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20 MAY 2025 DUS, Utrecht

Digital Marketing Festival

Inspiration and innovation. That's what you're looking for. And that's what you're taking home. Guaranteed.

Soak up knowledge from top experts, meet like-minded professionals, and learn how to take your business to the next level. All at a unique location and a relaxed vibe.
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these companies will be there May 20. you too?

Visitors

Topics

Knowledge Sessions

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Festival Vibes

Collage_kennis

You'll be finding ideas (and sand) for days.

Knowledge, Inspiration & Technology

On 20 May 2025, the LevelUp Digital Marketing Festival is back for round three. Expect fresh insights, sharp updates and future-focused thoughts from top Dutch experts across the digital marketing world.

This year, we’re taking it to a new setting, where inspiration and relaxation are never far apart: De Utrechtse Stadsvrijheid (DUS). Think inspiring sessions by the water, networking on the beach and plenty of space to soak up new ideas:

  • Six modern rooms for focused knowledge sessions, with space for 100+ participants
  • A keynote hall built for energy, connection and movement
  • Networking, drinks and breaks on the river bank. Don’t forget your flip-flops!

Something for everyone

Keynotes & Themes

Choose from no fewer than 24 different breakout sessions, divided across 6 themes.
Click on a theme to view all sessions.

Erik Wegewijs

Special Forces & Digital Marketing

At the age of 19, he entered the world of the Special Forces. There, he worked in leadership positions for 20 years. On 20 May, he connects his time in the Special Forces with digital marketing in a way you won’t forget. Experience it live!

This presentation is live-captioned in English.
Erik wegewijs
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Daniël Markus

Digital Marketing Update

The founder of ClickValue and managing partner of LevelUp Group takes you through the latest developments in our field and his vision of the future. Of course, technological developments (with AI at the forefront) will be discussed in detail.

This presentation is live-captioned in English.

Justin Sandee

From Web Store to Media Platform: The Evolution of Bol

Change is the only constant in e-commerce – and bol is evolving with it. What once started as an online store is now transforming into a fully-fledged media platform. Why this strategic shift?

The boundaries between commerce and content are blurring, and bol, with millions of customers, data, and reach, is in a unique position to bring brands and creators together. The key question is: what gives bol.com the "right to play" in this new landscape?

This presentation is live-captioned in English.

1656093398823

Data & Analytics


This topic is hosted by Cloud Nine Digital.

The knowledge sessions below will take place in the Data & Analytics room:

Janus de Visser

Key trends in digital data and how they (should) impact your roadmap.

The digital data landscape is evolving fast - driven by new regulations, rising customer expectations, and an ever-expanding technology ecosystem. In this session, we’ll uncover key trends and share how to adapt your roadmap to move with these changes and future-proof your data-driven marketing setup.

Jack Roegiers & Pim Koster

Data quality monitoring: getting a grip on what's driving your marketing

Data fuels digital marketing performance—but only if it’s reliable. This talk explores how data quality monitoring keeps you in control, enabling accurate attribution, smarter bidding, and precise targeting, so you can trust your campaigns are driven by accurate measurement.

Fabien Le Thuaut

Quality, insights & activation, how AI is revolutionizing analytics

Is AI a game changer for analytics? In this session I will share my thoughts on how to integrate AI successfully into analytics projects based on my experience as a Data Science Product Manager in a leading analytics solution.

Alexander van Buuren & Johann Gouws

How Cloud Enhances Your Marketing Stack

Data is often fragmented and inconsistent, making it challenging to combine insights, optimize ad channels, and target audiences effectively. This talk goes into how a unified data platform - built and managed in cloud - offers a scalable and flexible solution to streamline your data and enhance your marketing stack. With real life cases to help you get started.

Marketing Automation

This topic is hosted by PI marketing.

