Power of familiarity: Jaarbeurs to host Memory Pole Day

'This feels like coming home again' says Ellis Verpoort, project manager of Congress Care, as she steps back into Royal Jaarbeurs. For a few years now, Congress Care has organised, on behalf of Nederlands Geheugenpoli Netwerk (NGN), every year in the first week of November, the Memory Pole Day at Jaarbeurs. She is still happy with the choice of the congress location in Utrecht.

Memory Policy Day has been organised to exchange practical experiences and new scientific insights, share knowledge and contribute to professional development. The programme features a range of interesting speakers, workshops, a sponsored exhibition and opportunities for networking.

In the past, the conference took place at a different venue in Utrecht. A few years ago, the organisers decided to ‘relocate’. Ellis: ‘We used to be based in a semi-public conference venue that was also open to the general public. You don’t want that during your conference. Furthermore, we couldn’t grow any further at that venue. But we did need to expand. Our client therefore gave us a number of criteria for a new venue, including a central location and that it had to suit the target audience. Jaarbeurs turned out to be a suitable match. We’re glad we made the move. Here, you really are in your own bubble, with your own people.’

The conference has now been held four times in the Julianazalen at Jaarbeurs . It feels like coming home, she says. ‘In any case, I think it’s great when you’re at the same venue at the same time of year every year. Now the participants know: the first week of November is Memory Policy Day at Jaarbeurs. Besides, it’s simply a lovely venue, of course.’

When asked what Ellis likes about it, she mentions the people who work there and the atmosphere. Ellis: ‘I like the fact that on the day itself, you’re assigned a host or hostess who’s there to help you. You can approach them with anything you need and they’ll sort it out for you. I also noticed that the people I spoke to have been working there for a very long time. Sometimes as long as fifteen or twenty years. You can tell they enjoy their work and are keen to help you. I’ve also been to venues where people look at you strangely if you ask a question. At Jaarbeurs , you can tell that everyone is doing their best to make it a great conference.’

Working with Jaarbeurs is straightforward, according to Ellis. ‘You’re talking to people who know their stuff. It really is a professional organisation. Things get sorted out quickly here, but with an eye for detail. What’s more, they’re open to discussion. I know from experience that this isn’t the case everywhere. Fortunately, it is here. For example, we had to keep a close eye on the budget without compromising on the lunch. Jaarbeurs worked with us to adjust the menu. And it worked well – it was absolutely delicious.’

With a number of successful Memory Policy Days at Jaarbeurs now behind it, organising the next edition gets a little easier each time. Ellis is pleased about this: ‘You know what to expect from each other and how to work together. The first time, you’re still feeling your way. Now it’s all about fine-tuning the number of participants and setting up the rooms. We only need a few more coordination meetings now. And that saves everyone a lot of time.’

Account manager Kelly

Do you have a cool idea for an event or awards show? And are you looking for a great centrally located event location for this? We have the space and passion to make your event in Utrecht a success. Contact me and I will be happy to tell you more about all the possibilities.

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