Here’s a sneak peek at some highlights:

Sunday, 16 March
 

• 13.00 - 14.00: Collect your badge at hotel Mariënhage.
   
• 14.00 - 16.30: Discover Eindhoven with exciting City Exploration Tours (buses will depart from hotel Mariënhage at 14.00)
   

Discover Strijp-S: Where Innovation Meets Urban Culture
Once the beating heart of Philips’ industrial empire, Strijp-S has transformed into Eindhoven’s most dynamic urban hotspot. Join our City Exploration Tour and experience the perfect blend of technology, design, and creativity in this vibrant district. Wander through repurposed factories, now home to cutting-edge startups, concept stores, and inspiring art installations. Feel the energy of street culture, discover hidden gems, andimmerse yourself in the unique atmosphere that makes Strijp-S a playground for innovation.

Whether you’re a design enthusiast, a tech lover, or simply curious about Eindhoven’s transformation, this tour offers a fascinating glimpse into thecity’s past, present, and future. Join us and explore the beating heart of innovation!
(You will be back in the hotel at 16.30)
 

• 17.30 - 18.00: First Timers Introduction Session
  All first time conference attendees are invited to join the session for a welcome to the event
  (Location: Paterskerk (Church), entrance via the lobby of the Marienhage hotel)
   
• 18.00 - 19.30: Join us for a warm Welcome Reception at the iconic DOMUSDELA hosted by Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions, with the Mayor Jeroen Dijsselbloem opening the event.
  (Location: Paterskerk (Church), entrance via the lobby of the Marienhage hotel)
  (Dress code for the evening: orange or any symbol of The Netherlands, like tulips, windmills or...be creative! We would like to make a group photo together during the reception)

Monday, 17 March
Topic of the day: Innovation & Creative Thinking
 

• 08.15: The bus leaves from Marienhage to the High Tech Campus for a full day of inspirational and interactive sessions.
   
• 09.00: Welcome to the (Un)Conventionals, Opening Panel Discussion – ICCA France Benelux Chapter Meeting
  (Location: High Tech Conference Centre Auditorium)

  
  Innovation doesn’t happen in isolation - it thrives in ecosystems of collaboration, networking, and co-creation. Join us as we kick off the ICCA France Benelux Chapter Meeting with an inspiring conversation about reinvention, resilience, and the power of connections. Set in Brainport Eindhoven, one of the world’s leading high-tech innovation hubs, this session will explore how social collaboration has always been the key to success - from the region’s reinvention in the 1990s to its position today as a global leader in technology and design. Moderator Jelmer van Ast will be joined by three visionary leaders:

  • Katja Pahnke, a strategic leader fostering cross-sector partnerships that shape the future.
  • Bert-Jan Woertman, a driving force behind Eindhoven’s innovation ecosystem.
  • Beatrix Bos, an expert in building networks that accelerate technological growth.
  
  Together, they will discuss how Brainport Eindhoven’s evolution mirrors the very essence of the meetings industry—where bringing people together sparks new ideas, fuels progress, and creates lasting impact.Expect bold insights, unconventional stories, and practical lessons on how fostering strong networks can transform industries, organizations, and even your own professional path. Connections create opportunities. Are you ready to make yours?
   

• 09.50: Navigating the Future: Insights from the Skift Meetings Megatrends Report

  
  Join Miguel Neves, Editor-in-Chief, for an insightful session on the biggest trends impacting meetings and conventions. Through an interactive and thought-provoking session, Miguel will break down the key shifts that are set to transform the meetings and conventions in the coming year. This session is perfect for event professionals who want to stay ahead of the curve and understand the major forces influencing how meetings are designed and executed. Miguel will guide the audience through these pivotal trends, offering a closer look at the evolving landscape. From technological advancements to shifts in attendee expectations and sustainability efforts, this session will provide valuable insights that will help organizers navigate these changes and plan more impactful events.

  Don’t miss this chance to learn about the megatrends that are shaping the future of the industry and how you can leverage them to enhance your events.

• 10.30: Time for some coffee and a refreshing break
  
  Workshop round 1 (11.00 - 11.45)
  (Location: meeting rooms High Tech Conference Centre ground floor, exact names of meeting rooms will follow soon)
  
  Workshop A: Mastering the Destination Message

  Walk away with fresh ideas, actionable insights, and a sharper strategy to cut through the noise and win over association executives. This interactive workshop tackles key communication challenges, offers expert media tips on earned and paid coverage, and explores the latest trends in destination messaging.

  Workshop hosts:
  Cécile Koch, Managing Partner/ Founder, Boardroom Magazine
  Vicky Koffa, Deputy Director, Boardroom Magazine
  Miguel Neves, Editor-in-Chief, Skift Meetings
  
  Workshop B: Level Up Your Events: Gamification Do’s & Don’ts for Maximum Engagement
  During this workshop Teresa de la Hera will guide through the world of persuasive gaming, exploring how technology shapes and influences the future events. We will learn creative and innovative approaches to enhancing and transforming events to better achieve your intended goals, and workshop participants will gain practical insights and best practices through the knowledge and actionable examples Teresa will present, giving participants learning they can apply in their own organizations.
  
