Review event Louwers Mediagroep x NOA outdoor living

Innovation and synergy in 'Architecture & Entrepreneurship'

The 19 September 2024 event was a memorable evening, organised by Louwers Mediagroep - specifically ArchiComm, Interior Construction & Joinery and GreenPro - in collaboration with NOA outdoor living. The event brought together more than 300 professionals from the construction and architecture world at an inspiring location. The combination of fascinating presentations, a beautiful setting and a festive closing made this evening unforgettable.

NOA outdoor living in Kruisem/Nazareth is a unique creative hub that takes outdoor living to the next level with more than 30,000 square metres of lifelike gardens and luxury outdoor products. It is not just another showroom; it is a meeting place where more than 30 high-end brands work together to showcase innovative outdoor solutions. The synergy between these brands creates an ecosystem of cross-pollination and collaboration, as Catherine Degreef, manager of NOA, explained, "NOA offers not only inspiration, but also concrete examples of how indoor and outdoor living can seamlessly merge. Here, architects and other professionals can find inspiration, work 'outdoors' and organise events."

'NOA and Louwers Mediagroep have forged a powerful partnership with this event'

The ideal source of inspiration

Guests were warmly welcomed in this idyllic setting, with drinks, while strolling through NOA's various gardens. The sun was shining brightly, further enhancing the relaxed atmosphere. This unique location provided the perfect setting for an evening full of inspiration, networking and innovative ideas.

Prior to the presentations, the event was officially opened by Wim Fierens, director of sales at Louwers Mediagroep. He welcomed the guests with an inspiring speech highlighting the focus of the evening: thinking ahead, embracing change, reinventing and connecting. These were key words that would come up several times during the evening.

Fierens also explained why Louwers Mediagroep was excited to join hands with NOA outdoor living. "Just as NOA brings together 30 partners, we too aim to build networks and ecosystems where companies come together, find inspiration and strengthen each other," he said. He underlined the importance of innovation, both within the construction industry and in Louwers' own field, in which trade magazine publishing has evolved into a wider communication network. Fierens introduced the speakers as "toppers within their fields" and stressed that they would "share their vision of evolving, changing, breaking new ground and bringing communities together."

'The sunset over the gardens gave the evening an almost magical atmosphere'

Inspiring speakers

The programme offered three engaging speakers who each shared their own unique perspective on architecture and entrepreneurship. Their stories of personal growth, innovation and leadership struck a chord with the audience.

1. Steven Delva - Green as the new gold

Landscape architect Steven Delva bit the bullet with his presentation, titled "Green as the New Gold". Delva is known for his innovative approach to landscape architecture and urban planning, putting nature and liveability at the heart of his designs. He told the audience how landscape architects play an increasingly important role in urban environments, where space is becoming increasingly scarce and there is a need for integrated solutions.

Delva shared examples of projects in which he has tackled complex challenges with creative solutions that give nature a prominent role. One notable project he presented was SILT in Middelkerke, where landscape and architecture were harmoniously combined. His vision emphasised that landscape architecture is not just a practical solution, but a way to create a better future in which the balance between nature and man is central.

2. Sven Nys - From top sport to entrepreneurship

Sven Nys, former cyclo-cross world champion and now successful entrepreneur, spoke passionately about his transition from sport to business. His presentation was both inspiring and personal, revealing the parallels between top-level sport and business.

Nys stressed the importance of perseverance, discipline and team spirit, skills he learned in his sports career that have helped him in his new role as an entrepreneur. "Changing tack was exciting, but necessary to grow further," he told us. Today, among other things, he runs the Sven Nys Cycling Center, where he combines his passion for sport with business acumen and much-needed inspiration for future generations. His story showed how personal growth can go hand in hand with professional success, and how skills from sport can provide a solid foundation for entrepreneurship.

3. Joost Callens - The IKIGAI compass and vulnerable leadership

Joost Callens, CEO of Camino Group, closed the evening with a powerful presentation on personal leadership and the search for meaning. Callens, who is known for his approach to vulnerable and authentic leadership, shared his insights on the importance of letting go and trusting others. "Only when you show the courage to let go will the road open up for you," he asserted.

In his presentation, Callens referred to the IKIGAI compass, a Japanese concept that stands for finding the balance between what you are good at, what you love, what the world needs and what you can live on. For Callens, this compass forms the basis of his leadership style and personal growth. He explained that true leadership starts with self-insight: daring to look at your own strengths and weaknesses, and embracing vulnerability. "Authentic leadership means knowing who you are and daring to be honest about it, both to yourself and to others," he said.

Callens also spoke about his latest project, In The Yard, a sustainable meeting place designed to inspire and bring people together. The project fits perfectly with his vision that workplaces should contribute to the well-being and personal development of the people who work there. This idea of leadership, which focuses on caring, connection and growth, clearly appealed to the audience. Callens concluded his presentation with a quote that many attendees took home: "Leadership is not something you do alone. It is always a process of growing together".

Atmosphere and networking

After the presentations, there was ample opportunity for networking during the "Let's Meet!" part of the evening. The beautiful gardens of NOA outdoor living provided an atmospheric backdrop during the (fall) evening for the conversations held while enjoying snacks and drinks. The sunset over the gardens gave the evening an almost magical atmosphere, which made the conversations even livelier. The guests, ranging from architects to green professionals to all kinds of entrepreneurs in the construction sector, shared their insights and made new connections.

Reflection on a successful evening

'Architecture & Entrepreneurship' was an evening where inspiration, networking and innovation came together in a beautiful setting. The combination of inspiring speakers, a unique location and the opportunity to network made it an unforgettable experience for all attendees. NOA outdoor living and Louwers Mediagroep proved how important it is to bring professionals together in an inspiring environment where ideas and experiences can be shared. For Louwers Mediagroep, this was the first event of such magnitude, but it was quickly circulated in the corridors that this would not be the last, quite the contrary ...

The presentations by Steven Delva, Sven Nys and Joost Callens showed how architecture, entrepreneurship and personal leadership go hand in hand. Whether it was about designing sustainable landscapes, the parallels between top sport and business, or the search for meaning, each story offered valuable insights for the future.

With the successful conclusion of this event, it is clear that NOA and Louwers Mediagroep have forged a powerful partnership. The focus on innovation, sustainability and people-centred leadership will continue to inspire the industry, and this event was a shining example of that. It clearly tastes like more, and many attendees left the evening with new ideas, contacts and a renewed sense of inspiration!