Under the motto ‘Dûnsje mei wetter’ (Dancing with Water), the IJsselmeer community gathered on September 12th at Theater Sneek for the fifth Verenigde IJsselmeertop. The theme symbolized how we adapt to ongoing changes in and around the IJsselmeer region.

Platform IJsselmeergebied asked Congress Bureau Friesland to handle the entire organization.

The IJsselmeertop featured a dynamic program designed to inspire participants from different perspectives. Highlights included plenary presentations, inspiring panel discussions with Frisian officials and an impressive interlude by historian Bert Looper on the identity of the IJsselmeer region. The plenary program also showcased three excerpts from the musical theater production Floed, performed in 2023 at the Woudagemaal in Lemmer.

After a well-organized networking lunch, seven interactive workshops were held, where participants discussed current topics such as water distribution, ecology, and governance cooperation.

Japke-d. Bouma closed the day with a powerful call for reliable and direct language in communication about policy issues. Her plea for “less bureaucratic jargon” was met with approval and provided attendees with practical tools to collaborate effectively and communicate clearly.

In a short preparation time, Congress Bureau Friesland took care of the conference design and all logistical details.

“Congress Bureau Friesland takes care of everything from A to Z. They come up with great ideas and proactively offer solutions. Very flexible and always willing to make adjustments. We were very pleased that Jant and her team could support us at a relatively late stage with the organization of the Verenigde IJsselmeertop. Without their efforts, the day would never have been such a success.”

Edith Nobel – Province of Fryslân