Inspiration
Discover how other organisations use data and AI to work smarter and make better decisions.
Thursday, 29 October 2026
Data in de Kempen
THE data knowledge and networking event in the Kempen Data, AI and technology are evolving at an unprecedented pace. That’s why we’re bringing together entrepreneurs, decision-makers, IT professionals and business users from across the Kempen for an afternoon of inspiration, knowledge sharing and valuable connections.
De Kempus - Turnhout
Welcome
Welcome to THE Kempen’s data and networking event.
Discover, learn and connect with other professionals during an inspiring afternoon focused on data, AI and data-driven decision-making.
Please note: All sessions will be in Dutch
This event is for anyone who wants to put data and AI to work strategically and practically within their organisation. Whether you set the direction, lead projects or build technical solutions, you’ll gain inspiration, learn from real-world experiences and connect with professionals from the region.
- CEOs and decision-makers who want to discover how data and AI can contribute to better decision-making and sustainable growth.
- IT managers, data professionals and developers who want to deepen their technical knowledge and exchange experiences.
- Business managers who want to use data to improve processes and achieve strategic objectives.
- Anyone interested in data and AI who is looking for real-world cases, new insights and a strong professional network.
FROM DATA CHAOS TO SMARTER DECISIONS
Why attend?
Data is everywhere. But how do you actually use it to make better decisions? At Data in the Kempen 2026, you’ll discover how companies bring structure to their data, turn insights into action and move from data chaos to smarter decisions. Get inspired by real-world stories, hands-on workshops and conversations with experts and fellow business leaders.
Knowledge
Gain practical insights and hands-on knowledge you can put to work yourself.
Connections
Meet entrepreneurs and data professionals from the Kempen and exchange experiences.
1:30 PM: Opening Session
The State of Data & AI in the Kempen
The Kempen is buzzing with entrepreneurship. But how far have companies come when it comes to data and AI?
We’ll open with a look at the current state of data and AI in our region. Expect a clear analysis of the key trends, opportunities and challenges. You’ll discover which developments are shaping businesses, what opportunities are emerging and why now is the time to start building a data-driven future.
2:10 PM: Choose Your Case
Stories That Inspire
Learn from organisations in the Kempen that are already using data and AI today. Choose 2 of the cases and discover, in a smaller, interactive setting, how they tackled their challenges, what worked well and what lessons they learned along the way.
Not all stories have been announced yet. We’ll be adding new cases and speakers to this page over the coming weeks.
Smarter Adhesive Selection with AI
Jeroen Jordens - Flanders Make | Simon Vandevelde - KU Leuven
Read more
Data as a strategic choice
Ingrid Lizette Richards - Den Berk Délice | Jelle De Prins - Den Berk Délice
Read more
We flew into the dashboard and crashed into the frame(work)
Steven Macquoij - VITO | Peter Stouthuysen - VITO
Read more
First simulate. Then invest.
Tom Mertens - Gebroederes Doms
Read more
Connecting Data in a Decentralized System
Steven Beutling - Wilms
Read more
3:40 PM: Breakout sessions
Strategy or experience
Choose a strategic inspiration session or get hands-on during one of the two interactive workshops. The workshops are intentionally kept small, with a maximum of 10 participants, to ensure plenty of opportunity for interaction, questions, and hands-on learning.
Strategic Session
From Data Chaos to a Smart Data Strategy
3:40 PM – 4:40 PM
Interactive Data Visualisation Workshop
From data to dashboards that convince
3:40 PM – 4:40 PM
Interactive Data Modelling Workshop
From raw data to a strong data model
3:40 PM – 4:40 PM
4:50 PM: Keynote session
The future does not belong to AI
The future does not belong to AI, nor does it belong to people who ignore AI. It is about the combination: the best machines paired with the best analytical and creative minds — people who can generate original ideas, ask the right questions, and evaluate AI’s output. People who look at an analysis and say: “This isn’t right, and here’s why.” Or, equally valuable: “This is right, and I’m willing to put my name to it.” That doesn’t mean we will need less critical thinking in the future. We will need more of it. At the same time, we will need to invest more effort in the structure and quality of our data in order to work more effectively with AI.
Sign up today
Reserve your spot
This event is free, but registration is required. Places are limited. Reserve your spot now and discover how other organizations use data to make better decisions, share experiences, and help build a strong data community in the region.
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