D&B History
D&B History
Our history
D&B Eventmarketing has been a leading force in the world of LIVE communication and event marketing for over 40 years. As the oldest event agency in the Netherlands, we have weathered multiple crises and adeptly adapted to changes, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Our passion for impactful events and strategic communication remains as strong as ever, as we continue to innovate and push our boundaries.
What’s in a name?
Our story began on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1983, on the Leliegracht in Amsterdam under the name Nini’s Productions, managed by Janine Dechesne and Elvira Veenings. Five years later, Pieter Bas Boertje joined, and the event agency was renamed Dechesne & Boertje Business Events, becoming one of the first event agencies to focus on goal-oriented business events. When Janine left the company in 2007, the now-iconic pink agency continued under the name D&B Eventmarketing. The founding day is still traditionally celebrated internally with a festive burger lunch.
The oldest event agency that continues to innovate
With Lennart Peeperkorn as co-owner from 2001 to 2019, we mastered the art of organizing large-scale events and established a more structured business approach. D&B grew in size, leading to the formation of a dedicated management team. Today, the daily operations are led by Josine, Jorryt, and Ilke. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Pieter Bas served as chairman of the industry association IDEA for four years, during which D&B expanded its expertise in digital experiences. This development was also one of the driving forces behind the 2023 merger with digital experience agency FX Agency, creating a powerful multidisciplinary team as part of the Daymakers Group.
Loyal ambassadors
Today, we remain true to our values, with a sharp focus on strategic event communication and the ability to create impactful experiences. Our annual D&B Rosé, an award-winning relationship event that has been held since 2008, provides an inspiring platform where we celebrate our successes and look ahead to new opportunities together with our partners — each one a loyal ambassador.
Our awards and recognitions
Over the years, D&B Eventmarketing has received numerous prestigious awards, highlighting our creative strength and expertise in the industry:
Gouden Giraffe Event Awards
– 2013: Winner in the Creative category
– 2015: Winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award
– 2016: Winner in the Internal Events category
– 2018: Winner in the Internal Events category
– 2021: Winner in the Relationship & Community Events category
– 2021: Winner in the Relationship & Community Events (online/hybrid) category
– 2023: Winner in the Internal Events & Team Building category
Beaworld Best Event Awards
– People’s Choice Award
– Silver in the Non-Profit/CSR Event category
– Best Direction
– Bronze in the B2I Event category
– Bronze in the Celebration/Festivity category
– Gold in the Proprietary Format category
EVENTEX Awards
– Platinum in the Budget Event category
– Silver in the Virtual Community Engagement Event category
ESPRIX
– Esprix Special, Events category
Future in the Event House
Our current home base is the Eventhuis in Hilversum, an inspiring location near the Media Park where we celebrate and strengthen the future of the industry. Here, masterclasses and workshops are held, allowing both our partners and our own professionals to continue developing their expertise. In the summer of 2025, we will move under the umbrella of Daymakers, together with FX Agency, to a shared location. All disciplines will come together under one roof, enabling us to achieve an even greater impact with live events and digital experiences.
Leave no one behind
The mission of Daymakers is “Leave no one behind,” and we achieve this by using powerful live communication and experience marketing to involve every employee or partner in your story. This requires a campaign-driven approach with personalized touchpoints. Digital tools make it possible to maximize the impact of both the live event and the communication journey. This hybrid approach is what the Daymakers Group stands for.
We look forward to seeing you!
Would you like to experience firsthand how D&B Eventmarketing lives its unique brand and achieves strategic results? We would be happy to welcome you to our Eventhuis for an introduction to our approach and vision on LIVE communication.
