Organising the European MCT Summit 2024, 4 days of Community!
I wanted to share with you the incredible journey of the European MCT Summit 2024 that we hosted in the Netherlands. It was a remarkable experience, and every bit of it deserves to be told.
Let's start from the beginning. More than 8 months of planning and preparation went into this event. This wasn't just a conference; it was a mega project, and the dedication from everyone involved was truly inspiring.
As for me, I had the exciting role of managing the Speakers together with Erwin. But, as with most things that start small, this role quickly expanded. Before I knew it, I was also overseeing the creation of Goodies and ensuring financial sanity checks with Wouter. It was a whirlwind of responsibilities, but it gave me a unique insight into the many facets of organizing a large-scale event.
The heart and soul of our preparations were treated like a startup business, where breaking even financially was the goal. We managed ticket sales like a well-oiled machine, aiming for net zero in the end. This approach not only kept us grounded in terms of budget but also brought a sense of accomplishment in managing our resources effectively.
But what really set this summit apart was its ethos – a community conference, for the community, by the community. Everyone, irrespective of their role or background, was seen as equal. This sense of inclusivity and equality permeated through every aspect of the event, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
The speaker lineup was as diverse as it was impressive. We had about 40 speakers covering a myriad of topics ranging from technical expertise to soft skills. Each session was a deep dive into knowledge and experience, offering valuable insights to every attendee.
In terms of technology, we were on the cutting edge. The event website was a marvel, crafted using Microsoft's Blazor framework and C#. For organizing and scheduling the multitude of sessions, we turned to Sessionize. And when it came to ticket sales, Eventix was our reliable platform. This tech stack not only streamlined our processes but also enhanced the overall experience for everyone involved.
The summit was a global gathering, with over 110 visitors from around the world. The international flavor added to the event's vibrancy. And let's not forget the cherry on top: even representatives from Microsoft graced the summit with their presence, a nod to the significance of our gathering.
In conclusion, the European MCT Summit 2024 was more than just an event; it was a celebration of community, knowledge, and technology. It was a gathering where ideas were exchanged, connections were made, and the spirit of collaboration shone brightly. As I reflect on it, I'm filled with anticipation for what the future holds for us. Here's to more such gatherings where we come together to learn, share, and grow! So don't miss out of the European MCT Summit 2025 in Menchester UK!
I'd like to express my deepest gratitude to our wonderful hosts at De Loods for their amazing venue and support, which were instrumental in making our event a success.
Additionally, a huge thank you to the amazing team I had the honor of organizing this event with: Adrie Beijlevelt, Wouter Fokkenrood, Engin Soysal, Abdelhakim Yacoubi, Henk Buddingh, Marcel Molenaar, Erwin Derksen, Siebren Kerkstra, Marco Timmermans, Walter van Eijk, and Erik van der Boom. Each of these individuals brought their own unique strengths and dedication to the table, making an invaluable contribution to our collaborative efforts.
Their hard work, passion, and commitment to excellence were key elements that helped shape the European MCT Summit 2024 into the remarkable event it was. I am immensely thankful for their support and teamwork. Here's to all of you – thank you so much!
Credits to the daugther of fellow MVP and MCT Michelle Wong!
Impression
Thorsten, a fellow member of our MCT community, has done something pretty awesome. He's put together this great video that captures all the highlights and special moments from our recent event. It's not just any summary; it's a vibrant, engaging glimpse that really transports you there, making you feel like you're part of the action. Whether you missed the event or just want to relive the experience, this video is the perfect way to get a real sense of the atmosphere and excitement that we all shared. It's a fantastic way to see what went down and remember the good times!
For more about the summit, checkout the official linkedin page!
What's next?
I've got no clue what's up for next month – it's all a bit of a mystery right now. Make sure to check back in with next month and stay tuned!