VNG Annual Congress

From former tannery to congress venue

The VNG Annual Congress brings together municipal leaders from across the Netherlands every year. Heuvelman Sound & Vision has been the congress’s audiovisual partner since 2013. What started as audiovisual support has developed over the years into a broad partnership in which technology, event design and Event Services come together. That collaboration was once again at the heart of the 2026 edition.

On 29 and 30 September 2026, the VNG Annual Congress took place in the Achterhoek region, with Oost Gelre and Winterswijk serving as host municipalities. The plenary programme was held at the Hulshof Herwalt site in Lichtenvoorde: a former tannery that was completely transformed into an event venue for the congress.

We do it together

‘We do it together’ was the theme of the 2026 VNG Annual Congress. In the Achterhoek region, this closely reflected the concept of noaberschap: looking out for one another, helping each other and taking shared responsibility. The theme ran throughout both the programme and the organisation of the event. 

For Heuvelman, this reflects the way the VNG Annual Congress has been delivered since 2013. A production of this scale requires close collaboration between the organisers, host municipalities, technical specialists and other partners. Through Event Services, multiple disciplines are brought together within a single production.

The 2026 edition also required an exceptional transformation. The industrial Hulshof Herwalt site was converted into an event environment featuring an exhibition floor and a large plenary area. The 45-metre-wide main stage and 13 LED walls formed key visual elements of the production. Video, lighting, sound, event design and content all came together as one integrated whole.

An industrial location with a new purpose

The location gave this edition a distinctive character. After serving the leather industry for many years, the site was temporarily transformed for the VNG Annual Congress into an environment for networking, knowledge sharing and the plenary programme. Its existing industrial character remained part of the experience, while the venue was technically and operationally adapted to accommodate a large-scale congress. 

Ways to enhance the experience beyond video and sound were also explored. RetroScent scent machines were used as part of the sensory design of the venue. 

From Rob Jetten to Queen Máxima

A range of national and international speakers took to the stage during the plenary programme. Contributions included those from Prime Minister Rob Jetten and Queen Máxima. VNG chair Sharon Dijksma, Esther Vergeer, Jonathan Holslag and Sandra Phlippen were also part of the programme on the first day of the congress. 

The audiovisual production provided the setting for two days focused on local government, societal issues and collaboration. Alongside the plenary programme, the congress featured an extensive exhibition floor as well as dozens of sessions and site visits across the Achterhoek region. 

A partnership that continues year after year

Heuvelman has worked with VNG on its annual congress since 2013. During that time, the event has moved to a different municipality or region each year, with every edition bringing new venues, programmes and production challenges.

That continuity makes it possible to build on the experience of previous editions while creating an entirely new environment each year. The collaboration surrounding the VNG Annual Congress demonstrates the value a long-term partnership can bring within events & congresses.

The next edition is scheduled for 22 and 23 June 2027, when the VNG Annual Congress will take place in Leeuwarden, Harlingen and Waadhoeke.

Advice on audiovisual productions and Event Services

A congress in which venue, technology, event design and programme need to function as one integrated whole requires a coordinated approach. Heuvelman supports organisations with audiovisual productions and Event Services, from preparation through to execution.

Get in touch to arrange a consultation about a congress or event. The Heuvelman team is ready to help!