MECC Maastricht’s longest-standing client extends its partnership through 2030
Stichting Hondententoonstelling and MECC Maastricht have signed a new multi-year contract. The agreement extends the partnership by five years, ensuring the Maastricht International Dog Show (Maastricht Internationale Hondententoonstelling) will continue to be held at MECC Maastricht until at least 2030. The next edition is scheduled for 26 and 27 September 2026. Once again, MECC Maastricht will welcome thousands of dogs, their owners and visitors from all over Europe. Led by 31 judges from 12 countries, judging sessions will be held on an amazing 17,000 square metres of show floor space, where visitors can also enjoy demonstrations, competitions, activities for children and browse the products and services of a wide range of exhibitors.
Stichting Hondententoonstelling Maastricht
Stichting Hondententoonstelling Maastricht (Maastricht Dog Show Foundation) is MECC Maastricht’s longest-standing client and has been organising its annual international dog show at the Maastricht Exhibition and Conference Centre for decades. The Maastricht International Dog Show has grown to become one of the largest canine events in the Netherlands and the Euregion and features more than 3,500 registered dogs from over 30 European countries every year. During the two-day event, more than 10,000 visitors attend the exhibition, where purebred dogs are judged, demonstrations are held and dozens of exhibitors showcase their products and services.
Valuable partnership
Chairman of the Maastricht Dog Show Foundation, John Wauben, describes a special and close relationship: ‘Over the years, we have always worked well together. At a time when we faced challenges with registrations – and consequently our income – we were able to count on our partner’s understanding and support. The management and staff have since become friends, and we’re very happy about that. The MECC is, and will always be, one of the best exhibition centres for organising a show like ours.’
MECC Maastricht is also delighted about the extension of the partnership. Jop Thissen, MECC Maastricht Business Development Manager: ‘We see it as a huge compliment that an organisation which has been associated with MECC Maastricht for so long has once again chosen us as its venue. The International Dog Show is an event with a rich history and a loyal group of visitors. We look forward to working together to continue to build on the success of this special event.’
By signing the new contract, both organisations are reaffirming their confidence in a long-term partnership and in the future of the Maastricht International Dog Show as a regular fixture on the MECC Maastricht events calendar.
Photo, from left to right:
Stichting Hondententoonstelling Maastricht: Martin van de Loo – Board member, Ricky Lochs-Romans – Secretary, Len Bakker-Zevenbergen – Board member, John Wauben – Chair, Peter Hikspoors – Treasurer, Kim Pieters – Board member, Tovie Heermans-Janssen – Board member.
