This was the third edition of Meet the Innovators
TL; DR
During the third edition of Meet the Innovators, we brought together marketers, managers, and innovators to discuss marketing, digitalization, and AI. We're seeing that marketing is increasingly about conscious choices, focus, humanity, and collaboration.
From idea to permanent meeting place
In 2019 we organised the first edition of Meet the Innovators. An initiative to to meet physically with customers, partners, and other digital innovators. Especially in an increasingly digital world, we believe in the power of genuine conversations, inspiration, and connections.
The second edition followed in 2024 with inspiring sessions from Spar University, Ruigrok and Broekman Logistics, among others. Thursday, January 22, 2026, we organized together with Social Brothers, W.P. Brothers en 2DIGITS the third edition of Meet the Innovators.
During this third edition we brought together marketers, managers and innovators to talk about trends in marketing, digitalization and AI. But especially about what marketing really demands today.
The main conclusion:
Marketing is increasingly about conscious choices, focus, humanity, and collaboration. AI determines the speed, but we as humans determine the direction.
This was the program of the third edition:
Laurens van Wesep (Optimorrow)
Laurens took us through the power of AI, with a clear message: technology is accelerating, but humanity and ethics remain paramount. He demonstrated why AI only truly works when combined with intuition, responsibility, and self-direction.
Ruud van Tol (Mattisson Healthcare)
Ruud shared the honest story behind Mattisson's growth. From an idea in the attic to a multi-million dollar brand, not by working harder, but by focusing and making sharp choices.
Steven Ammerlaan (Social Brothers)
In Marketing Apocalypse Steven focused on Gen AI, privacy, and the changing role of the marketer as we approach 2026. What do these developments mean for visibility, trust, and relevance? And how can you, as a brand, continue to make a difference?
Rob Ammerlaan (2DIGITS)
Rob demonstrated how digital transformation drives scalable growth. By intelligently connecting processes, platforms, and people, you gain long-term control and short-term results. He also demonstrated how you can use concrete 90-day goals working step by step towards a larger strategic goal.
Thanks to all the speakers for sharing their knowledge and honest stories. And of course, thanks to all the guests for their insightful questions, open conversations, and great energy.
15 years of Social Brothers: the kick-off of our anniversary year
This year we exist 15 yearsAnd Meet the Innovators felt like a wonderful way to kick off this anniversary together.
We started in 2011. A year in which all sorts of things happened.
Prince William married Kate. Ajax (the club that Rob and Steven are big supporters of, to the dissatisfaction of other colleagues) won the national title for the 30th time in the then Amsterdam ArenA (now Johan Cruyff Arena). We had the wettest summer since 1906. Minecraft was launched (also in November, just like us).
2011 was also a turning point in technology. Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple, has passed away. Google introduced the first Chromebooks. Facebook announced the well-known "Timeline." And smartphones finally took over from "old" mobile phones.
Looking back, that says it all. The world is constantly changing. Technology is developing rapidly. And that's precisely where we started 15 years ago, and we're still in the thick of it.
From websites and online marketing to digitalization, AI, and strategic growth choices. Not by chasing every tool, but by repeatedly asking the question: what really adds value?
Who is Meet the Innovators for?
Meet the Innovators is a meeting place for management, decision makers, senior marketers, digital innovators and professionals working on growth, digitalization and AI
Are there any costs associated with Meet the Innovators?
No, participation in Meet the Innovators is freeWe organize the event to share knowledge, inspire, and engage in conversation, helping each other.
We are already looking forward to the next edition of Meet the Innovators. Will we see you there?
Want to be the first to know about the next edition? Keep an eye on our website and LinkedIn or subscribe to our newsletter.