Just because something has always been done a certain way, doesn’t mean it is either right or always has to continue to be done that way.

The BCO membership earned its seat at the top table of office design, development and delivery. But do we as a body or as individuals innovate, do we dare to deviate from the norm to reach higher, or are we complacent, reliant on what we know and resting on our laurels?

It is time to challenge ourselves and to recalibrate and where better to do this than Amsterdam?

In 2016 BCO Conference moves to this European capital, one of the greatest small cities famous for its canals, narrow houses, bicycles, coffee shops and culture of openness and laissez-faire. Crucially, it also home to some of the most innovative, forward thinking and refreshing office stock in the world.

The conference’s objective is to provide some alternative, often controversial, and confrontational thinking which will challenge conventional trends in our professional world.

Against a background of turmoil in Europe, our plenary sessions will consider how social and economic unrest, together with changing workforce demands, could shape our approach and our buildings.

Enjoy guided architectural tours of the old town by canal, by foot and by bike. Get under the skin of the world’s highest BREEAM rated office building, enjoy the results of a breathtaking partnership between Rem Koolhaas’s OMA and a leading global fashion house as well as numerous on-site technical seminars from a dynamic selection of those responsible for the innovation and outcomes.

Of course, whilst in old Amsterdam, embrace the unique culture of the city. Possibly arrive by joining the BCO Cycle Challenge, or ease gently into the conference by competing in the BCO Golf Cup, this year to take place on the delightful Hilversumsche course just a short journey from the centre of the City.

I urge you to join the challenge, the anarchy and the outcome of our conference at Beurs van Berlage, the historic former commodities exchange in the heart of Amsterdam. Sample the best that this city has to offer and benefit from excellent networking opportunities and social interaction.