From knowledge to action: collaboration delivers concrete solutions
"No organization can solve today's challenges on its own. It's all about ecosystems and collaboration. Events like this are perfect for gaining new insights, getting to know each other and finding the right partners," Frans Feldberg emphasized during his talk at Data Expo. This is also why Cybersec Netherlands and Data Expo joined forces. The joint setup provided visitors with clear added value. In two days, they were able to explore the latest data and AI solutions as well as the latest insights on digital security. Exhibition manager Paul Verdult of Cybersec Netherlands, Jaarbeurs: "Cybersec Netherlands showed that cooperation leads directly to concrete solutions. On the exhibition floor, we saw not only many innovative technologies but especially in-depth conversations between experts, administrators and end users. It is precisely this interaction that makes the difference. Here knowledge is translated into practice and policy, so that together we take steps to make the Netherlands truly cyber resilient."
From specialist knowledge to practical tools
The overlap between the data and cybersecurity domains was clearly visible, but both trade shows also offered plenty of their own emphases and themes. Daniel Gebler, CTO of Picnic: "Data Expo is there for all levels and for every type of professional. You just need to be open-minded, willing to learn and also share something of what you do yourself. No one is pure tech, pure data or pure business. We are all full stack and need to be able to operate across the board." Roy Lindelauf, professor of Data Science in Military Operations at the Department of Defense: "What I noticed, and so did the audience, is that it's not about everyone starting to use machines, but mainly about how we make sure humans and machines work together as well as possible."
Exhibitors and visitors were also able to find more in-depth content this year than ever before. Michael van der Vaart, Chief Experience Officer at ESET, saw that visitors are increasingly seeking specialized knowledge: "You notice that most already have the necessary knowledge and are now seeking further depth. For example, about operational technology. There is now a special spot at the exhibition reserved for that topic and that attracted professionals such as employees of water boards who asked very specific questions." For visitors from the healthcare sector, such as Ralph Blokpoel of Alerimus, Cybersec offered practical guidance: "As a small organization with little budget and little knowledge, how do you deal with cybersecurity? To what extent can we keep our systems secure if the primary provider stops delivering? That's what I'm looking for."
The next edition of Cybersec Netherlands and Data Expo will take place September 9 and 10, 2026 at Jaarbeurs Utrecht.
About Data Expo
Data Expo is the largest data trade show in the Netherlands and focuses on data and AI for tech and business. With more than 100 exhibitors and dozens of talks, Data Expo provides the tools and knowledge to help organizations work and innovate data-driven.
About Cybersec Netherlands
Cybersec Netherlands is the trade show for IT security and digital resilience. The event offers keynotes, technical deep dives, panel discussions and an exhibition floor with leading security parties.