The following knowledge sessions will take place in the Marketing Automation room:

Mascha Soors

De kracht van AI in email marketing

AI verandert de spelregels in e-mailmarketing. In deze presentatie ontdek je hoe hyperpersonalisatie en slimme content je campagnes niet alleen effectiever maken, maar ook relevant.
Highlights zijn bijvoorbeeld AI-gepersonaliseerde productfoto’s, reisaanbiedingen in zomer- of wintersferen, visuals die zich aanpassen aan het moment van openen, wijnsuggesties afgestemd op jouw recente interesse. Benieuwd hoe jij deze technieken kunt inzetten? Zorg dat je erbij bent!

This session is in Dutch.

Ton van den Berg & Coen Coolen

Hoe je twijfelende bezoekers laat converteren met Guided Selling

Veel (betaalde) websitebezoekers zijn geen product expert en weten niet welk product het beste bij ze past. Ze haken dan af door keuzestress en onzekerheid. Dit heeft een negatief effect op de conversieratio en de klanttevredenheid.

Ontdek hoe je met keuzehulp software twijfelende bezoekers helpt bij het vinden van het juiste product en zo meer omzet en meer klantinzichten realiseert. 

This session is in Dutch.

Bart de Peuter

Hoe Agentic AI marketing transformeert

Ben jij al klaar voor de toekomst? Het zal je niet ontgaan zijn, Agentic AI heeft grote impact op onze manier van werken. We zullen ons op de werkvloer steeds meer laten omgeven door digitale collega's, oftewel AI Agents die de klantervaring én interne operatie voor goed zullen veranderen. Bart gaat dieper in op deze trend en zal aan de hand van diverse praktijkcases aantonen hoe deze baanbrekende technologie kan worden ingezet in de e-commerce domeinen marketing, service en operatie.

This session is in Dutch.

Byron Goodman

Automation That Connects: Scaling Personalisation Without Losing the Human Touch

In this panel, hear from Loop Earplugs and Bissell as they share how they’re using marketing automation to build stronger, more personal relationships at scale. Led by experts from Klaviyo, this Q&A will explore real-world strategies for balancing efficiency with authenticity — from using data to drive relevance, to avoiding the pitfalls of over-automation. You’ll walk away with fresh ideas, practical insights, and a clear view of where automation is headed next.

Miranda Blom & Christy-Anne Meijer

Hoe Haarspullen Spotler's Predictive AI module inzet om campagnes te optimaliseren

Onlangs presenteerde Spotler hun nieuwe Predictive AI module. Deze module maakt gebruik van historische gegevens, van algoritmes en van machine learning modellen om daarmee toekomstige uitkomsten of trends te voorspellen. Haarspullen zet Predictive AI in om gedrag te voorspellen en met die nieuwe inzichten klantwaarde te maximaliseren. Hoe dit werkt en hoe ze dit hebben gedaan? Dat hoor je tijdens deze presentatie!

This session is in Dutch.

Lukas Hietkamp

Acquisitie is dood, retentie is de nieuwe moneymaker

Acquistiekosten rijzen de pan uit, en ben jij voor retentie alleen nog maar bezig met e-mail? Je loopt achter. Na deze sessie weet jij hoe je direct meer omzet uit je bestaande klanten haalt door middel van loyaliteitsprogamma's, Search, Recommendations, E-mail en SMS. Allemaal ondersteund door een A.I. co-pilot.

This session is in Dutch.

This topic is hosted by C2B.

The knowledge sessions below will take place in the Content & Branding room:

Robert van Meer

(Hoogwaardige) contentcreatie en social media met AI

Als contentbureau zijn ALLE processen met AI geinteregreerd. AI belooft alles rondom contentcreatie en social media management te veranderen, maar tegelijkertijd is voor een A-merk lastig AI zo in te zetten dat je er sneller premium content mee maakt. We delen tal van praktijkvoorbeelden en trucen, tools en visie om de aankomende periode klaar bent voor de aankomende storm. 

This session is in Dutch.

