Colleagues from across the Netherlands and Belgium travelled to Breda for the Academy Power Day: a day to learn from one another and from guest speakers, and to spend time together.
Everyone chose a personal programme of sessions, with space for inspiring subjects, practical exercises, conversation and good food.
Start by making a connection
As at many group events, there were colleagues we did not see every day. We began with an exercise to help people connect: look at the person next to you, offer someone across the room a compliment, or explain which country or vehicle you would choose to represent yourself.
After the introductions, the workshop programme began. The sessions offered skills relevant to consultancy work as well as subjects that were simply interesting to explore.
Presenting and using your voice
Presenting with impact. Geert van den Eijnden explored how to give a strong presentation and how to present yourself. Where do you begin, how do you stand and how do you hold the audience’s attention?
The power of the voice. Roel van Fooij led practical exercises in using the voice. The group discovered how much a change in delivery could do, with plenty of surprise and laughter along the way.
For related advice, read our three practical lessons on presentation skills.
Influencers, brainstorming and technology
Influencer marketing. John Meulemans introduced the world of influencer campaigns, including how to find a suitable partner for a client and what to consider during the campaign.
Effective brainstorming. Stella Jansen and Chantal David Richard addressed a familiar complaint: a brainstorm feels chaotic and produces nothing usable. The workshop explored methods for turning a session into a creative, practical result.
A roadmap through the metaverse. Vincent Buyssens discussed developments in the metaverse and Web 3.0, exploring ideas about the relationship between physical and virtual experiences. For a technology-focused agency, it was an opportunity to examine a developing area and its possible implications.
Content and client relationships
Extending the life of content. Sander Geijtenbeek shared approaches to keyword research, competitor research and understanding search results, with the aim of helping published content continue to provide value.
Thinking in terms of mutual benefit. Richard Verbeek led a discussion about working from an equal footing. How can the client and the agency both benefit from the work, and where do the difficulties arise?
Leadership and reputation
Empowering and inspiring leadership. Anne Lemaire explored how to create an environment in which people feel motivated and able to contribute, and what it means to be an inspiring leader.
What do you want people to say when you are not in the room? Jeroen Wils discussed reputation, authenticity and integrity. The session asked how people demonstrate what they stand for and why some do that more convincingly than others.
Time to pause and talk
Between workshops, there was lunch and a guided breathing session that gave everyone a quiet break in a full programme.
The day ended with a barbecue in the sunny courtyard, with salads, meat and vegetarian options. It was a chance to continue the conversations and look back on an intensive, enjoyable day together.
Keep learning through the Academy
The Power Day was part of the LVT Group’s wider Academy programme. Regular sessions gave colleagues opportunities to keep up with developments and learn from one another.
Topics included time management, account management and the skills of listening, summarising and asking follow-up questions. Colleagues also shared practical experience, such as how they organised a press tour.
That exchange helps keep a team curious and informed. Meet our people or explore our approach to developing creative PR ideas.
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