Wrapped
Event in english
Forge Connect Antwerp
An exclusive group of finance professionals. The topics that matter. Join us in Antwerp and dive into bold conversations with industry thought leaders on strategy, digital innovation and what’s next for finance. No buzzwords. Just real insights in a setting that feels more like a gathering of future-makers than a conference.
Antwerp
13 TH NOVEMBER 2025
Event recap
IT’S A WRAP!
Big ideas on stage (cash-flow, cybersecurity, compliance, AI, transformation), but the real value was in the conversations between sessions: the “you too?” moments, the shared challenges, and the practical takeaways finance leaders can use right now.
Huge thanks to our speakers, panellists, moderators, partners, and the Rydoo team for making it happen.
More chapters to come. See you at the next one.
Agenda
08:45
10:00
Registration and breakfast
10:00
10:15
Welcome with Melle Eijckelhoff & Sebastien Marchon
10:15
11:00
Keynote | Curiosity: The superpower behind better decisions with Stefaan van Hooydonk
We’re all born curious, but many lose that spark over time. Learn why curiosity matters in modern finance and how it can lead to better decisions, stronger relationships, and greater career growth.
11:00
11:15
Coffee break
11:15
12:15
Panel | Risk & compliance in a digital-first world
12:15
12:45
Networking activity
An interactive activity to kickstart conversations before the lunch break.
12:45
13:45
Lunch break
13:45
14:15
Round-table discussions
Grab a seat, meet other attendees, and chat about the big topics that matter to you. No slides, no pressure, just real conversations.
14:15
15:00
Panel | Growing sustainably. Balancing short-term and long-term investments
15:00
15:30
Coffee break
15:30
16:15
Masterclass | Smarter finance: AI-powered data cleaning and analysis with Nicolas Boucher
Nicolas Boucher shares practical examples of how to use AI to cut through the noise and focus on high-impact, strategic work.
16:15
17:00
Masterclass | Beyond the numbers: impactful storytelling in finance with Soufyan Hamid
Soufyan Hamid explains how to turn AI-generated insights into clear, accessible stories your business partners will actually understand.
17:00
17:15
Summary and highlight notes with Melle Eijckelhoff
17:15
19:00
Cocktail reception
The master of ceremony
Melle Eijckelhoff
Co-Founder & Director, House of Executives
Melle is the co-founder of House of Executives. He has over 30 years of experience connecting business leaders through knowledge-sharing, training, and high-level networking. As a hands-on director and entrepreneur, he’s built communities and events that support executive growth across Belgium, the Netherlands, South Africa, and East Africa, always with a focus on real value.
The keynote speakers
Stefaan van Hooydonk
Founder of the Global Curiosity Institute | Author of The Workplace Curiosity Manifesto
Stefaan is the founder of the Global Curiosity Institute and author of The Workplace Curiosity Manifesto. He was Chief Learning Officer at Nokia, Royal Philips, Cognizant and more. Today, he helps organisations build curious cultures that support better thinking and stronger collaboration.
Nicolas Boucher
Keynote speaker on Al for Finance | Founder of Al Finance Club
Nicolas has over 15 years of experience in finance and has trained over 5,000 professionals in using AI. He founded the AI Finance Club in 2023 to provide training, consulting, and workshops to finance professionals and has worked with companies such as Carlsberg, Mercedes-Benz, and NTT Data.
Soufyan Hamid
Founder of The Finance Circle | Trainer in Financial Storytelling and Communication
Soufyan is the founder of The Finance Circle, where he helps finance professionals sharpen the communication and storytelling skills needed to drive impact beyond the numbers. With 16 years of experience in audit, consulting, and FP&A, he trains teams across Europe to present their insights clearly, confidently, and with influence.
The venue
Jacques
Reyndersstraat 6, 2000 Antwerpen
Located in the historic Jacob Jordaens House, Jacques blends old-world charm with modern flexibility. Set in the heart of Antwerp’s vibrant Zuid district, it offers a unique mix of elegant rooms, courtyard spaces, and gallery-style atmosphere, perfect for meaningful conversations and memorable moments.
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Ewa Bronowicz
It was really valuable time to connect with Finance professionals.
Alexandru Grebeniuc
The future of finance is bright. Many thanks to all the panellists, speakers and the organisation.
Niels De Kind
Not only was the event informative, but it was also incredibly engaging and fun!
Lisette Rey
Great event, you can be proud of your work!
Dominique Baekelandt
Fantastic organization, congratulations! A unique location, a warm welcome, an interesting mix of speakers, and a diverse audience. More of this :)
Jeroen de Ridder
Great opportunity to share ideas and thoughts in a small and cozy setting. Well done to team. Loved the Curiosity session and the master classes.