Dorine van Mullem-Ale

Van Conversie naar Connectie

Veel merken focussen op directe conversie, maar vergeten dat klanten vaak niet meteen beslissen. In deze praktische sessie leer je hoe je branding en performance slim combineert. Met video en audio blijf je top-of-mind en haal je meer uit je budget—ook als dat beperkt is. Je gaat naar huis met concrete handvatten om meteen aan de slag te gaan.

This session is in Dutch.

Francien Barske - Sanders

Hoe PLUS het employer branding roer omgooide

In de felle concurrentiestijd om jong talent, gooide PLUS Supermarkten het roer om. We verlieten de gebaande paden in employer branding en gingen op zoek naar wat jongeren écht drijft. We doken in hun leefwereld en ontdekten een verrassend inzicht. Dit werd de fundering voor een vernieuwende campagne die moeiteloos opvalt tussen Albert Heijn’s en Jumbo’s van de wereld…

This session is in Dutch.

Experience Optimization & Personalization


This topic is hosted by ClickValue.

The knowledge sessions below will take place in the Experience Optimization & Personalization room:

Ted Sfikas & Nigel Gillet

Broken by Default: Why Your Personalization Strategy Needs a Rebuild

In this talk, we’ll dive into what’s really going wrong: fragmented data, disconnected teams, overhyped tools, and personalization that’s anything but personal.

Berber Bijlsma

User-oriented research - The insights you can't miss

In this session, discover the power of user-centered research and the insights that drive business growth. Learn how small steps can lead to better decisions, improved experiences and stronger business outcomes.

Sven Persoon & Olf Koekoek

Will AI replace your designers within 2 years?

AI is evolving fast in the design world, but should UX/UI designers be worried? Through bizarre AI-generated designs, hands-on tools, and real-world examples, we explore what AI can do and where it still falls short. Can the designer book a never-ending holiday soon, or will they stay in the office as AI’s creative director?

Mark de Winter

Hit the Gas on CXO: No Brakes, Only Results!

In this session, we’ll dive into how to accelerate your CXO process and drive faster, more effective results. From building a solid process foundation to automating reporting and leveraging quick user tests, we’ll explore practical strategies that help you keep momentum going without slowing down. Get ready to learn how to remove roadblocks, streamline workflows, and implement changes that move the needle—because in CXO, there’s no time for delays!

B2B Growth


This topic is hosted by Leadscope.

The knowledge sessions below will take place in the B2B Marketing room:

Carolien Graafsma

Thought leadership: je beste marketingkanaal heb je al

Word gezien als dé autoriteit in jouw vakgebied. In deze sessie ontdek je hoe je met thought leadership het vertrouwen wint van je doelgroep en vraag creëert en de samenhang met advertenties en cold outreach. Praktisch, inspirerend en direct toepasbaar in jouw B2B-marketingstrategie.

This session is in Dutch.

Marten Dames

Stop leads na te jagen, start Revenue Operations

Marketing en sales op één lijn brengen? Ontdek hoe je met Revenue Operations silo’s doorbreekt en zorgt voor voorspelbare groei. In deze sessie leer je hoe je processen, data en teams optimaal laat samenwerken om pipeline én omzet te maximaliseren.

This session is in Dutch.

David ter Telgte

Van onbekend naar onmisbaar: structurele vraag creëren in de markt

Geen losse campagnes meer, maar een continue stroom van interesse en intentie. In deze sessie leer je hoe je met een slimme strategie structureel vraag creëert in de markt — en hoe je dit omzet in duurzame groei.

This session is in Dutch.

Digital Growth


This topic is hosted by Netprofiler.

The knowledge sessions below will take place in the Digital Growth room:

Mats van Essen & Dyon Metselaar

AI en Digitale Marketing: van strategie naar succes

Technologie en AI ontwikkelen zich razendsnel. Hoe zorg je er als marketingmanager voor dat je digitale marketingstrategie niet achterblijft? Mats en Dyon laten in deze inhoudelijke sessie zien hoe je AI kan integreren binnen je digitale marketingstrategie. Ze nemen je mee in verschillende types van AI en laten met concrete praktijkvoorbeelden zien hoe je morgen al kunt beginnen met het integreren van AI in je digitale marketing strategie.

