Delivering spectacular entertainment and guest experiences for 1,500+ travel professionals across 16 river cruise ships “one of Next Level DMC’s largest hospitality teams ever”
Event Snapshot
Client: American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA)
Date: March 2026
Guests: 1,500+ international attendees
Location: Amsterdam, Passenger Terminal Amsterdam & 16 river cruise ships
Program: River Cruise Expo, welcome reception, educational sessions, networking events and private dinners
Written Reference letter: Link to PDF letter
What We Delivered
For ASTA River Cruise Expo 2026, Next Level DMC delivered one of its largest hospitality operations to date, supporting more than 1,500 international travel professionals throughout a five-day event. Working alongside ASTA, who coordinated the participation of the 16 river cruise ships, our team provided seamless guest services across the event, deploying more than 30 hospitality professionals for registration, guest guidance, ship access, luggage handling, golf cart transportation and on-site support.
Setting the stage
The welcome reception set the tone with an energetic entertainment programme featuring a gospel choir, DJ, elegant stilt walkers and breathtaking aerial acrobats serving champagne from a suspended chandelier. Branded golf carts transported guests efficiently across the quays, while canal boats welcomed VIP guests for an exclusive evening programme. To complete the experience, guests enjoyed live music from a singer and pianist during the private dinners on board the river cruise ships, creating an elegant and memorable atmosphere throughout the event.
Where Hospitality Meets Spectacle
One of Next Level DMC’s largest hospitality teams of roughly 40 onsite crewmembers ensured every guest journey was smooth from arrival to departure. Throughout the five-day event, our team welcomed attendees, supported registration and help desks, coordinated luggage handling, guided guests across Passenger Terminal Amsterdam and provided support for sessions aboard all 16 river cruise ships. Branded golf carts operated continuously along the quays, offering efficient transportation between the terminal and ships while reducing walking distances across the expansive venue, so that guests could focus entirely on their River Cruise Expo experience.
Standout feedback
“Next Level DMC served as an invaluable extension of our team.”
“Their proactive approach consistently identified and resolved attendee and operational challenges before they ever reached our attention.”
“Their creativity, attention to detail, and willingness to accommodate evolving needs made the Next Level DMC team an outstanding partner.”— Emma Curran, Events Manager, American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA)
By the Numbers
- 1,500+ attendees welcomed from around the world.
- 16 river cruise ships hosted educational sessions, networking events and private dinners.
- 30+ hospitality professionals supporting guests across registration, transportation, ship operations and guest services.
- Entertainment programme with 20 performers; including a gospel choir, DJ, stilt walkers, aerial champagne performers, live singer and pianist.
Final Words
ASTA River Cruise Expo 2026 demonstrated how flawless logistics, outstanding hospitality and creative entertainment can elevate a large-scale international conference. By combining extensive guest services with memorable experiences throughout the programme, Next Level DMC helped create a seamless event from arrival through departure. The project reflects our expertise in delivering complex, multi-day international events while ensuring every guest feels welcomed, supported and inspired.
