Late Summer Drink
2026
Celebrating 25 Years of Trusted Interconnection
Late Summer Drink 2026: 25 Years of Trusted Interconnection
Twenty-five years ago, the Internet looked very different.
Streaming was science fiction, cloud computing wasn't a thing, and "always online" was far from reality. Yet one thing has remained unchanged: the need for trusted interconnection.
On Thursday 10 September 2026, customers, partners and friends of NL-ix came together at the beach in Scheveningen to celebrate 25 years of NL-ix.
During the afternoon, we looked back at some of the developments that shaped the Internet over the past 25 years and looked ahead to what the next 25 years may bring. Afterwards, it was time for our traditional Late Summer Drink — and a proper celebration of our 25th anniversary.
Watch the aftermovie below for a look back at the day or go the Picture Gallery
Afternoon Sessions - 15:00 – 17:00
This special anniversary edition starts with a keynote by Jan Hoogenboom, Founder & CEO of NL-ix. Jan will reflect on 25 years of Internet evolution and the role interconnection has played, before sharing his vision for the next 25 years.
Next, Kees Verhoeven—tech entrepreneur, former Member of Parliament and expert on digital affairs, AI and geopolitics—will present his keynote, "A Sovereign Strategy." In his session, Kees explores a realistic path towards greater digital autonomy and resilient democracies in the age of AI.
Olav Roes, Area Lead within Rabobank's Foundation 4 Tech, is responsible for the strategy and development of the bank's global data centre and network security services. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience in IT and the financial sector, Olav will share his vision on building autonomous, secure and future-ready network infrastructures, and the role innovation and operational excellence play in highly regulated environments.
Late Summer Drink - 17.00 - 23.00 CEST
At 17:00, the programme transitions into the Late Summer Drink.
A milestone like 25 years deserves a moment to celebrate. Not only the growth of NL-ix, but also the people, organisations and partnerships that have contributed to a stronger and better-connected Internet over the past quarter century.
Join us for an evening of good food, cold drinks, sea views and conversations that continue long after the presentations have ended.
We look forward to celebrating 25 years of trusted interconnection with you.
See you at the beach.
Sponsors
This event is proudly sponsored by:
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