earlier announcement of the launch of the International Investment Day, PROVADA now presents the full programme for Thursday, 11 June 2026. As the largest real estate exhibition in the Netherlands, PROVADA brings together leading market parties for a day of insights, discussion and networking. The newly introduced international investment programme—developed in collaboration with INREV, Holland Metropole and the Ministry of Housing and Spatial Planning—offers international investors direct access to key developments, policy perspectives and investment opportunities in the Dutch market.

Visiting PROVADA? Please be aware that it can get busy around the RAI. Due to multiple large events taking place at the same time, the RAI parking facilities often fill up early.

Fraudulent emails are currently circulating that falsely use the name of PROVADA.

At PROVADA 2026, the Ministry of Defence features prominently on the agenda as a new player in the real estate market. The increased focus on national security has made the spatial and housing challenge more urgent than ever. This places additional pressure on the already scarce space, capacity and resources in the Netherlands. The Ministry of Defence faces a substantial scaling challenge. New barracks, training grounds and supporting infrastructure must be delivered at pace. In doing so, Defence is growing into a defining client within the real estate and construction sector. The central question: how do we deliver this in a country where pressure on space and capacity is already at its limit?

PROVADA is organising an introductory programme in collaboration with BouwLab R&DO and with support from, among others, NEPROM, VNG and the Ministry of Housing and Spatial Planning. A flying start for new administrators.

Inspiration doesn't always come from within. Sometimes it's the outspoken outsider, the passionate entrepreneur, or the determined professional with real grit who sets a movement in motion. People with drive — who keep going when others stop — and who don't just think up sustainable change, but actually make it happen. During PROVADA 2026, we'll shine a spotlight on these doers and changemakers with the PROVADA Inspiration Award 2026. Nominations are now open.

Amsterdam, 19 February 2026 - At a pivotal political and economic moment, PROVADA - the largest real estate exhibition in the Netherlands - is launching a dedicated International Investment Day on Thursday 11 June 2026 at RAI Amsterdam.

We're excited to be back! With these words, we opened PROVADA's annual kick-off event for exhibitors. We're looking forward to shaping the upcoming edition together. During the kick-off, we walked you through our plans, announced new initiatives, and shared our international ambitions.