Education, inspiration and networking are at the core of the international association MPI, Meeting Professionals International. This was the purpose and message of the event called Crossing Borders on 27th june in Apeldoorn, starting point Paleis het Loo.
The learning journeys were introduced during the European Conference of MPI called EMEC which took place in February 2019 in The Hague. Inspired by the theme, MPI the Netherlands continues to create innovative events, which is at the core of the association.
The event Crossing Borders in Apeldoorn was created on two learning journeys, Security and Vitality. The purpose of the learning journeys is to learn, to gain inspiration and networking at the same time.
Paleis het Loo, our starting point of the day, where the group was split in two smaller groups. The two groups got their own bus and drove to Radio Kootwijk where they were inspired by the story of Centraal Beheer. Every Dutch citizen knows the slogan Even Apeldoorn Bellen, but how did this slogan become so popular? And how important is the role of humour? And how can you implement humour as the redline through your company? And of course in your events.
After lunch, one group went to Omnisport, where we didn’t had time for an after lunch dip, we were taught a real haka in a very short time. Using our body, to move and to scream, yes, and even to throw our tongue out, was funny. Again here, not a long workshop, just a short inspiration.
The highlight of the day, the story of Marianne Timmer, she was an Olympic champion and won 3 gold medals. What were her challenges, how did she achieve her mission to win these golden medails? I was impressed by her honesty and vulnerability, because her journey was far from easy. Growing up in the northern parts of the Netherlands, at a sheep farm, she learned a lot from the behaviour of sheeps, who cannot talk.
The other group went to the police academy, where they learned all about security and how to protect themselves when they are attacked. When and how to use pepper spray and even handcuffs.
Inspired by Marianne, we went to the Zoo called Apenheul where we observed the group behaviour of the gorilla’s, which was an eye opener. Receiving information about the life of a gorilla, where we can learn a lot, and discovering the location as a fantastic venue location.
Driving back to Paleis het Loo where we had a walking dinner on different spots of the entire location. A relaxed way to explore the opportunities as a venue for your event, but also a great network opportunity and exchange experience of the day with other participants.
A perfect way and day to get to know different locations in a relaxed playful way. Next, because you walk and move around, you meet a lot of people in a spontaneous way. And using short moments where you capture the attention was perfect. I went back home, inspired and energised by the venues, people and conversations and information I gained during the day.
MPI is organising different kinds of events for event professionals in the Netherlands : https://www.mpi.org/chapters/netherlands
Photos (Butino/Jan Buteijn)
