KNB Annual Congress: 'Keep playing and dare to act contrary'

"If we don't keep playing, we won't be fully ourselves. So keep playing, dare to act contrary, and reverse negative judgments. True connection only arises when everyone can be themselves and is in the right place," said philosopher Lammert Kamphuis on Friday, October 8th, at the KNB annual conference in Ahoy Rotterdam. This year's theme was "Know your customer, start with yourself."

This year's conference focused on self-knowledge, developing competencies and skills, as well as marketing and strategy development. In short: everything a future professional needs to know to be and remain future-proof. Singer Berget Lewis delivered a spectacular opening speech. Annerie Ploumen, chair of the Royal Dutch Association of Civil-Law Notaries (KNB): "Society and clients are changing. We must change along with them and become more client-focused. Take what you learn here with you," she advised the (junior) civil-law notaries.

Workshops
Over 750 members attended the conference, with another 225 participating online. In the afternoon, participants could choose from 12 different workshops and masterclasses in two rounds, focusing on reflection, awareness, and communication. Visual trainer Mahana Tuimaka, for example, explained how to communicate more effectively with those around you by using visual language. She taught attendees that everyone can draw. Daphne Feller took attendees on a journey from the brain to the heart, demonstrating how to connect your mind and emotions.

Bloom
At the end of the afternoon, musician Merlijn Twaalfhoven took the (candidate) notaries out of their comfort zone by having them sing. Entrepreneur Elske Doets provided the closing ceremony. She wished the participants much "bloom." "Above all, become entrepreneurs. Don't be afraid. It will bring you so much. Find the gap in society, not the gap in the market."