Monday, May 18, at the iconic Railway Museum in Utrecht. The annual event hosted by MIJN BAD and DER KREIS Netherlands brought together more than 500 guests for an afternoon filled with inspiration, connection, knowledge sharing, and experiences centered around the theme ‘What Really Sticks.’.
The Railway Museum in Utrecht aims to leave a lasting impression on all visitors. The heritage of railways in the Netherlands proved to be the perfect setting for an interactive and atmospheric professional afternoon. “Yet another confirmation of how strong the collaboration is within the kitchen and plumbing industry,” was the sentiment expressed afterward. “Inspiring presentations, a well-stocked supplier fair, organized guided tours of the museum, culinary delights, and spectacular guest appearances by Yves Berendse and Robert van Hemert. The Annual Event was a resounding success! The warm, close-knit atmosphere and the many positive reactions we’ve received so far made the event a huge success.”

In the kitchen and bathroom industry, consumers today have an endless array of choices. That’s good news for (potential) customers, because it ensures they’ll find a customized solution. On the other hand, an abundance of options often leads to decision fatigue and uncertainty. How can I be sure this is the best choice for me? “That’s where the biggest cost for the business lies,” say Nathalie Bakker, managing director of sales & marketing, and Bart Opentij, managing director of finance & purchasing. “The most important question, then, is: how do we eliminate this friction? That’s the central theme of our Annual Event.” The program for the DER KREIS and MIJN BAD Annual Event was therefore structured around inspiring insights, practical examples, and strategic tools to address this issue. How can entrepreneurs help consumers make choices with confidence? And how can suppliers and DER KREIS Netherlands help entrepreneurs in this regard?

The theme of the day certainly provided plenty of food for thought—and was an excellent topic of conversation. Participants at the Annual Event engaged in in-depth discussions with the suppliers present at the extensive supplier fair. The latest developments, innovations, and collaborations within the industry… everything was covered. “Enthusiasm, commitment, and strong connections—that’s the best way to sum up today,” Bakker and Opentij proudly emphasize. “This year, participants sought out even more opportunities to interact with one another through a specially designed quiz that took visitors to every supplier booth. The well-stocked giveaway with special prizes was well received and generated a lot of energy and enthusiasm on the exhibition floor throughout the afternoon. In collaboration with the suppliers, ten prizes were given away, including a Caribbean cruise worth 11,000 euros.”

Opentij and Bakker: “The Annual Event once again made it clear what we stand for at DER KREIS and MIJN BAD: doing business together, growing together, and building together what truly leaves a lasting impression. Since 1989, we’ve been supporting independent entrepreneurs in the kitchen and bathroom industry with favorable purchasing terms, marketing support, and various additional services that contribute to sound business practices and sustainable growth. We are a full-service partner. Through initiatives like the Annual Event, we continue to invest in connection, knowledge sharing, and forward-looking collaboration.” And because you can’t keep the pressure on all the time, the DER KREIS and MIJN BAD Annual Event came to a festive close with guest performances by Yves Berendse and Robert van Hemert. “A memorable finale,” was the unanimous verdict.
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