The 4th annual Benelux Baltics in Business conference brought together over 200 participants from various fields, all eager to explore the future of business in a rapidly evolving world.
This year we delved into thought-provoking discussions and insights on finding equilibrium between technology and humanity in the modern world. In addition to exclusive speakers and their presentations, participants had a chance to meet and network with other professionals.
During the event, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Economy and Innovation of the Republic of Lithuania, Neringa Morozaite-Rasmussen, also highlighted the strong ties between Lithuania and the Netherlands, emphasizing the importance of expanding cooperation in innovation, advancing technologies in finance and healthcare, applying AI, and strengthening cybersecurity.
Keynote: AI... You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet by Jim Stolze
We kicked off the day with an inspiring keynote speech delivered by our host, speaker, and panel discussion moderator, Jim Stolze – a renowned tech entrepreneur.
In his keynote "AI... You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet," Jim dove into the current state of artificial intelligence, its transformative potential, and the critical role of leadership in navigating this rapidly evolving landscape. He emphasized that we are living in extraordinary times, marked by technological progress happening at an unprecedented pace. While we've just begun to see the benefits of digital transformation, advancements in AI are pushing the boundaries even further. Jim highlighted that a new wave of AI, known as transformers or Generative AI, is redefining what's possible in the tech world. This new class of AI is driving an era of innovation, making tasks more efficient, amplifying productivity by up to four times, and opening the door to a flood of new ideas – all while raising the bar for customer expectations.
Jim also emphasized the importance of leadership in this AI-driven future. He urged leaders to see AI not as a threat but as a powerful assistant that can streamline workflows and optimize productivity. He noted that the decision to adopt hybrid or remote work models should be a collaborative effort between managers and employees to ensure a balanced approach that maximizes productivity and job satisfaction.
Panel discussion: Human-First Technologies by Philip Dries, Olga Wolters-Abelmann, and Robin Poppelaars
HR Director at Hoya Vision Care, Robin Poppelaars, co-founder of Schuberg Philis, Philip Dries, and Senior HR Manager at TNO, Olga Wolters-Abelmann, explored the delicate balance between technological efficiency and human empathy. They emphasized that interactions with others can either energize or drain us, making it crucial to find a healthy balance. The discussion also stressed the importance of "hiring for attitude, training for skill," and the value of merging human insight with technology. By integrating empathy into tech-driven solutions and creating adaptive work environments, the panel highlighted how businesses can enhance both employee satisfaction and productivity.
Thank you message from the organizers
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended the 4th annual Benelux Baltics in Business conference. Your active participation and enthusiasm made this event a true success, as we explored the future of business and the critical balance between technology and humanity. We also extend our deepest gratitude to our valued partners who made this event possible: Ministry of Economy and Innovation of the Republic of Lithuania, MELP, TeleSoftas, Minds&Finds, and BMI Executive Institute. Thank you as well for the captivating folk dance performance by the Estonians.
Together, we’re paving the way for a brighter, more innovative future. We look forward to seeing you all again next year!
Benelux Baltics in Business (BBinB) is a platform for members to network, learn and get advice from the best. We are here to exchange knowledge and experience about doing business in both the Baltic countries and the Benelux region, become a trusted source of information for new comers, and bridge the regions.
Let’s stay connected – subscribe to our monthly newsletter and find out about the upcoming events.
