The evening started with a welcome from Gustaf Tanate, (CEO at ISPnext and Maarten de Ru, Director Partners & Alliances at ISPnext. After that, each partner was given five minutes to briefly tell something about their organisation. "Those personal introductions immediately created a connection," Sam Steare looks back.

The format was low-key, but with substance. The pitches soon led to open conversations that went beyond cooperation. "It is valuable to speak to each other in a different setting," adds Sam.

Instead of reports or roadmaps, this evening was all about people and stories. We talked about joint projects, the dynamics in our markets and what lies ahead in the near future. But also about travelling, hobbies and the delicious dinner that was served. Everything came together in an atmosphere of openness and enthusiasm. "Evenings like this are important because they deepen cooperation. You hear each other's challenges and successes and that really creates a connection," says Sam. "It is exactly this kind of meeting that energises me," says Sam. "You feel that everyone shares the same ambition: to become stronger together."

Our photographer and videographer Chris captured the evening as it really was. Conversations at the table, spontaneous introductions and relaxed moments in between: he captured the atmosphere accurately. In the slider at the bottom of this blog you can see a selection of images that summarise the meeting. The aftermovie of the partner dinner can now be watched on YouTube via this link: Aftermovie partnerdiner ISPnext 2025.