Traditionally, finance, tech, and impact operate separately. They speak a different language, have different goals, and their own networks. WTC Amsterdam brings these worlds together. Think of pioneers and critical thinkers like historian and bestselling author Rutger Bregman, known for his Davos speech on taxes; Barbara Baarsma, PwC chief economist; Jacqueline van den Ende, a pioneer in climate capital and CEO of Carbon Equity; and Sam Sutaria, CEO of the streaming platform WaterBear. The first free, ad-free, and 'green' streaming platform for and about our planet.
"We do not claim to change the economy," says General Manager of WTC Amsterdam, Femke Weller. "But we can facilitate people meeting who normally do not sit in the same room. In the hope that new insights, conversations, and perhaps beautiful collaborations will emerge from that."
Concrete action: Sheltersuit partnership
On the night of November 19 to 20, a group of top executives will sleep outside at Zuidplein to raise money for the Sheltersuit Foundation.
The foundation, which has helped more than 18,000 homeless people with protective clothing and bags since 2014, is a strong example of a social enterprise that makes an impact. WTC Amsterdam invites everyone to participate in the Sleep Out. As a participant, you aim to raise €300, which is the cost of one Sheltersuit.
The homelessness crisis is peaking in the Netherlands. The recent ETHOS study shows that there are about 20,000 homeless people in the Amsterdam and The Hague regions. Aid organizations such as HVO-Querido and De Regenboog Groep confirm that the problem continues to grow. Bas Timmer, founder of Sheltersuit, responds: "By sleeping outside for one night, you show that you do not look away but stand next to someone. That is exactly the bridge we want to build with Sheltersuit."
These speakers share their vision on the new economy:
- Rutger Bregman – Historian whose Davos 2019 speech ("Taxes, taxes, taxes") went viral; BBC Reith Lecturer 2025
- Barbara Baarsma – PwC Chief Economist, advocate of green growth, controversial for her CO₂ budget proposal
- Jacqueline van den Ende – CEO Carbon Equity (€300M+ AUM), democratizing climate tech investing from €20K
- Thami Schweichler – Founder United Repair Centre (50K repairs/year), creates jobs for refugees through circular fashion
- Iris Wuisman – expert in AI governance (ACE+), guides financials through AI Act compliance
- Adah Parris – Strategic futurist, challenges WEIRD (Western Educated Industrialized Rich Democratic) tech dominance
- Sanne Cornelissen – expert in AI accessibility, author of "Me, myself & AI"
"We do not only invite speakers who agree with each other," says Femke Weller, General Manager at WTC Amsterdam. "If conversations clash due to different perspectives, great. That is where new ideas emerge."
Hackathon: 40 hours of building with AI Builders
This 40-hour hackathon brings together programmers, designers, entrepreneurs, and visitors around the question: How can AI enhance our human intelligence? Participants will build tools within 40 hours to increase our social, emotional, and creative intelligence. Think of AI agents that stimulate collaboration or AI copilots for coaching and mentorship. The winner will receive €1,000 and the chance to demonstrate their creation at an upcoming AI Builders event.
Program details:
November 19:
- 08:30: Opening ceremony: renewed entrance opens, capsule from 1985 is opened
- 09:00-18:00: Ignite talks, panels, workshops (full program: 40hrswtc.sched.com/grid)
- 09:00: Hackathon starts
- 22:00: Sheltersuit Sleep Out begins
November 20:
07:00: End of Sleep Out and Breathwork session
09:00-18:00: Ignite talks, panels, workshops (full program: 40hrswtc.sched.com/grid)
16:00: Hackathon finale, last sessions
17:00: Closing ceremony: new brand launch WTC Amsterdam
Registration:
- Public: €10 entry for the entire festival, proceeds go directly to Sheltersuit
- Media: accreditation via lisaklop@lubberdejong.nl
- Sleep Out participation: accreditation via lisaklop@lubberdejong.nl
Practical information
- Save the date: November 19 and 20, starting at 08:30 am
- Event: https://40hrs.wtcamsterdam.com/
- Timetable: https://40hrswtc.sched.com/grid
- Location: WTC Amsterdam, Strawinskylaan 1, 1077 XX Amsterdam, Zuidplein Entrance
