In recent years the halls  of a former livestock market have undergone a thorough transformation. With the arrival of 1931, which is the name of this multifunctional complex, 's-Hertogenbosch instantly became the third largest conference city in the Netherlands. This huge meeting centre with colourful stained-glass windows cost no less than €19.5 million to create. However, with this impressive price tag, the city will greatly increase its chances of bringing in national and international trade fairs. The owner, Libéma, is expected to make a turnover of €43 million. Over 100 staff members are employed at 1931. Up to 8000 people can be accommodated here, when all the halls are connected. The name 1931 refers to the year when the largest indoor livestock market in the world opened its doors. This coincided with the opening of the then tallest building in the world, the Empire State Building in New York. The architecture is a mixture of styles, mostly expressionistic Amsterdam School blended with traditionalism. And while the smell of manure may have disappeared from this national monument countless names of cows still remind us of a time when animals changed owners here after lengthy negotiations. International names such as Dexter (Ireland), Galloway (Scotland), Limousin (France), and the Dutch pride Lakenvelder now adorn the various halls which are all fitted with underfloor heating, electrical sliding walls, heated walls and an acoustic ceiling.