Aquatech Amsterdam, the world's leading platform for sustainable water solutions, proudly announces the appointment of Gerben Hardeman as the new Exhibition Manager. With his extensive industry experience and passion for sustainability and innovation, Gerben is the ideal person to shape the future of Aquatech Amsterdam with the team.
A wealth of experience in hospitality and sustainability
Gerben Hardeman brings 30 years of experience in the hospitality sector, including 13 years managing large-scale trade shows, consumer exhibitions and conferences. He has previously worked with renowned organisations in event management and has even worked at RAI Amsterdam before. For the past 15 years, Gerben has specialized in sustainability and innovation within the travel sector, collaborating with a wide range of international partners, including public and private, NGOs, research institutions, universities, colleges, and startups.
Vision and motivation
"The opportunity to join Aquatech Amsterdam completes the circle of my career," says Hardeman. "Aquatech is the premier platform for a sustainable water future. It brings water professionals together from around the world and inspires them with the latest water solutions and valuable connections, perfectly aligning with my passion for water and sustainability."
Future vision: leading and connecting
Hardeman looks forward to working internationally and building strong partnerships together with the dedicated team at Aquatech. "Our extensive network allows us to create connections that make a difference. Access to clean drinking water and addressing the water-related impacts of climate change are among the most critical challenges of our time. We can play a small role, and I believe, significant role in forging connections to contribute to a greater cause."
A sustainable future
In his new role as Exhibition Manager, Hardeman envisions himself as the connector and leader of the team, working closely with marketing, sales, and operations. "Exhibitions remain a unique medium where the power of personal interaction is central or the power of the human touch as we call it," he emphasizes. "After the pandemic, we have come to revalue personal meetings and the impact on business is major."
Hardeman will also bring his experience and focus on sustainability to Aquatech, emphasizing multisectoral collaboration between diverse stakeholders. "Knowledge transfer, inspiration and making the right connections are crucial to finding solutions and creating impact together. Water is directly or indirectly connected to all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which makes it unique." Gerben foresees new collaborations between traditionally unrelated parties and sees opportunities to make connections outside the water market.
In short, Aquatech Amsterdam's future looks bright with Gerben Hardeman at the helm.
AQUATECH GLOBAL EVENTS
Established in 1968, Aquatech Global Events organises the world’s leading trade events for a sustainable water future in Europe, China and Mexico as well as the biggest online watertech community. The well-established format covers ALL water-related topics and ONLY water-related topics, from wastewater, clean water, resource & bioeconomy, industrial & corporate water to smart water and water scarcity.
Aquatech Global Events are visited by professionals from all parts of the water industry and attract policy-makers, top-level businesses, specialists, and those who apply the technology in practice. www.aquatechtrade.com
