Platform about design and technology in the kitchen, home, and bathroom industry
On Monday, May 18, 2026, entrepreneurs, suppliers and partners gathered at the iconic Spoorwegmuseum in Utrecht for the annual Annual Event of MIJN BAD and DER KREIS Netherlands. Under the central theme ‘What really sticks’ was an afternoon full of inspiration, connection, knowledge sharing and experience. With over 500 invited guests, the event had a very successful turnout and once again confirmed how powerful the cooperation within the kitchen and sanitation industry is.
The characterful Spoorwegmuseum provided the perfect backdrop for an interactive and atmospheric trade afternoon. In addition to inspiring presentations and a well-stocked supplier market, visitors could enjoy tours of the museum, culinary care and spectacular guest performances by Yves Berendse and Robert van Hemert. The warm, close-knit atmosphere and the many positive reactions made the event a great success.
The afternoon program started with a warm reception for all participants of DER KREIS and Mijn BAD, suppliers, partners and other invited guests. The presentations by Nathalie Bakker (Managing Director sales & marketing) and Bart Opentij (Managing Director finance & purchasing) focused on one central theme: doubt as the largest cost item within entrepreneurship. And the most important question: how do we eliminate this friction?
In a world where consumers have endless choices, this is precisely where the challenge and opportunity lies for entrepreneurs within the kitchen and sanitation industry. Inspiring insights, practical examples and strategic tools were used to discuss how entrepreneurs can help consumers make confident choices that really stick. The presentations not only provided valuable market insights, but also sparked great conversations throughout the rest of the day.
An important part of the Annual Event was the extensive supplier market, where participants engaged in extensive discussions with member suppliers about the latest developments, innovations and collaborations within the industry. The atmosphere on the show floor was characterized by enthusiasm, commitment and strong mutual connections.
The specially developed quiz provided additional interaction during the event. Visitors could answer a question at each supplier stand and in doing so had a chance to win one of ten special prizes. The action was enthusiastically received and brought a lot of dynamism to the exhibition floor during the afternoon. Thanks to the cooperation with the suppliers, impressive prizes were awarded, ranging from a high-end dinner worth €500 to an exclusive cruise through the Caribbean worth €11,000.
After an afternoon of knowledge sharing and networking, the Annual Event concluded with high-level entertainment. Guest appearances by Yves Berendse and Robert van Hemert created an exuberant and united atmosphere where the enthusiasm of the audience was clearly palpable. The roof literally and figuratively went off at the Railway Museum, giving the event a memorable conclusion.
While enjoying a wide range of snacks and drinks, the inspiring day was talked about for a long time. Many attendees expressed their appreciation for the organization, the content of the program and the warm atmosphere that typified the event.
Since 1989, DER KREIS Netherlands has been supporting independent entrepreneurs in the kitchen and sanitation industry with strong purchasing conditions, marketing support and various additional services that contribute to healthy entrepreneurship and sustainable growth. The organization has since grown into a full-service partner supporting entrepreneurs in a variety of areas, including marketing communications, store concepts, private labeling, payment systems and strategic collaborations with reputable suppliers.
With initiatives such as the annual Annual Event, DER KREIS continues to invest in connection, knowledge sharing and future-oriented collaboration within the industry. The event once again underscored what DER KREIS stands for: doing business together, growing together and building together what really sticks. DER KREIS: The symbiosis between knowledge and success.