Hierbij laten ze ook zien welke rol AI speelt in de volwassenheid van je marketingaanpak. Door je digitale marketing maturity namelijk te verhogen, besteed je je marketingbudget efficiënter en haal je een hogere ROI. Mats & Dyon delen hoe ze groeiplannen maken voor hun klanten en tonen met praktijkcases aan hoe jij zelf een AI gedreven digitale marketingstrategie kunt ontwikkelen.

Op zoek naar een raamwerk waarmee je aan je groeiambities kunt werken en zelf strategische groeiplannen kunt ontwikkelen? En benieuwd hoe AI hier als hoeksteen een belangrijke rol in speelt? Kom dan naar deze sessie!

This session is in Dutch.

Tim Schouten

Accurate attributie als gamechanger: Veloretti's internationale groei met een full-funnel strategie

Ontdek hoe Veloretti haar marketingstrategie heeft geoptimaliseerd door databronnen te centraliseren en inzichten te halen uit betrouwbare attributie. Dankzij Billy Grace kreeg het team helder zicht op de werkelijke bijdrage van elk kanaal, kon het slimmer budgetteren en groeide het vertrouwen om ook in upper-funnel kanalen te investeren. Een inspirerende case met voorbeelden en learnings voor marketeers die hun campagnes datagedreven willen laten groeien.

This session is in Dutch.

Michael Uenk

How Global Brands Use Agentic AI for Hyper-Personalized Engagement

We nemen je mee in een exclusieve deep dive in Agent One, een baanbrekende autonome AI-agent die digitale marketing transformeert. Ontdek hoe iconische merken zoals ICI Paris XL, Samsung, Turkish Airlines, Godiva, IKEA, Levi's en Medpets personalisatie op schaal herdefiniëren. In deze 25 minuten durende sessie onthullen we hoe deze bedrijven agentic AI inzetten om slimmere, snellere en meer mensgerichte klantervaringen te leveren via verschillende kanalen - en zo de volgende grens van engagement bereiken.

This session is in Dutch.

Edouard Manputty & Maarten Meijer

Personalization That Delivers: The Bloomreach x New York Pizza Story

In this session New York Pizza will share with us how they leveraged Bloomreach to personalize experiences across every store, speak to customers like locals, and turn repeat buyers into loyal fans.

All that in one afternoon?

Program

It’s a lot to pack in, but if you come on time and don't blink too often, you won’t miss a thing. Come energised for an afternoon packed with knowledge, inspiration and innovation, with plenty of chances for connection and fun.
  1. 12:45 - 13:15

    Reception

    Starting with a warm welcome to the festival. We assume you will already have had lunch by the time you arrive, but after that, the food and drinks are on us!

  2. 13:15 - 13:25

    Opening

    The program begins punctually with an opening word from the organization.

  3. 13:25 - 13:45

    Digital Marketing Update 2025 (keynote)

    The Digital Marketing Update 2025 by Daniël Markus. In it he will take you through the latest developments and his future vision of our industry.
  4. 13:45 - 14:05

    The Evolution of bol (keynote)

    Justin Sandee, Director of Commercial Development at bol, tells us all about the strategic shift from online store to media platform.

