30 Years of RSM Amsterdam: A Look Back

In 1996, I founded RSM Amsterdam with a simple but powerful vision: to help creative organisations in the Netherlands grow their reach and revenue through strategic business development. Thirty years later, that vision remains at the heart of everything we do. Looking back on three decades of working with publishers, event organisers, architects, designers, and artists across the country, I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved — and excited about what the future holds.

The Early Years

When RSM first started, the creative industry in the Netherlands looked very different. Digital media was in its infancy, and print publications dominated the landscape. My first projects involved helping architecture and design magazines secure advertisers and sponsors for their publications. I quickly realised that my passion lay in building bridges — connecting creative organisations with commercial partners who shared their vision and values.

Those early years taught me invaluable lessons about the creative industry. I learned that creative professionals are often so focused on their craft that they do not have the time or inclination to handle the commercial side of their business. I also learned that there are countless companies eager to associate themselves with quality creative work, if only they knew where to look. RSM became the link between these two worlds.

Growth and Evolution

As the creative industry evolved, so did RSM. When digital platforms emerged, we adapted our services to help clients navigate the new media landscape. When the architecture sector in the Netherlands experienced a renaissance, we expanded our expertise to support architecture yearbooks, exhibitions, and events. When design festivals and awards programmes grew in prominence, we were there to help them secure the sponsors they needed to thrive.

Over the years, RSM Amsterdam has completed more than 650 projects for clients across the Netherlands. We have worked with prestigious publications like NAI010 Yearbooks, supported major events like the Dutch Design Awards, and helped countless smaller creative organisations find their footing in a competitive market. Each project has added to our knowledge, our network, and our commitment to the creative industry.

The RSM Philosophy

Throughout our 30-year history, one principle has remained constant: quality always comes first. We believe that creative work deserves to be supported by thoughtful, strategic business development. We do not believe in aggressive sales tactics or short-term thinking. Instead, we focus on building lasting partnerships between creative organisations and commercial sponsors — partnerships that deliver genuine value for everyone involved.

This philosophy has served us well. Many of our clients have been with us for decades, and many of the sponsors we have recruited return year after year. We believe that this loyalty is the best possible evidence that our approach works.

Looking Forward

As RSM enters its fourth decade, we remain as committed as ever to supporting the creative industry in the Netherlands. The challenges facing creative organisations today are different from those of 1996, but the fundamental need for strategic business development remains the same. Whether it is navigating the complexities of digital media sales, developing innovative sponsor packages, or finding new audiences for creative work, RSM Amsterdam is ready to help.

I want to thank everyone who has been part of the RSM journey — our clients, our sponsors, our partners, and everyone who has supported us along the way. Here's to the next 30 years of connecting creative excellence with commercial success. If you would like to be part of our story, please get in touch.