This article previously appeared in Publique magazine
Corry Neggers on the agenda-setting role of Royal Jaarbeurs
Royal Jaarbeurs is much more than a centrally located event venue at the heart of the Netherlands. Account and Event Manager Corry Neggers explains the various ways that her organisation supports the development of conferences that offer genuine added value.
Royal Jaarbeurs has a clear ambition to play an increasingly active and practical role in the development of events. “We help companies and organisations achieve their goals faster and more effectively,” says Corry. “Conferences are at their most effective when they bring people together, stimulate knowledge sharing and drive innovation. This is where the real added value lies.”
Driving force
According to Corry, this approach is reflected in Jaarbeurs’ role as the driving force behind various key themes. “We don’t wait for someone to come to us with a question. Instead we look ahead at areas such as the needs of a given market and the themes which deserve a platform. Based on these signals we bring the right parties together and develop formats that add meaning. In doing so we demonstrate that Jaarbeurs is a bold and visionary partner as well as a first-class conference venue.”
The themes that Jaarbeurs focuses on have been carefully chosen, namely sustainability and ESG, digitalisation and innovations in life sciences & health. In addition, it plays an active role in sectors such as construction & installation and agrifood.
Corry: “We have built up a wealth of expertise in these domains. They are areas in which collaboration and knowledge sharing are urgently required, and that’s exactly where we as Jaarbeurs can make a real difference.”
ESG Days
As a concrete example of the above Corry cites the ESG Days conference and expo, the next edition of which will take place on 7 and 8 October 2025 in the Jaarbeurs’ Beatrix Theatre. “When the organisers of ESG2050 (formerly Carbon Data Europe) approached us, we could have simply rented them a hall. However, we instantly recognised that this was a much wider topic. As many organisations are struggling with ESG legislation and looking for direction, we decided to take the initiative together.”
MVO Nederland (the CSR Netherlands network) also joined the partnership at a later stage. “This was a logical choice as these entrepreneurs already have extensive knowledge of sustainable business practices and strong connections in the field. Together, we have been able to create a programme for the event that is focused on knowledge sharing and collaboration.”
Corry adds that Jaarbeurs sees ESG Days as more than just a conference. In the words of Jaarbeurs’ CCO Herman Mantel: “It provides a platform where knowledge sharing and collaboration take centre stage, enabling companies to use data to take concrete steps toward a more sustainable future.”
Collaboration as a prerequisite
Everyone at Jaarbeurs sees collaboration as a prerequisite for making conferences successful, continues Corry. “We always look for partners who share the same sense of urgency and ambition to drive forward change. You can achieve so much more by joining forces.
We contribute our network and our experience, while others add their knowledge and expertise. This then makes the content stronger and generates further energy. It is the best possible way to develop conferences which have a genuine impact.”
Dutch Health Week
Another example of this approach is Dutch Health Week, a week full of conferences, trade shows and meetings related to healthcare.
Corry: “Here too, we look beyond the events themselves to embrace the broader movement. It’s why we have set up the Dutch Health Hub, an online platform that connects thousands of healthcare professionals. Everything revolves around sharing knowledge, inspiring each other and working together to create a strong and future-proof healthcare sector.”
According to Corry, this initiative clearly demonstrates what Jaarbeurs stands for. “We are determined to be more than just a place where healthcare professionals meet, serving as a partner that which helps advance the entire sector. Leveraging on our energy, creativity and genuine commitment, we place major issues such as digitisation, sustainability and collaboration on the healthcare agenda.”
A different experience
What does this approach offer partners and participants? The difference lies in the experience, says Corrie. “Traditional conferences often revolve around speakers talking to an audience.
We lay the emphasis on exchange and engagement, giving participants the space they need for real conversations and new connections. Rather than feeling like sponsors on the sidelines, partners are part of the community. This ensures that conference become both informative and stimulating. People go home with fresh insights and valuable new contacts.”
Clear ambition
Jaarbeurs’ ambition goes further still. “Our goal for the future is to be an even more prominent partner in knowledge sharing and innovation. The need for meaningful conferences is growing and people want to be moved, to play a role and lave the event inspired. This demands co-creation: working with organisations to develop formats which are seamlessly in tune with the spirit of the age and have a social impact.”
Sustainability, digitisation and health remain key priorities. “These themes are close to our hearts and areas in which Jaarbeurs can really make a difference with its positioning. As well as being a facilitator, our role is therefore also to add content and create connections. This is a place where ideas grow and change begins.”
A lasting impact
Corrie has a clear message for organisations looking to organise a conference or trade show. “I warmly invite everyone to talk to us. Not as a client, but as a partner. Together, we can develop events that inspire, connect and have a lasting impact. ESG Days shows what is possible with courage and the right partners. You can achieve so much more in partnership than you can on your own.”
