Charles Prager, member of SCAE Communications Committee

“This was the first time that we held our annual event, SCAE World of Coffee, in the Netherlands, and Maastricht proved to be a very attractive choice in terms of accessibility by all means of transport, in terms of the facilities on offer at MECC, and in terms of cost. We also had tremendous support from the local tourist authorities and the city of Maastricht itself. This was a big plus. We managed to stage one of our most important events – our Lifetime Achievement Awards ceremony – at the historic Maastricht town hall – with the Deputy Mayor on hand to welcome us to the city. It was an impressive start to what proved a highly successful event for ourselves as organisers, for exhibitors and for the many visitors who were so warmly welcomed. Also, the town is very easy to get around in – it’s mercifully free of traffic jams – and there is a fine selection of local restaurants, cafés and bars.”