Sustainability in Action - It Starts With You
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Sustainability in Action - It Starts With You
Thursday 27 December - Saturday 29 March, Amsterdam
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Ready to Join Us?
Registration is open: registration form
Spots are limited! Once we're full, we'll open a waiting list.
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Already registered?
Please join #*amsterdam-immersion-2026* slack channel or email [email protected] to find out more!
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Quick Links
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💗About Our Spring Immersion
What does sustainability in action actually look like?
We’ll spend time doing things together - volunteering, exchanging ideas, learning from each other, and having the kinds of conversations that usually don’t happen online. You’ll hear from people at very different stages, from learners building their first ideas to leaders working on sustainability at scale.
You don’t need a perfect plan or a finished project. Sustainability starts with you - with your choices, your questions, and where you are right now. If you’re part of the ToU community and want to move from intention to action, this space is for you.
🗺️ Our Main Location
This is our main venue Friday-Saturday, but other activities will take place in other locations across two days (especially Saturday morning!). Please check the schedule below to confirm where we will be each day!
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Location: Raamgracht 6, 1011 KK Amsterdam, Netherlands Google Maps: Equals Amsterdam
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🎯Amsterdam Immersion Schedule Overview
✨Amsterdam Immersion Day by Day Agenda
Please note the schedule is subject to change. Participation in all activities is completely optional. All times are in CET.
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Legend
💜 Core Activity - Main Immersion Sessions (recommended for all learners)
💰 Self Paid Activity - Requires participation fee (marked in notes)
🎟️ Limited Spots - RSVP required, first come first served
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Thursday 19 March: Virtual Pre-Immersion Mixer
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Is this your first Immersion and you don’t know anyone yet?
Join us for a relaxed virtual mixer in the evening to meet other learners before we all see each other in person. From past experience, this has helped many people feel more confident and connected ahead of the Immersion.
Register for Pre Immersion Mixer
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🌙 Evening
TimeActivityLocationLeadNotes17:00-18:00Pre Immersion MixerCosmosToU Staff (Karyna)First Immersion and wondering how it will be to meet so many new people? Get a head start with our virtual mixer!
Thursday 26 March : Learner-Led Day & Community Dinner
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New to Amsterdam? First immersion? Or coming back?
Before the official program starts, some of our learners are organizing optional daytime activities around the city. It’s a relaxed way to explore Amsterdam together, reconnect, or finally meet in person.
We’re still shaping what exactly we’ll do and will share details closer to the immersion. If you’d like to join during the day, plan your travel accordingly. Check in later to register.
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Foodhallen Night: Eat. Meet. Repeat.
We’re gathering in our own reserved space inside Amsterdam’s iconic Foodhallen - a former tram depot now home to 20+ independent food vendor. Expect delicious food, drinks, and easy conversations before the official program begins on Friday!
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Friday 27 March: Sustainability in Practice
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Foundation-building day.
We start by grounding ourselves in why we do this work, then hear from people tackling sustainability at different scales - from circular economy founders to corporate leaders. You’ll also choose a hands-on workshop that fits where you are right now. Expect practical tools, real stories, and space to shape your own perspective.
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Maria Grazia Testa → Systems thinking expert Axelle Ahanhanzo → Equity-first sustainability changemaker Angela Ursem → B Corp beauty founder Willa Stoutenbeek → Intersectional environmentalist Melle Schellekens → Zero-waste grocery innovator
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Kevin Berenfeld → Climate finance leader
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🌅 Morning Optional Activities
TimeActivityLocationLeadNotes7:45–09:00Intention Setting & Yoga & Sound ShavasanaSvaha YogaSarah Winkler & Carolin MüllerIntention Setting & Yoga & Sound Shavasana to start your immersion days grounded with ease and awake :wink:
🌞 Main session agenda (Add this session to your schedule)
TimeActivityLocationLeadNotes9:00 - 9:30💜 Arrival & RegistrationEqualsToU Staff(Karyna)Please check in and get your badge9:30 - 9:40💜 Immersion WelcomeEqualsToU Staff(Christian & Jordan)Get ready for the day!9:40 - 10:50💜 WorkshopEqualsOmar Al MamloukSustainability Starts With You10:50 - 11:00BreakBreakBreakBreak11:00 - 12:20💜 Sustainability Leaders PanelEqualsToU Staff(Christian) and speakers: Maria Grazia Testa, Melle Schellekens, Axelle Ahanhanzo, Angela Ursem and Willa StoutenbeekIt Starts With You - But Where Does It Go From There?12:20 - 13:30💜 LunchEquals-Lunch included and provided byAlma Sustainable Catering13:30 - 14:30🎟️ Choose Your WorkshopEqualsRoberta Scrofani & Teresa FusaroSarah WinklerSami AsadTrack A: AI & Sustainable GrowthTrack B: Wellbeing & Sustainable SystemsTrack C: Biomimicry & Nature-Based Solutions for Sustainability14:30 - 15:00💜 Group PhotoEqualsToU Staff(Jiri)Traditional immersion photo! Get your best outfits15:00 - 16:30💜 IKEA CFO KeynoteEqualsToU Staff(Christian)Sustainability at Scale: When Systems Meet Strategy16:30 - 17:00BreakBreakBreakBreak17:00 - 17:45💜 Day ReflectionEqualsToU Staff(Nina)Current ToU learners building sustainability ventures17:45 - 18:00💜 Day Closing + PreviewEqualsToU Staff(Christian & Karyna)Time to recharge!
