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nierikahamaekers

Moderating the EIT Alumni CONNECT event for Sustainable Cities and Communities

I had the opportunity to co-moderate the EIT Alumni CONNECT event focused on Sustainable Development Goal 11 "Sustainable Cities and Communities." Over 150 alumni from the EIT's Innovation Communities came together in Budapest to discuss how they could contribute to making cities more inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. As moderators, my colleague and I facilitated the flow of the event, from introducing the topic to energizing the room and encouraging networking.



Service: Facilitator & Moderator • Community Events


Client: European Institute of Technology (EIT)

Participant profile: Members of the different Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) from EIT

Location: Budapest, Hungary

Group size: 150 participants

Duration: 8 hours






My challenge:


Facilitating a smooth and engaging event flow; keep the conversation engaging and productive throughout the day, ensuring that all participants felt heard and that the event achieved its objectives.


The value I added:

  • Coordinated the introduction of the topic and invited keynote speakers and alumni on stage

  • Energized the room and encouraged optimal networking

  • Ensured the workshops were dynamic and covered a variety of topics.


Outcomes:

  • Inspiring and engaging event for over 150 alumni

  • Encouraged multidisciplinary co-creation projects for a better future

  • Highlighted the diversity of disciplines within the EIT Alumni network.


Facilitator & Moderator - How this service can translate into practice:

Community Events

Go beyond just bringing people together. Create safe and inspiring spaces for meaningful connections to flourish, encouraging participants to delve deep and form lasting bonds. Experience the power of community building, and unlock new possibilities.

Some methodologies I use are…

  • Liberating Structures

  • Open Space Technology

  • Appreciative Inquiry

  • Collaborative Problem Solving

  • Action Learning

  • World Café Method


Next to Community Events ,

I also Facilitate & Moderate Team Days ;

apply Learning Design to create Toolboxes & Bootcamps , and am

an Impact Coach for 21st Century Skill Building & Strategic Innovation.







 

Testimonial

"Tobias and Nierika were an excellent team of moderators for our EIT Alumni CONNECT event. Their professionalism, energy and ability to engage with the audience made the day truly inspiring. Thanks to their moderation, we were able to create an atmosphere that allowed for networking and co-creation that will undoubtedly lead to a more connected community of change-makers."


— Event organizer

 






Still curious?


Read more about...

About the European Institute of Technology (EIT) and their Alumni community

The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) was established by the European Union in 2008 to enhance Europe's ability to innovate. The EIT runs a variety of Innovation Communities, which bring together leading businesses, research institutes, and universities to tackle some of society's most pressing challenges. Each Innovation Community focuses on a specific area of innovation, such as climate change, digitalization, or health.


The EIT Alumni community comprises graduates from these Innovation Communities, who share a passion for innovation and entrepreneurship. The community is diverse, consisting of individuals from different disciplines, cultures, and backgrounds. It offers a valuable platform for alumni to connect, exchange ideas, and collaborate on projects that have the potential to make a real impact.

Why are Alumni communities, and (online) Alumni events so important?

5 Tips for moderating large groups







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