National Convention 2026 JCI Nederland “Zo Sterk als Staal”

The National Convention 2026 JCI Nederland is the annual national gathering of JCI Nederland, bringing together young professionals and entrepreneurs aged 18 to 39 for a weekend of keynote sessions, leadership tracks and cross-border networking. In 2026, the convention – widely referred to as NC 2026 – is hosted by JCI IJmond and takes place from 2 to 4 october in Wijk aan Zee, a coastal village in the IJmond region of North Holland. The theme, Zo Sterk als Staal (As Strong as Steel), reflects the industrial grit and entrepreneurial resilience that define this corner of the Netherlands.

Why the IJmond? A region built on strength and reinvention

The IJmond is not a conventional conference destination – and that is precisely what makes it compelling. Raw industry and remarkable nature sit side by side here: the dunes and North Sea beaches of Wijk aan Zee are minutes from Tata Steel, one of the largest steel production facilities in Europe. NC 2026 uses that contrast deliberately, asking delegates to reflect on ambition, resilience and impact in a setting that embodies all three.

JCI IJmond chose this location as a statement. The region’s story – constant reinvention under economic pressure – mirrors what JCI develops in its members: young entrepreneurs who do not wait for change but drive it. The theme “Zo Sterk als Staal” is both a tribute to the IJmond and a challenge to every delegate who attends.

Programme overview: what to expect at NC 2026

The NC 2026 programme runs across three days, each with a distinct character and purpose.

Friday 2 october: opening reception

The weekend opens with a wine tasting at Café De Zon in Wijk aan Zee, hosted by Braun Wine. It is a deliberate slow start: an evening designed for connection before the intensity of saturday, setting the community tone that defines the national convention.

Saturday 3 october: keynotes, CvA and tracks

Saturday is the core of NC 2026. The morning opens with the formal member assembly (College van Afgevaardigden, CvA) and a keynote by Jan Lammers – former Formula 1 driver, 24 Hours of Le Mans winner, and long-serving sporting director of Circuit Zandvoort and the Dutch Grand Prix. His session covers leadership, teamwork and performing under pressure.

The afternoon features a second keynote by Jan Joost Kroon, entrepreneur and author of Van Capo tot CEO, on personal leadership and deliberate decision-making. Delegates then choose from seven specialist tracks:

• Sustainability track – a behind-the-scenes tour of Tata Steel’s IJmond facility
• International / senators track – networking session at Telstar football club
• Business track – Telstar visit with a networking speed-date session
• Presenting track – a storytelling and persuasion workshop with Eva Brouwer
• Leadership track – an authenticity-focused session with Miss Mindset
• Future leaders track – a dedicated programme for emerging JCI talent
• Experience track – a guided visit to the IJmuiden Sea Lock, the largest sea lock in the world

Saturday evening brings a Dutch-themed dinner and party at Sonnevanck in Wijk aan Zee.

Sunday 4 october: optional closing

Those who want an unconventional finish can join a voluntary breathwork session on the beach, closing with a sea plunge. Participation is entirely optional but organisers report it has become one of the most talked-about moments of the NC weekend.

NC 2026 keynote speakers

Three headline speakers are confirmed, each chosen for the direct relevance of their story to the congress theme:

• Jan Lammers – F1 driver, Le Mans winner, Dutch GP sporting director. Session focus: leadership and pressure.
• Jan Joost Kroon – entrepreneur and author of Van Capo tot CEO. Session focus: personal responsibility and decision-making.
• Pieter de Waard – former JCI IJmond chair and senator, opening the convention and grounding it in local spirit.

Tickets and pricing for NC 2026

Three ticket types are available, all prices excluding Dutch VAT:

• Saturday ticket – €120: access to keynotes, CvA, lunch and afternoon tracks.
• Saturday + evening ticket – €179: all of the above, plus the Dutch-themed dinner and evening party at Sonnevanck.
• Full weekend ticket – €219: the complete experience, including the friday wine tasting, all saturday sessions, the evening party and the optional sunday beach closing.

Tickets are available at weeztix.shop/8q6rwsx5. The full weekend ticket is the most-chosen option and availability is limited.

Travel and accommodation: getting to Wijk aan Zee

By car

Wijk aan Zee is accessible via the A9 and A22 motorways. Hotel Het Hoge Duin has on-site parking with EV charging facilities, making it a straightforward drive from Belgium via the E19 and A1 corridor.

By public transport

Take the train to Beverwijk (Intercity from Amsterdam Centraal, approximately 30 minutes), then bus line 78 towards Wijk aan Zee – around 15 minutes to the Julianaplein stop, followed by a short walk through the dunes to the hotel.

Accommodation options

The congress venue is Hotel Het Hoge Duin, set directly on the dune overlooking the North Sea. Nearby alternatives include Fletcher Hotel Zeeduin (walking distance), Stayokay Hostel Slot Assumburg in Heemskerk, and Van der Valk Hotel Akersloot for delegates who prefer motorway proximity.

NC 2026 for JCI Belgium members

JCI Belgium has a strong tradition of cross-border participation at neighbouring national conventions. The National Convention 2026 JCI Nederland sits within a busy international calendar that also includes the JCI European Conference 2027 in The Hague and national congresses in France. Attending NC 2026 is a natural step for Belgian members who want to deepen their Dutch-language network, experience a different organisational culture and bring fresh ideas back to their own chapter.

Members interested in co-ordinating Belgian attendance can contact JCI Belgium via the contact page or reach out to the board of directors, particularly the EVP International. Not yet a member? The NC is one of the best introductions to the JCI community. Find out how to join JCI and meet fellow young entrepreneurs at one of the year’s most inspiring weekends.

Frequently asked questions – National Convention 2026 JCI Nederland

What is the National Convention JCI Nederland?

The National Convention (NC) is the annual flagship gathering of JCI Nederland, an organisation for young professionals and entrepreneurs aged 18 to 39. It combines a formal member assembly (College van Afgevaardigden), keynote sessions, leadership tracks and networking into a single weekend programme.

When and where is NC 2026?

NC 2026 takes place from 2 to 4 october 2026 in Wijk aan Zee, IJmond, the Netherlands. The main venue is Hotel Het Hoge Duin.

Who organises NC 2026?

NC 2026 is organised by JCI IJmond, the local JCI chapter for the IJmond region in North Holland. The congress team is led by chair Erik Boudesteijn.

What is the theme of NC 2026?

The theme is Zo Sterk als Staal – “As Strong as Steel” – a reference to the IJmond’s industrial heritage and a metaphor for the resilience and entrepreneurial drive JCI develops in its members.

Can Belgian JCI members attend?

Yes. NC 2026 is open to all JCI members and interested guests. Belgian members regularly attend neighbouring national conventions. Contact JCI Belgium’s EVP International for group co-ordination.

How do I buy tickets for NC 2026?

Tickets are available at weeztix.shop/8q6rwsx5. Three options are available: saturday only (€120 excl. VAT), saturday plus evening (€179), and the full weekend (€219).

Which speakers are confirmed for NC 2026?

Confirmed keynote speakers are Jan Lammers (F1 driver, Le Mans winner and Dutch GP sporting director), Jan Joost Kroon (entrepreneur and author of Van Capo tot CEO), and Pieter de Waard (former JCI IJmond chair and senator).

Explore more JCI events: All JCI Belgium events | JCI European Conference 2027 – The Hague | Become a JCI member | About JCI Belgium