A smooth trade show experience full of experience!

"My job is to organize a smooth, well-run fair. By now I've visited more than 40 companies and I come in uninhibited. That's when it really becomes fun!"

"If you can talk to each other about goals and their feasibility and meet in the middle, then you are good to go!" Speaking is Frits Kuijper, organizer of the 2020 Technische Kontakt Dagen. The 2018 edition set the bar high for the upcoming edition, which will take place at the Nobelhorst in Almere from June 11 to 13, 2020.

Fast-moving environmental developments

In 7 years, environmental developments within the GWW are following each other at lightning speed, Kuijper believes. "The GWW is really leading the way here. Indeed, sometimes the government inhibits innovation because of old regulations and legislation. Originally I come from the entertainment sector and I can tell you that nowhere is communication as direct and efficient as in the GWW," Kuijper explains. With a track record of 26 years producing large-scale events, the TKD board has brought in a seasoned organizer in Kuijper. "I was recruited externally as a freelancer. Within the world of event organization, I know my way around. Working in a team has become second nature. What is nice for me as an organizer is that the DNA of the TKD is so incredibly strong. I can do something with that. Until 2018 Paul Uilenbroek organized this event, I think he did that for about 20 years. But Paul indicated he wanted to quit. Reason for the TKD to invite me for an interview. It soon became clear that there was good mutual trust. I work together with Paul Uilenbroek's right-hand man, Pascal De Kogel-Broeren. She is now also my support and advocate."

Frits Kuijper, organizer of the 2020 Technical Kontakt Days.

Even more experience

Kuijper has a strong vision of his own regarding the TKD. He bases this vision on the role the TKD plays in the sector: "We are talking about the largest exhibition in Western Europe for the GWW, contracting and recycling sector. Then it is best to offer the maximum experience to the visitor. One of the plans is to create a large plaza where people can gather informally at the end of the day. That way, while enjoying a drink, snack and a piece of good music, we will bring vendors and buyers into contact with each other in a completely casual way. This means that in practice there are two contact moments. Once during the fair and once afterwards, in an informal setting."

All major brands are present at TKD 2020.

What else can we expect more?

Kuijper hints: "Think of a big fountain bar, with an umbrella and water, think of an exhibitor restaurant, where exhibitors can really take a breather, away from the hustle and bustle of the fair. Just sitting together with your colleagues, that gives peace of mind. We want to facilitate comfort, to make visitors and exhibitors comfortable. You will find a lot of digitalization for that reason, for example the use of a trade fair-related credit card. You use it throughout the fair and pay for everything at once. Then you have everything neatly arranged on a receipt.      

We can use the data it provides to steer the next TKD to come up with an even better offering."

How big do you want to get?

"The TKD takes place outside. Not only the 'big boys' are there with brilliant presentations, also the smaller exhibitors come out well. We are therefore proud of the mix of participants, who together represent the sector. There will be stands and tents... now it is up to us to decide how big the TKD 2020 should become. To that end, I maintain personal contact with the exhibitors. By now I have more than 8,000 kilometers on the clock to visit exhibitors. I ask them questions such as "What do you like and what don't you like?", "What motivates you to participate?" and "What can we do to optimize your participation?". This ensures a good feeling before, during and after the fair. We want to help everyone get the most out of the TKD. Working together is a great thing."

There is plenty of action to be had at TKD.

Download that handy app!

An app has been developed for the TKD that is multifunctional. Kuijper outlines the possibilities: "You can use the app to properly prepare your visit to the TKD. You can also book the aforementioned tour through the app, but you can also use the app as a digital 'tour guide' around the fair. The app is filled to the brim with classified data, including a logical routing and product specifications of our exhibitors."

In conclusion, Kuijper says there are already 36% more registrations than in 2018. "We want to connect even more, innovate even more together. All the big brands will be there, the fair will be informative and fun, also for families. We are currently sitting down with schools to see how we can get youth to the fair. After all, that's where the future is for the sector!"