  5. 14:15 - 14:40

    Break out 1

    The parallel program is divided into 6 rooms with 6 topics:
    • Data & Analytics
    • Marketing Automation
    • Content & Branding
    • CRO
    • B2B marketing
    • Digital Growth
  6. 14:40 - 15:20

    Rest & Relax

    Take a breather. Take a look around the technology plaza. Grab a drink and sit in the sun. Talk to fellow professionals about what you just heard. Or play a game of beach volleyball!
  7. 15:30 - 15:55

    Break out 2

    The parallel program is divided into 6 rooms with 6 topics:
    • Data & Analytics
    • Marketing Automation
    • Content & Branding
    • CRO
    • B2B marketing
    • Digital Growth
  8. 16:05 - 16:30

    Break out 3

    The parallel program is divided into 6 rooms with 6 topics:
    • Data & Analytics
    • Marketing Automation
    • Content & Branding
    • CRO
    • B2B marketing
    • Digital Growt
  9. 16:40 - 17:05

    Break out 4

    The parallel program is divided into 6 rooms with 6 topics:
    • Data & Analytics
    • Marketing Automation
    • Content & Branding
    • CRO
    • B2B marketing
    • Digital Growth
  10. 17:15 - 17:45

    Erik Wegewijs: Special Forces & Digital Marketing (keynote)

    Special Forces & Digital Marketing

    In his unique way, Erik will take you into the world of the Special Forces and make practical connections to digital marketing you wouldn’t think possible.
  11. 17:45 - 20:30

    Network on the beach

    After so much knowledge, inspiration and innovation, it’s time to relax with a drink in one hand and a delicious snack in the other. Get talking to other festival goers, make connections or simply listen to the DJ's relaxing tunes. All that with your feet in the sand!

What bright minds think

Experts confirmed

Erik-Wegewijs

Erik Wegewijs

Motivational Speaker
Erikwegewijs.nl

martijnCM

Martijn Verdaasdonk

Partner Manager
CM.com

MichaelInsider

Michael Uenk

Digital Growth Director
Insider

Lukas-reloadify

Lukas Hietkamp

CEO
Reloadify

Francien Barske - Sanders

Francien Barske - Sanders

Senior Corporate Recruiter
PLUS Retail

Tim Schouten

Tim Schouten

Head of Customer Success
Billy Grace

Thomas 1
Thomas de Ruiter

Director
Cloud Nine Digital

Marten 1
Marten Dames

Lead Consultant
Leadscope

Carolien Graafsma 1
Carolien Graafsma

Managing Consultant
Leadscope

Jack 1

Jack Roegiers

Senior Consultant
Cloud Nine Digital

Alexander 1

Alexander van Buuren

Head of Solution Design
Cloud Nine Digital

Berber 1

Berber Bijlsma

Lead Consultant
Clickvalue

Sven 1

Sven Persoon

Senior Consultant
Clickvalue

Olf 1

Olf Koekoek

Lead Consultant
Clickvalue

Mark 1

Mark de Winter

Director
Clickvalue

David T. 1

David ter Telgte

Lead Consultant
Leadscope

Pim 1

Pim Koster

Head of Operations
Cloud Nine Digital

Mats 1

Mats van Essen

Lead Consultant
Netprofiler

Dyon 1

Dyon Metselaar

Director
Netprofiler

New additions this time around

Technology Plaza

At the Technology Plaza, easily connect and meet with leading marketing software partners. Because let's be honest, without technology, we’re all out of a job.

Feel free to walk up to them and start a conversation. They won't bite, we promise. And who knows, they might have the solution to the problem you’ve been battling with.

The Technology Plaza is conveniently located at the heart of the festival site.

Sfeerfoto_technoplein

Technology Partners

Sponsor logos (1200 x 550 px) (2)

“The festival was awesome! Gained a lot of new knowledge and acquaintances. The catering was top-notch, and the DJ was great. Next year, I will definitely be there again.”


Brandpreventiewinkel.nl

“Top afternoon. I found a lot of inspiration and quite a few examples of practical cases we can work with. The location was tight, but the vibe was big. I've heard that it will be even better next year. I will definitely be there again!”


Solmar

“It's a great opportunity to network and gain knowledge of all the toolings/products on offer.”


World Vision

“Ran smoothly”


New York Pizza

“Varied program, good refreshments, parking right out front. Next time, a slightly larger common area.”


