'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.
The Memory Pole Day is designed to exchange practical experiences and new scientific insights, share knowledge and contribute to education. The programme is filled with interesting speakers, workshops, a sponsor exhibition and networking opportunities.
In the past, the congress was held at a different location in Utrecht. A few years ago, the organisation decided to 'move'. Ellis: 'Before, we were in a semi-public congress location where other people could also enter. You don't want that during your congress. Besides, we couldn't grow further here. But we did have that need. Our client therefore gave us a number of pillars for a new location, including a central location and that it had to suit the target group. Jaarbeurs proved a suitable match in this. We are glad we switched. Here you really are in your own bubble, with your own people.'
Meanwhile, the conference has already taken place four times in Jaarbeurs s Juliana Halls . It feels like coming home, she says. 'In any case, I find it strong if you are at the same location in the same period every year. Now participants know: the first week of November is the Memory Pole Day in Jaarbeurs. Apart from that, of course, it is just a nice location.'
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 are assigned a hostess or host who is at your disposal. You can contact the person for anything you need and it will be arranged for you. I also noticed that the people I spoke to have been working there for a long time. Sometimes even for 15 or 20 years. You can see that they enjoy their work and want to help you. I have sometimes been to locations where people look at you funny when you ask something. At Jaarbeurs, you notice that everyone does their best to make it a nice congress'.
'At Jaarbeurs, you notice that everyone does their best to make it a nice congress.'
Working with Jaarbeurs is easy, according to Ellis. 'You talk to someone who knows their stuff. It really is a professional organisation. Things are coordinated quickly here, but with an eye for detail. In addition, they are open to consultation. I know from practice that this is really not the case everywhere. Fortunately, it is here. For example, we had to keep a close eye on the budget without it being at the expense of the lunch. Jaarbeurs thought along to adjust the composition of the lunch. And that worked well, it was really tasty.
'It really is a professional organisation. Things are coordinated quickly here, but with an eye for detail.'
With a number of successful Memory Pole Days at Jaarbeurs in her rear-view mirror, organising the next edition gets a little easier each time. Ellis likes that: 'You know what you have in common and how you can work together. The first time, you're still scanning. Now it comes down to fine-tuning the number of participants and setting up the rooms. We now only need a few fine-tuning moments. And that saves a lot of time for everyone.'
About Memory Pole Day
Number of visitors/participants: 255
Visitors/participants are from: from the healthcare sector and involved in a memory clinic.
Location used + session rooms: Juliana area
Purpose of the meeting: to inform & inspire
Visitors' satisfaction rating for the location: 8.7
Special feature: more visitors than expected
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.
jaarbeurs+31(0)30 295 58 81
