OK, here's what I propose for the Amsterdam pre-meetup thingie, on Thursday the 7th:

Let's get together at 18:30-19:00-ish at my place (Prinsengracht 862, the block between Utrechtsestraat and the Amstel river, tram stop "Prinsengracht" on tram 4) for a drink or two, then have a bit to eat at one of the local places, and then move on to the café/pub "Onder de Oievaar", at the corner of Prinsengracht and Utrechtsestraat (by the tram stop) where those that arrive late can join us. How does this sound?