Platform about design and technology in the kitchen, home, and bathroom industry
A flight toward the future
How do you get the next generation on board? And how do we make sure they stay the right course? Important questions that we all have to deal with sooner or later. This is why DER KREIS picked the motto "Next Generation" as the central theme of its annual industry event.
The Aviodrome in Lelystad provided the inspiring setting. The aviation museum provides an overview of the technological evolution that this sector has undergone and is still undergoing. "The kitchen and sanitary world is also experiencing such evolution," Managing Director sales and marketing Nathalie Bakker and Managing Director finance and purchasing Bart Opentij linked the two worlds together. "What does the future look like and, above all, how do we get the next generation on board? These are issues we need to address today. Communication with GenZ'ers, the generation that will succeed us, has to be different. Their norms and values are not identical to those of other generations. We will give some tips & tricks today and also keep an eye on the calendar of DER KREIS On The Move, our interactive sessions where affiliated members can exchange ideas and share knowledge. On November 12, 2025, we will organize DER KREIS On The Move around this theme."
Holding director Ralph Leimbach and owner and founder Ernst-Martin Schaible attended the Annual Event in person. They spoke about market developments worldwide - "2024 was a challenging year, the signs for 2025 and 2026 are positive" - and pointed out the international course the organization continues to follow. With nearly 4,000 member entrepreneurs within the kitchen and sanitation industry, DER KREIS is already fiercely committed to international cooperation. An international purchasing and marketing team underlines the importance of synergies across national borders. At the same time, there remains room for local fulfillment.
A strong content program was traditionally ready for attendees. Fully in line with the central theme of the Annual Event, Rick Moorman of House For Men explained how succession in a family business can be a challenging journey. Cabaret artist Guido Weijers demonstrated with humor and depth that happiness is "the ultimate balance between pleasure, satisfaction and meaning. He also provided three tips on how to make sense of that definition and closed with a rather philosophical quote of his own: "Today you have the most opportunities. After all, you are smarter than you were yesterday and younger than you will ever be again."
Since 1989, DER KREIS Netherlands has been the point of contact for entrepreneurs who are looking for strong purchasing conditions as well as marketing and communication support. In addition, DER KREIS offers a wide range of supplementary services. The success of independent entrepreneurs always comes first. And that was evident during the tour of the iconic Aviodrome offered to the conference visitors as well as during the dinner with live entertainment. The many conversations and nice buzz were the proof that a successful event was concluded in an extremely pleasant atmosphere.
