Looking at the strength of the Benelux

Cooperation without borders

MHK Netherlands and MHK Belgium looked back on their first joint conference on May 25 and 26 at the beautiful Grand Hotel Huis ter Duin in Noordwijk. More than 500 participants - from trading partners to prominent guests - gathered to discover how cooperation across borders can contribute to a successful future.

Grand Hotel Huis ter Duin was busier than ever. During the annual meeting it was even announced that the entire hotel was occupied by MHK and this was a first.

Well-known Dutch presenter Leonie ter Braak led the dynamic program. Jeroen Geerling, Managing Director of MHK Netherlands and MHK Belgium and Joeri Poelmans, Sales Director of MHK Belgium, welcomed the guests. Their message was clear: the Benelux cooperation offers enormous opportunities. By sharing knowledge and resources, we can grow, inspire and shape the future stronger together. "We see here how powerful we are when we share experiences across national borders," said Poelmans. Geerling added, "This congress is more than a meeting. It marks the beginning of a new dynamic that will take us forward as a collaborative MHK community." The emphasis was again on the importance of personal exchange and cooperation, not only within the national companies, but for the entire MHK Group.

A look to the future

One of the highlights of the first congress day was the speech by Volker Klodwig, CEO of the MHK Group. Under the motto "On Track for Tomorrow," he shared the successful and continuous growth of the Group even in challenging times. The focus was on international cooperation, with clusters such as MHK Netherlands and MHK Belgium providing the foundation for strong growth. This helps MHK not only strengthen its position, but also enter new markets, such as with the recently launched concepts YCON and Bad & Body in the German market.

Lots of time for relaxation

The annual meeting had a relaxed character both days. On the first day, for example, a quiz was held. During this interactive quiz, the advisory councils of both countries discovered national characteristics of each other with humor and self-mockery. This quiz was easily won by Belgium. Cabaret artist Jan Jaap van der Wal, who lives in Belgium, was also well received. He gave his take on the cultural differences between the Netherlands and Belgium with sharp humor and depth. He was the ideal link for the second day.

Golden Triangle honors top designs

The strikingly relaxed conference was the perfect setting for the presentation of the prestigious "Golden Triangle" award. The award was given to the best kitchen and bathroom designs, chosen on the basis of design quality, functionality and craftsmanship.

The most beautiful kitchens in the Netherlands
- 1^e place: Ruud Vaes of Berkers Keukens from Deurne 
- 2^e place: Nicole and Enrico Fleuren of Loomans Keukens from Eindhoven  
- 3^e place: Mark van de Weijer of Van de Weijer Keukenspecialist from Geldrop, Netherlands 

The most beautiful bathrooms in the Netherlands
- 1^e place: Marcel and Annette Burger of Cooking and Bathing from Breukelen 
- 2^e place: Rick Harmsen of Scheffer Bathrooms from Zelhem 
- 3^e place: Dirk Bogaard of Bogaard kitchens and bathrooms from Almere 

The most beautiful kitchens in Belgium
- 1^e place: Rachid Guerbaoui and Otman Boukhzar of R&O Keukens from Dendermonde 
- 2^e place: Aurélien Ringenbach of AR Design from Dudelange
- 3^e place: Jordan and Philippe Dethier of Actuel Cuisines from Aywaille

Future opportunities

In the "Industry Talk," CEOs of well-known partner companies such as BSH and Electrolux Europe shared their views on artificial intelligence, sustainability, corporate social responsibility and future-proof business models. On the second day, participants could delve further into topics such as smartphone photography, personal branding and persuasive sales communication in workshops. 

This year's congress not only provided inspiration, but also laid the foundation for even closer cooperation between MHK Netherlands and MHK Belgium.