🌙 Evening Optional Activities
TimeActivityLocationLeadNotes18:30 – 19:30Breath Work & Sound MeditationSvaha YogaSarah Winkler & Carolin MüllerUnwind after a long Immersion day with Breathwork & Sound Meditation. No change of clothes needed just come and join as you are
Saturday 28 March: Sustainability in Action
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Action day.
During this day we will have a very special ToU moment together, doing hands on activity, collaborating on early stage ideas together, reflecting and hearing from the peers on their journey and closing day together with agreed next action steps for the future
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🌅 Morning Optional Activities
TimeActivityLocationLeadNotes7:30-8:30TBATBALearners-Led
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We step out of the room and into the city volunteering together at De Ceuvel, a former shipyard transformed into one of Amsterdam’s most well-known circular innovation hubs. Built on repurposed houseboats and powered by regenerative systems, it’s a living example of sustainability in practice.
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How to get to De Ceuvel
On 28th we meet on the IJ (water) side of Amsterdam Centraal at the free ferry station to Buiksloterweg (Amsterdam-Noord) aka Ferry Terminal. We will depart together at 9:10 sharp!!!
The ferry crossing takes around 5 minutes and is free. From there, we will walk 20 minutes to De Ceuvel. Please arrive between 8:50-9:05. If you are running late, you must call Karyna directly.
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🌞 Main session agenda (Add this session to your schedule)
TimeActivityLocationModeratorsNotes8:50-9:10💜 Departure to De CeuvelAmsterdam Centraal (IJ Ferry to Buiksloterweg)ToU StaffFerry is free. Be on time at Amsterdam Centraal (IJ Ferry)10:00-12:00💜 Special ToU MomentDe CeuvelKarynaSurprise!12:00–13:30💰 Lunch Break💰 Lunch Break💰 Lunch BreakCafeteria is provided at the location (self-paid) or you are free to explore nearby!13:30–13:45💜 Reset & ReflectEqualsToU Staff(Nina)Please be back at Equals on time13:45–14:45💜 Co:LabsEqualsAndy GeorgeSami AsadTrack A:Venture LabTrack B: Activation Lab14:45 - 15:00BreakBreakBreakBreak15:00–16:00💜From Learners to LeadersEqualsToU Alumni Communityand ToU Staff (Nina)From Learner to Leader: Sustainability Careers in Action16:00-17:00💜 Closing CircleEqualsToU Staff(Christian & Jordan)Small group reflections17:15-17:30💜 Final GoodbyesEqualsAll together!Sadly we have to say goodbye, but we are so excited to see you next time!
🌙 Evening Optional Activities
TimeActivityLocationLeadNotes18:00💰Self LedAmsterdamSelf led💰 Self-paid activities
🌤️Weather in Amsterdam
🗣️Attendees List
🤳Tell your Networks you’re coming!
💰 Costs and Inclusions
Attendance at this Immersion is self-paid.
Travel and accommodation are not covered
Drinks and dinner are self paid at Foodhallen on Thursday 26 March
Lunch, hot drinks, water and snacks are provided on Friday 27th March
Light snacks, hot drinks and water are provided on Saturday 28th March during the day
All other meals and optional social activities are self-paid (see day by day agenda for details)
We’ve aimed to curate a mix of free and paid activities to fit different interests and budgets. Self paid activities are clearly marked in the schedule.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
When shall I book my trip?
