Online DEN Conference 2025

From immersive experiences and creative leadership to the evolution of technology and the impact on humans and nature: the digital world and the cultural sector are becoming increasingly intertwined. How do we navigate this dynamic landscape? During the DEN Conference, more than 500 professionals come together online with experts to explore the future of digital culture. View the full program (opens in new tab). 

Future-defining insights from experts

At the Online DEN Conference 2025, experts from home and abroad, as well as thought leaders, share their vision on the future of digital culture. Think of immersive experiences, creative leadership, and the evolution of technology influencing humans and nature. Expect insights on future-defining developments, presented by host Anic van Damme, and opened by Minister Eppo Bruins from the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science. 

Be inspired during the DEN Conference by:

Adrian Hon (Six to Start, Game Design)

How can you truly engage people with stories – both online and offline? Adrian shows how you can create a deeper connection with your audience using game elements and storytelling. Relevant for anyone working on audience experience and new forms of storytelling.

Hilary Knight (Tate, Channel 4, BBC)

Hilary has extensive experience in creating impactful projects that resonate with people. She shares how to use creative leadership to put your audience at the center, especially in a time when the cultural sector is in full motion - interesting for policymakers and leaders.

Koert van Mensvoort (Next Nature)

Koert takes a philosophical look at technology, nature, and humanity. He challenges you to think about the broader societal impact of digital culture.

Rudy van Belkom (Foundation for the Future of Technology)

Rudy challenges us to think about the future we want to create in a technology-driven society - Interesting for those considering the future of our society and policy.

Keri Elmsly (ACMI, Sphere Studios, Second Story)

Keri realizes large-scale innovative projects at the intersection of art, technology, and audience. She shows how big ideas become reality – inspiring for anyone with cultural or creative ambitions.

Maaike Maranus – van de Vrande (Conclusion Group)

Maaike connects digital transformation and sustainability. She clarifies why this combination is becoming an increasingly important theme, even for cultural organizations. She emphasizes the importance of thinking about the long term during changes.

Kas Jansma (Media Sustainability Advisor)

Kas brings sustainability into practice. He provides concrete insights into the sustainability of the media, a sector closely related to the cultural world. 

More than technology: a conversation about value and impact 

The DEN Conference is not just about the latest digital developments but also about the conversation behind it: what does culture mean in an increasingly digital world? How do we ensure everyone can participate? How do we continue to make space for creativity? And how do we ensure that digital transformation makes the cultural sector stronger, more future-proof, and relevant?

The Online DEN Conference 2025 offers a unique opportunity for culture professionals to come together, share knowledge, and learn about the challenges and opportunities in the digital world.