ABN AMRO Bank N.V.

How do you make risk assessments in a rapidly changing environment?

As an entrepreneur or executive, navigating in these uncertain times is challenging: when do you play it safe? When is it riskier not to act? Which seemingly ‘innocent’ decisions can lead to disastrous failures? During ABN AMRO Insights Live, 1,200 of the bank's large corporate clients gained insights into opportunities and pitfalls in high-risk situations around acquisitions, innovations, and crisis management through three different seminars.

Each of the three themes was explored in dynamic and varied 90-minute programs. Surprising speakers such as Sanna Marin (former Prime Minister of Finland), Feike Sijbesma (former CEO of DSM), and Hans Klok (illusionist) shared how they manage risks.

The event series was rated 8.6 by attendees, resulting in an NPS of +58. The survey results highlight the added value of the seminars in positioning the bank as a substantive sparring partner.

Erasmus University Rotterdam

How does the Erasmus University Rotterdam community bring out the best in each other to create societal impact?

In times of climate change, shifting global order, and social and technological developments, Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) works as a community to tackle these complex challenges. Collaboration is essential, and the EUR community actively seeks each other out to achieve impactful and sustainable solutions. However, collaboration does not happen automatically. It requires an ongoing process of openness, feedback, and a willingness to learn and engage in dialogue. This is no easy task. For this reason, the "art of connection" was the central theme during the Opening of the Academic Year 2024–2025 on September 2, attended by over 800 people. XSAGA Congresses was honored to handle the editorial development of the program on behalf of EUR.

During the ceremony, various speakers reflected from different perspectives on the ways in which EUR embodies the Erasmus value of "connection." Among the speakers were Anglican priest Mpho Tutu, Executive Board Chair Annelien Bredenoord, and the Minister of Education, Culture, and Science, Eppo Bruins.

In addition to a packed auditorium and high appreciation from attendees, the event was featured in various national media, including the NOS News (8:00 pm) and several national newspapers.

Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations

Create a concept and organize the 'Dag van de Ruimtelijke Ordening' (formerly the NOVI Conference).

The transition to a sustainable economy, a good balance between agriculture and nature, and strong cities and villages require a lot of space. To allocate the space in the Netherlands fairly, solid decisions are essential. This was the reason for the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations to organize the 'Dag van de Ruimtelijke Ordening' (the Day of Spatial Planning).Everyone involved in the planning and organization of our country’s space came together at the NBC Congress Center in Nieuwegein. Officials and employees or stakeholders from the national government, regional and local authorities, the business sector, civil society organizations, knowledge and educational institutions—500 attendees in total—represented a wide range of sectors and all parts of the country. This diversity was a crucial component of the event’s success, as only by having all parties at the table can interests be properly aligned.

The dynamic plenary program consisted of two parts. Among others, Minister Hugo de Jonge inspired attendees to focus on "geographical security of existence," which means nothing less than factoring in the interests of future generations in all decisions. To encourage networking moments, the event also included nine highly interactive workshops that attendees could participate in over two rounds.