As soon as you receive the Immersion dates and city, we recommend booking your accommodation and travel.
Immersion cities tend to fill up quickly, especially central areas. We always choose venues that are well-connected and located in central neighbourhoods with good public transport, so staying nearby makes everything much easier.
Booking early usually means better prices, more options, and less last-minute stress.
Do I have to attend the whole time?
No! Whether you come for 1 day or 2, it’s up to you and we’d love to see you.
Do I have to take part in all activities?
Participation at all activities is optional. However, if you have told us you are coming and change your plans, please inform Karyna as soon as possible via email at [email protected]. This helps us plan logistics such as room capacity and catering!
What do I have to pay for?
Free
All core sessions (panels, workshops, keynotes, Co:Labs, Spotlights)
Friday lunch
Saturday morning activity
Coffee, tea, water and snacks throughout
Self-paid
Travel to Amsterdam
Saturday lunch
Accommodation
Thursday optional dinner
Friday evening dinner (self-organised)
Where should I stay? Are there discounts?
Yes! We've partnered with 3 hotel groups to offer 10% off for TOU learners. Choose based on your budget and vibe 👇
🏨 Discount Options
Option 1: Stayokay Hostels (Modern, Social, Budget-Friendly)
💰 10% off | 📍2 Locations | 🛏️ Dorms + Private Rooms Properties:
Stayokay Amsterdam Oost - Zeeburg neighborhood, near parks, quieter
Stayokay Amsterdam Vondelpark - Next to Vondelpark, Museum Quarter, central Promo Code: TO26 Valid: March 24-31, 2026
Option 2: Flying Pig + St Christopher's (Party Vibe, Backpacker Classic)
💰10% off (15% cheaper than booking.com) | 📍 3 Locations | 🛏️ Dorms + Private Rooms Properties:
Flying Pig Downtown - City center, shopping street, social bar
Flying Pig Uptown - Museum Quarter, near Vondelpark, quieter
St Christopher's Inn - The Winston - Near Central Station Promo Code: TOMORROW10 Valid: March 24-31, 2026 (minimum 3 nights)
Option 3: Via Hostels (Budget, Outside Center, Dorms Only)
💰 10% off | 📍 Diemen (15 min metro to center) | 🛏️ Dorms Only Property:
Via Amsterdam - Diemen neighborhood, 15 min metro to Central Station Promo Code: FOMONOMORE Valid: March 24-31, 2026
How do I sign up for activities and sessions?
The options to choose from will be available 2 weeks before first day of the immersion.
What's De Ceuvel and why are we going there?
De Ceuvel is Amsterdam's circular economy workspace, a community of sustainable businesses built on repurposed houseboats in Amsterdam Noord.
We'll take the free ferry across the river, spend 120 minutes doing hands-on work (garden maintenance, upcycling projects, community building), then return together.
It's the signature moment of the weekend. This is where you'll feel what "sustainability in action" actually means.
I'm nervous, I don't know anyone yet. What should I expect?
First of all: that’s completely normal. Almost everyone feels a little unsure at the beginning. The first few minutes might feel slightly awkward and then it usually shifts very quickly.
Here’s what helps:
Join the virtual mixer beforehand to see a few familiar faces before arriving
Say hi to just one person, that’s often all it takes
Introduce yourself in the Slack channel before the event
Come to Thursday’s optional dinner, it’s relaxed and easier to connect in smaller groups
Remember: most people feel exactly the same way you do
Can I bring a guest?
If you have a friend who is interested to also join ToU, please reach out to Karyna. We promise we will try our best to make it happen.
Who do I contact with questions?
Before the event:
Slack: #amsterdam-immersion-2026
Email: [email protected]During the event:
WhatsApp group (link shared via Slack closer to the date)
Email: [email protected]
Ready to Join Us?
Step 1: RSVP
Tell us you're coming: registration form
Step 2: Choose Your Workshop
Tell us which one you are choosing: link for registration TBA on 23.02
Step 3: Join Slack
Connect with other attendees before the event: #amsterdam-immersion-2026
We're really looking forward to spending this time together.
See you in Amsterdam 🌱
Other questions? Reach out:
📧 [email protected]
💬 Slack: #amsterdam-immersion-2026