Conference Matters 144

BRANDED CONTENT

ORGANISING A CONFERENCE IN FRIESLAND “The venues we work with are often smaller yet unique and leave a lasting impression. Such intimate surroundings invite visitors to talk to each other, and that personal feeling is our strength,” Yvonne Hulleman explains. This iconic theatre in the heart of Leeuwarden, where almost anything is possible, has been hosting events for over 150 years. It’s home to the internationally acclaimed Noordelijk Film Festival, and famous for its excellent acoustics. Thialf Stadion Friesland boasts countless ice-skating legends, all of whom have touched the ice of Thialf Stadion. It’s also the most sustainable track in the world, with 5,000 solar panels on the roof, generating enough energy to keep the ice at the perfect temperature. De Laape Have you ever had a business meeting inside a greenhouse? In this peaceful oasis on the lake in Warten, you can choose between two green houses. If you prefer an impressive modern farmhouse, your team can also spend the night there and wake up refreshed for a new day of inspiring training sessions. Lokaal 55 This former slaughterhouse in Sneek is now a spectacular industrial venue on the water, where boats set off for pleasure trips and cooking workshops are given. There’s more than enough space for business meetings, parties and weddings. Fries Museum Friesland’s biggest museum, where climate control is key, has been gas-free since 2018. The museum has found innovative ways to preserve their treasures at the ideal tempera ture, which include works by the Frisian masters Wybrand de Geest, Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema and M.C. Escher. Top 5 sustainable venues: Stadsschouwburg De Harmonie

Evert Jan van Nijen at Springtij ©Anna van Kooij

Building blocks There are many more building blocks to choose from for your sustainable expedition. You can stroll and discover the Fish Migration River. This unique natural solution connects the IJssel meer to the Wadden Sea and allows fish access to both bodies of water. You can also visit a house that is made from locally grown hemp. Bring your team together for a circular retreat at Camp Vrijhaven. Immerse yourself in sustainable living, and come back with a strategic plan for greener business operations. All information can be found online at www. conventionsinfriesland.nl/en . Can’t decide? Then get in touch with Yvonne Hulleman and her team. They’ve got all the knowledge on what’s the best programme for you, including the best places for food and accommodations. Curious about how to host a truly sustainable event in the northern Netherlands? Download the Discover Friesland Magazine: www.conventionsinfriesland.nl/en/magazine

Award-winning innovation Hydraloop is one of the companies opening their doors this year. Although they have offices stretching from the US to the Middle East and representatives in Canada and Australia, their headquarters are still proudly located in Leeu warden, Friesland’s capital. This year, they’re welcoming interested companies to learn from their highly praised and international award-­ winning invention. “If you look around in Friesland and the Nether lands, you’d assume that we have more than enough water. But we actually have less and less usable drinking water,” Sales Manager Klaas Pool explains. “That’s why we developed a smart cabinet that filters domestic wastewater. Hydra loop filters all of this reasonably clean water, which normally washes away after showering or washing your hands. After this process, it comes back out of your faucet just as clean as it did the first time.” Hydraloop’s customers include private indivi duals, as well as hotels, campgrounds, nursing homes, and even a mosque in Dubai. A Hydra loop system has also been installed in the new Cambuur Stadium in Leeuwarden, which means that the water from the football players’ showers is now used to flush the toilets.

24