  Workshop host:  Teresa de la Hera, Associate Professor in Persuasive Gaming, Erasmus University Rotterdam

        Workshop C: Ensuring Mental Health at our events & within our teams
        How can we design events that truly prioritize everyone’s mental health and create a sense of safety and inclusion, even in         large gatherings? In this workshop, we’ll explore how to make big events feel small, cozy, and considerate of all attendees. Johanna         Roodt will share innovative event solutions and highlight venues ensuring mental health-friendly design. Finally, we’ll focus on how to         support well-being and mental health in our daily work—for our teams, colleagues, and ourselves. Join this session to rethink how we         approach events and workplace culture with care and creativity!

        Workshop hosts: 
        Johanna Roodt, Head of Engagement, Communications & Events at EARMA & Association Consultant, Leladijo Association Consulting
        Olivier Vallariello, Business Development Manager DACH, Benelux and International Associations

        
Workshop round 2 (11.50 - 12.35)
You can switch the room for the next workshop.

• 12.35: Group picture (outside at the terrace) followed by lunch in our beautiful lounge
  (Location picture: Terrace outside)
   
• 12.45-13.55: Lunch
  (Location Lunch: Lounge restaurant first floor)
   
• 14.00: Keynote - The Renaissance of Mascots to Virtual Brand Ambassadors
  (Location: High tech Conference Centre Auditorium)
  
  Discover the future of branding in this inspiring keynote by Maarten Reijgersberg, tailored for the ICCA France Benelux Chapter. Drawing on his groundbreaking work with Esther Olofsson, the Netherlands’ first virtual influencer, Maarten illustrates how Virtual Brand Ambassadors are revolutionizing the way organizations communicate, connect with global audiences, and humanize their technology.
  
  By sharing real-world examples and practical insights, Maarten demonstrates how to elevate your communication strategy, harness digital personas, and leverage generative AI to innovate pragmatically and cost-effectively. Explore the power of storytelling in a technology-driven landscape and discover how virtual ambassadors can bolster a 360° communication strategy. 
  
  Get ready to be inspired, gain fresh perspectives, and see how digital innovation can give your brand the competitive edge it needs to stand out in a rapidly evolving world.
  
  Maarten Reijgersberg, creative and practical concept developer.

• 15.15: Tech Safari: Experience Innovation Up Close

  Go behind the scenes at Brainport Eindhoven’s top tech companies! Explore the Vitality Hub and the Metaverse Hub, and discover cutting-edge innovations shaping our future. Join the journey - innovation awaits!
  (Location: gather in the lobby of the High Tech Conference Centre for departure by foot)

• 17.15: The bus takes you back to the hotel

• 19.00: Vibrant Network Dinner & Dance in the heart of Eindhoven
  (Thomas Eindhoven, Stratumseind 23)

  A drink arrangement (beer, wine, softdrinks) during the walking dinner has been included from 19.00 - 21.30 hrs. 
  After 21.30 hrs drinks have to be paid by the guests themselves.

Tuesday, 18 March
Topic of the Day: Unconventional events, best practices
 

(Location morning program: in the chapel of Hotel Marienhage, entrance via the long hallway behind the breakfast area)

• 09.00: Kickstart the day with energy! With Compete & Connect team-building experience the teams will compete in a series of fun and engaging puzzles, questions and tasks. It’s designed to encourage teamwork, creativity, and bonding, all while offering a thrilling, point-based competition. Get ready for some morning fun, teamwork, and a dynamic start to the day! 
  
  Anouk Hakkers, Event gamification specialist
   
• 09.45: ICCAUni, Beyond the Ivory Tower - a trilateral conversation representing the perspectives of hospitality schools, industry members and their clients, and ICCAUni.
  
  A panel of experts will discuss the evolving demands of the international events industry, covering talent development, the
  complexity of the event professional skill set, the needs of industry suppliers and the expectations of clients. How can we ensure that young graduates are market ready, and how do we close the generation gap between the soft skills of Gen X and the digital skills of Gen Z to result in success stories for all?
  
  Moderator Catherine Kalamidas will be joined by expert panelists focused on the generations that drive the future of our industry:
  
  Lars Crama, Director of the Upstream Festival
  Gemmeke de Jongh, Senior Manager Education and Impact at ICCA
  Amber Herrewijn, Senior Lecturer Researcher Event Management at the NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences
  Thomas van Rooij, Student at the Breda University of Applied Sciences
  Mark Faes, Lecturer at the Breda University of Applied Sciences
   
• 10.45: Coffeebreak in the chapel
   
• 11.15: Case Studies – Innovations in Our Field
  Dive into real-world examples of groundbreaking innovations shaping our industry. This session explores key case studies, highlighting challenges, solutions, and lessons learned. Gain insights from practical experiences and discover new approaches to drive innovation forward.
  
  1) BEFuture Acceleration Programme by Amber Herrewijn
  2) ASSOCIATION CONNECT - a convention for Associations all year round by Jan Lichota
  3) Celebrating the Power of Co-operation: Leveraging sector-first strategies and ICCA BI for succesful conferene bids - by Mickael Benaim
  4) Enhance your event with organized business meetings by Tanguy de Pommereau
  5) VIANOMO: digital nametags solution by Johanna Roodt
  6) Creating impactful experiences: how B Corp-Certified venue is reinventing sustainable events by Adriana Migonney
   
• 12.30: Wrap up
   
• 13.00: Savor a relaxed lunch at the charming Café Rita before saying goodbye
  (Location: Brasserie Rita in the hotel Marienhage)
   

DOMUSDELA                              High Tech Conference Center      Hotel Marienhage                         Hotel Pullman Cocagne