Customer demand
A decade of world-class investigative journalism - you don't let that go unnoticed.
Bellingcat, the internationally renowned platform that uses open source research to uncover the truth, wanted to look back on ten years of impact with their staff, partners and associates.
Not an exuberant celebration, but a carefully designed moment of encounter, content and appropriate pride. They were looking for a partner who could guard this balance. Someone who understands how to tell a story – and knows exactly how to find the right tone of voice. Enter Dutch Standard!
The event content
For two days, the Rode Hoed in Amsterdam became the beating heart of Bellingcat. We welcomed an international crowd in a setting that perfectly combined content and meeting.
The day was all about depth: keynote speakers, panel discussions and impressive cases from their archives. In the evening, there was room to meet informally at a networking dinner with light entertainment. No grand gestures, just a warm welcome. No lavish shows, but a moment to raise a glass and celebrate this milestone together.
The challenge
Bellingcat operates at the intersection of journalism and geopolitics, and that brings sensitivities.
The biggest challenge? Finding the right tone. Serious and thoughtful, without getting heavy. And at the same time: it should also feel a bit like a milestone. Security also required special attention: the location remained secret until the very end, and we worked out various security scenarios. Using our in-house platform for registration and communication with all guests, we had all the data needed for a secure anniversary.
Organizing an event with content and depth? It’s like our second nature.
Added value
What we brought to the table? Local knowledge, a strong network and the ability to find the right balance.
Bellingcat did not know the Dutch supplier market. We translated their wishes into a concrete and feasible concept, from location and technique to planning and atmosphere. We challenged them to think just that little bit further. Not exuberant, but not too subdued either. Exactly in the middle.
That’s where we made a difference: we sensed, directed and brought oversight.
The collaboration
Cooperation was largely remote. Trust was essential, and we got it.
Bellingcat worked on the content at their own pace; we kept several scenarios ready in the meantime. We shifted gears quickly, remained flexible and made sure everything ran on time and within budget. As a partner, not as a supplier. As a thinker rather than an executor.
They the content, we the translation to the event. And that’s exactly where the power of collaboration was.
The result
The result? Better than we scheduled. The program came together perfectly, the international guests felt welcome, and Bellingcat was able to focus entirely on their story, just the way they wanted it.
The atmosphere? Integral, professional and warm. With room for meeting and a touch of celebration. The reactions? Overwhelmingly positive. And at the next anniversary? Count us in! On to the next 10 years!
Review
Let’s get the party started!
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