A. Vogel

Score your ticket

an offer you can't refuse

May 20. Will you be there?

 

The brightest minds, buckets of inspiration, spades of knowledge and a beach full of new contacts. If that’s not enough, we’ve got an offer you can’t refuse!

Our 10-person organizing team secured the best location in Utrecht (the DUS), top speakers are ready to share their wisdom, technology is in place to keep you connected, snacks are prepped, drinks are chilled, the goodie bag is full to bursting, the lanyards are looking sharp, the DJ is fired up and the photographer is primed to capture the magic, the parking is ample plus there’s a shuttle to the NS station ready and waiting. 

Ready for the Digital Marketing Festival of the summer?

Sign up right away
 
See you on May 20 in Utrecht! 
Otte, Harm, Dyon, Daisy, Marten, Olf, Robert, Thomas, Merel and Willem.

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Fancy the most inspiring and relaxing digital marketing event in the Netherlands?

Everything you want to know (and more)

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I arrive at the Digital Marketing Festival?

By car

Enter the following into you satnav: De Utrechtse Stadsvrijheid, Sophialaan 1, 3542 AR Utrecht.

Park for free in the large parking lot in front of the venue

There are 2 charging points for electric cars. You will find these on the side of the building.

 

By public transport

Make use of our free shuttle service at Maarssen NS Station:  

Go by train to Maarssen Station

Get on the Digital Marketing Festival shuttle bus taking you directly to the venue

Naturally, the shuttle service can drop you off at the station again

Exact times of the shuttle service are to be confirmed

 

On foot

Take the train to Utrecht Central Station

From the bus platforms, take bus 3 in the direction of Zuilen. Get off at the stop Utrecht, Muyskenweg.‍

After getting off, continue walking on Amsterdamsestraatweg for 100 meters in a northwesterly direction until you reach the first intersection. Then turn left on to Muyskenweg in a southwesterly direction.

Walk down Muyskenweg for 300 meters until you reach the bridge. Here you can take the stairs on to the bridge. After 600m you will have crossed the bridge and are now at De Utrechtse Stadsvrijheid (DUS).

Attention: The walk takes 15-20 minutes.

 

By bike

There are bike racks available at the entrance of the venue.

The bike racks are visible from the venue but we do recommend using a lock.

Is the Digital Marketing Festival accessible for those using a wheelchair?

Yes. The entire program is located on the ground floor. There are no stairs, high thresholds to entry or other obstacles. The venue is accessible using a wheelchair and/or mobility scooter. If you are coming by car, you can park in front of the venue in the spaces designated for wheelchair users.

When can we eat and drink?

You won’t go hungry at the Digital Marketing Festival. We assume you will have had lunch before you arrive. Other than that, we keep you fed and watered! Throughout the afternoon we will provide:

 12.45 - End: Tea, coffee, water and various soft drinks
 12.45 - End: Various (healthy) snacks
 14.40 - 15.20: Various snacks during the break
 17.00 - End: Alcoholic beverages
 17.00 - End: Various appetizers

Who organizes this festival and why?

The Digital Marketing Festival is organized by LevelUp Group.

LevelUp is a group of digital marketing agencies that helps organizations grow by continuously improving online results. The LevelUp agencies are:

Netprofiler
Clickvalue
Leadscope
Cloud Nine Digital
C2B
PI marketing

LevelUp Group organizes this festival once a year for several important reasons:

  • We are experts who just love to talk about our profession.
  • We want to give back to the digital marketing community. By sharing our knowledge and experiences we hope to inspire others and give them tools to make themselves and their organization better.
  • We often work digitally and results-oriented with our clients and partners. This is a chance to put the focus on being together physically. For one afternoon, results take a back seat.
  • Let's face it, we love parties. And how fun is it to throw that party together with all our colleagues and partners, and invite everyone we love working with and would love to work with in the future? Yes, please!

Media Partners

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Location

DUS Utrecht