Leadership, Data and Trust in Corporate Travel Management

🏛️ Finale at De Plesman, The Hague
On 4 December, NATM gathered at De Plesman for the final member meeting of 2025 — and it was a fitting close to an inspiring year.

🎬 Opening the Afternoon: Heritage Brought to Life
We opened with a memorable contribution from Willem van Emden, General Manager of De Plesman. Together with Luc Steenmeijer operating the slides, he brought the story of this iconic location vividly to life. An opening that immediately set both tone and depth for the afternoon.

🧠 Leadership, Trust and Reflection
Next, Jeroen van Velzen shared a deeply personal narrative. He spoke about how life experiences shaped his leadership style, why everything is interpersonal, and why trust over control became his guiding principle.
His reflections on consciously seeking silence, meditation, and holding up a mirror to oneself resonated strongly — particularly in a workplace where multiple generations with different values and work ethics meet. A powerful reminder that leadership today requires reflection as much as direction.

📊 Data & Mobility Insights
Michel Teunisse from Aon continued the programme with insights from the Aon International People Mobility Report, translating data, trends, and developments in international mobility into practical relevance for travel managers.

🎓 The Future Speaks: Student Reflections
An unexpected and much-appreciated highlight came from two students of Inholland University of Applied Sciences, who spontaneously shared their experiences from the NATM Business Travel Masterclass. Courageous, authentic, and inspiring — true rising stars.

💼 Passion for the Profession
The programme concluded with an energetic contribution from Mascha Koldijk, who shared how she has fulfilled her role with joy, pride, and a strong team for nearly two decades. An inspiring perspective on long-term commitment within the travel management profession.

🍽️ A Warm Closing
Following the programme, a select group of members stayed for a relaxed three-course dinner at Restaurant Suus — a perfect end to an inspiring afternoon.

🙏 With Thanks
Our sincere thanks to Alice Tjia, Luc Steenmeijer, and the entire De Plesman team for their outstanding hospitality and professional support.

✨ Looking Ahead
A strong and thoughtful finale to 2025 — and a confident step forward into 2026.

From all of us at NATM | Netherlands Association for Travel Management, we wish everyone warm and joyful holidays, and meaningful moments of reflection with family and friends.

#network #peers #personaldevelopment #data #trends #education