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KIC on adventure in Utrecht
June 23rd was finally the day, after a successful alternative in our own province the domestic travel committee could continue her plan A towards Utrecht! The 24 participants who had managed to get a spot gathered with sleepy eyes at half past 8 at 'T Peerd van Ome Loeks in Groningen station.
After a short but powerful opening speech the travelers boarded the train towards Utrecht. The atmosphere was good right away, most of KIC started chatting as usual about all kinds of adventures. Others played games and Koosje chose to take a quick nap. The first activity was actually early, at the end of the morning the members of KIC were already walking around the Mediapark of Hilversum to follow a workshop Fake News in the Beeld & Geluid Museum. When walking around the Mediapark you never know who you might run into, which was proven once again when none other than ex-King Toto was waiting for us in front of the museum. At least ... it seemed so. Maradonnie was unfortunately not here for KIC, but it was just time for a smoke break for the best man.
After being welcomed by the real teacher of the workshop, the members learned about the different characteristics you can recognize fake news by. Thus, KIC was introduced to the techniques and mechanisms behind disinformation. After this short theory, it was time for the participants to create their own fake news and share it. The most creative and clickbait headlines such as "President of the Dutch Universities arrested after bizarre hazing" and "Dutch football team suspended after organizing illegal party" circulated on the worldwide web.
Once the workshop was over and after a short pee break the trip towards Utrecht continued, once arrived the stuff was dropped at the hostel and it was time for a much needed lunch. At the end of the afternoon the members were divided into groups and the social activity could begin. With the help of hints and a GPS, the participants had to pass various points in the city to carry out archetypal Dutch activities. From nail-picking to "koekhappen" (a Dutch game), and from "zaklopen" (a sack race) to a maze, the participants were challenged to do their best, while of course playing tourist in Utrecht.
After most travelers had accumulated a good number of kilometers and the evening began to fall, it was time to gather KIC. This happened in a nice park where a good spot was found next to some drunk poles. This is also where the pre-ordered pizzas were delivered by the great tour guide of this trip. In this park, after dinner, the winner of the social activity was also announced. The winners; Femke, Bas, Tirza and Weiwei walked away with a nice prize. The day ended in the park and the travelers had free time which most of them filled with a visit to an arcade in the absence of open terraces and pubs.
The second day started early, very early.... At eight o'clock the members were expected at the hostel after which together they went to a supermarket for breakfast. This breakfast was eaten next to one of the canals of Utrecht. Here you could see who was fresh and fruity and who could not stand the early morning. One member even found it so hard that she had to isolate herself in a corner of the street. Don't worry, we won't mention your name.
The travelers in Utrecht had a busy day ahead of them. The first activity planned was a company visit to Jaarbeurs Utrecht and man man, the tour guide had organized this very well. Upon arrival the members were offered a cup of coffee or tea by chef Piet van den Bosch with a wide assortment of cakes and muffins. During this coffee moment we were told more about the Jaarbeurs and its activities and goals by none other than the CEO Albert Arp.
After a short conversation with Albert Arp the tour could start through the different buildings and halls of the Jaarbeurs where enough information was given by our guide Piet. The tour ended in one of the network halls of the Jaarbeurs. Here head of PR & Communication Frank Tebben was waiting for us who told us more about the marketing and communication within an organization like the Jaarbeurs. Afterwards the members were offered lunch. Before KIC closed the tour at the Jaarbeurs one of the employees offered us a backstage tour, this tour was not on the agenda but of course could not be turned down.
The second company visit of the day was at Prepr.io, this technical company has developed its own content management system (CMS) especially for radio programs. Prepr's system makes it easier for radio producers at Radio 538 and NPO Radio 2 to do their jobs. The company gave the members a look at the CMS and what it can mean for the communication and marketing of the various stations.
After a long day full of interesting people, companies and tours, it was time for the members of KIC to go on another adventure in Utrecht. Before the members traveled back to the High North, they were given the opportunity to have dinner and/or drinks, which the members made good use of.
Around seven o'clock the time had come, the travelers of KIC were ready at Utrecht Central Station to take the next train back to Groningen. On the way back there is always a big difference in atmosphere, some were still talking about what they had experienced, others were tuckered out and taking a nap. Maybe this is a pat on the back for myself, but all in all the conclusion can be drawn that the Domestic Travel Committee organized a great trip to Utrecht! It has already been said, but again to the travelers who came along and of course the Domestic Travel Committee; Thanks for the fun!
Daan Heijnen - Domestic travel committee and Manon Carras - Editorial committee Study Association KIC
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