Conference Matters 143

INTERVIEW

where start-ups and scale-ups could present their projects to conference participants. The Young Energy Leader Award was first pre sented to the even younger generation. Talented students from Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, Erasmus University, Delft University of Technology, Avans University of Applied Scien ces, Radboud University, and The Hague Univer sity of Applied Sciences could pitch their theses during the conference. “The award process also helps maintain strong ties with the knowledge institutes, while the pitchers provide extra dynamics on the floor,” explains Dujardin. Additional networking opportunities At the advisory board’s request, this year’s focus was on additional networking opportunities. For example, guests of the council members could enjoy a VIP breakfast on both days. “This way they could strengthen and share their business relationships,” Dujardin describes the added value. “We’ve also developed a program for C-level officials of large companies, which resulted in a new and exciting target group.” The programme’s content was also adjus ted based on the previous year’s evaluation.

“In 2023, we had a lot of panels. The goal was to get a group of people together on stage to discuss a topic from their own responsibility and perspective. However, you still don’t have enough time to really go into depth. With a one hour session and a panel of five people, you can spend a lot of time on introductions, not getting any further than a bunch of stock phrases. This year we had three plenary sessions each day, followed by a number of break-out sessions, which all turned out well.” A fair’s added value The conference’s further expansion, which drew nearly 1,000 participants over two days this year, is also known. Recharge Earth will also have an exhibition floor in 2025. “Let’s say about 80 companies, 2,000 visitors and a net exhibition floor of 1,000 square metres, which can easily be combined with the conference in our new confe rence centre. We’re still thinking about the look of the fair, as it needs to be more playful than a conventional one. In addition to being a logical addition to the conference, we believe the fair will attract a different type of visitor from the same compa nies and agencies, but with more practical

functions. The conference mainly showcases perspectives and complex issues, while the fair shows what you can already do.” Future goals Future goals include transitioning from a confe rence to a large trade fair with a conference or expanding internationally. “Of course, we’re thinking ahead, but you never know how market needs will develop. We could expand into an umbrella organisation that covers third-party ini tiatives, such as a Recharge Earth Week. You always need to be aware of what you already have. Recharge Earth stands for intimacy and quality. That’s why we’ll be collaborating with an external conference agency next year to focus on the new Expo. The key is to raise the bar step by step. That’s how it has to be because the participants keep raising the bar. You can formulate an end goal, but be sure to leave it open-ended. You should always work together with your partners throughout the whole process. That’s actually how we set up our own productions at Ahoy. We’re not into one-off things, like doing an event about Bitcoin. We’re in it for the long term and plan to keep investing in it.”

F L O R A

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