Enjoying a pleasant networking event during our first Blue Night
On Friday 26 August, Kapelle-op-den-Bos was the place to be for all actors in the Flemish blue economy. At 5 pm, Blue Cluster welcomed its members, partners and stakeholders aboard the OceanDiva Original for a casual evening with live music, delicious food and great encounters.
Unfortunately, traffic jams in Antwerp and Brussels threw a bit of a spanner in the works, but most of the guests managed to make their way to Kapelle-op-den-Bos. Upon arrival, the guests could enjoy a well-deserved glass of bubbly on the ship’s top deck.
The guests then descended to the ship’s hold, where Marc Nuytemans, CEO of Blue Cluster, took the floor. In his speech, he pointed out the growth potential of the blue economy, and that our companies will realise this growth mainly abroad with the knowledge we build here.
A few attendees were then honoured for their commitment to the blue economy. More specifically, these were Jozef Gijselen (VLAIO); Noémie Wouters (Bluebridge); Jef Monballieu (Jan De Nul); Bert Groenendaal Consultancy); Koen Geirnaert (dotOcean) and Céline Mortier (Bogerd Martin).
Finally, there was a brief look back at the winners of the Blue Innovation Awards 2021, and a call for the Blue Innovation Awards 2022 was launched. These awards give recognition to innovative projects, products and services in the sustainable blue economy.
A first performance of The Jacquelines was scheduled after this official introduction. These three feisty ladies performed a varied repertoire of self-written swing songs accompanied by their swing band. During the performance, the lines were cast off and the OceanDiva Original set sail in the direction of Brussels.
Later in the evening, The Jacquelines performed for a second time. For convenience, we have compiled the photos of this second performance with those of the first. This way, you get a good idea of the incredible atmosphere these ladies managed to evoke.
After The Jacquelines’ first performance, it was time for some culinary enjoyment. During the buffet, all guests could choose from a wide selection of cold and hot dishes. The dietary restrictions of our attendees were taken into account.
Then there was a free moment in the programme. Most of the attendees took this opportunity to enjoy a drink on the top deck while taking in the beautiful views of the Willebroek Canal and the surrounding area. Soon everyone was networking.
Just before we arrived back at the quay in Kapelle-op-den-Bos, all guests were able to enjoy a dessert buffet and a second performance of The Jacquelines. Afterwards, everyone had the chance to have a drink and further connect with other actors in the blue economy.
A little after 9 pm, the event was over and all guests left the OceanDiva Original. The tone has already been set for our fifth anniversary next year with this successful event. Stay tuned ...
