My first Ireland Netherlands Business Association meeting
On Thursday evening I travelled all the way* across the Netherlands, from Nijmegen near the German border in the east, to Den Haag, on the west coast to attend the annual AGM of the Ireland Netherlands Business Association (INBA). This was my first time attending any Irish/Dutch association event.
The AGM, and a casual New Year's "borrel" (-a fantastic Dutch word which originally referred to a specific measure of hard alcohol, usually Jenever, and the glass it was served in - but has morphed over time to include any (alcoholic) drink and accompanying finger food) took place at the Irish Ambassador's house in Wassenaar, on the outskirts of The Hague.
I've been following Ambassador Kelly on Twitter over the last year or so, and that is how I discovered the INBA. I was really looking forward to meeting Ambassador Kelly. But unfortunately he was not able to attend. He was in Addis Ababa, lobbying on behalf of the Irish government for a seat on the United Nations Security Council.
The INBA AGM was instead hosted, very capably, by Deputy Head of Mission Robert Jackson. Mr. Jackson was a fantastic host. Our conversation covered everything from today's General Election vote in Ireland, and falling for fake news articles (me - not him), to leaving the Greek economy in a healthy place in 2008, and Brexit.
Brexit.
Brexit was referenced a number of times at the meeting, despite the near "he-who-shall-not-be-named"- aura about it. Ireland and the Netherlands have both been jockeying to get into the best position to benefit from the UK's exit from the EU. The last thing we should do right now is assume it is all over. It's just beginning, and now the true competition to show that "we are best placed" to be the gateway to Europe will get underway. Naturally there will be competition between Ireland and The Netherlands, but when the dust settles I think groups like INBA, who promote cooperation will benefit most from the raised profile of both countries in a post Brexit world.
The AGM was presided over by returning chairman Gordon Campbell (former CEO of Spar International). Mr. Cambell welcomed all members (old and new) individually before the meeting began. He seems like a lovely man with an almost militaristic sense of timing and precision. After greeting some of us in the sitting-room of the residence, Mr. Cambell stated that the meeting "...would begin" (looks at watch) "...in twelve minutes". I laughed, but sure enough… twelve minutes.
The AGM was concise. The names of the companies being represented were impressive. The Borrel was gezellig. I left the Irish Ambassador's residence thinking I had barely scratched the surface of the INBA. I had a number of brief conversations with people. The topics covered included Top-Gun, China, living in the Middle East, reintegration, creation of university courses, and of course, "how did you end up here?". It was a nice evening, and the members of INBA were lovely. I was most impressed by the dedication people showed to the group. It can be difficult to step into a group like this, but having met some of the people involved, and seeing how others interact, I have no doubt there is value, (personally and professionally) in membership of the group.
The next official event will be on the 19th of March to celebrate St. Patrick's day. Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend. I will be in San Diego with my colleague Malon Hamoen, where we will be attending GALA. At the conference we, Ludejo, are organising a fundraiser for Translators without Borders. TWB provides crucial translation services all across the globe to make sure that no matter who you are or where you are, you can receive life-saving information in a language you can understand in time of need. Language is Life.
*The Netherlands is relatively small, but when you miss a bus, a return trip from Den Haag to Nijmegen can take almost 3 hours by public transport... I didn't drive because I figured I could work on the train... and I wanted to have a drink at the borrel... :p