NAH+ Expert Network - Ayoub Douider

Role

Co-host / Program Flow

Date & Location

April 2025 – Utrecht

Venue

Bar Beton Rijnsweerd

Attendees

~200 invited guests

Read the article about the event

Why this is relevant for your event

Are you organising a conference, symposium or internal event where programme flow and experience need to go hand in hand? As co-host and programme guardian, I ensure every segment connects seamlessly, from opening to close. Energetic, calm and always aligned with the purpose of the day.

Context

The Expertisenetwerk NAH+ organized an event to celebrate the official recognition of the NAH+ care network and to bring stakeholders together. With around 200 invited guests from healthcare, clients, and partners, this was a key milestone for the organization.

Challenge

The program had fixed components (guest speakers and workshops) and required clear direction: smooth transitions, tight timing, and good energy in the room-especially with a group of around 200 attendees.

As co-host, the challenge was to maintain the common thread throughout the day, ensuring that content segments flowed seamlessly into interactive workshops-without participants getting lost or the pace dropping.

My Contribution

Together with a colleague, I was responsible for the cohesion and flow of the day:

Co-hosting / linking the program: managing transitions between segments, pace, and timing
On-stage moments: speaking at multiple points to guide groups (e.g., directing participants to workshops/sessions)
Alignment with speakers and organizers: short briefings, clear cues, and practical behind-the-scenes direction
Ensuring everything "around it" was right so that content, logistics, and experience strengthened each other

Program Flow

The day was structured in several phases that I helped shape and facilitate:

Plenary opening with guest speakers
Breakout into workshops (multiple parallel sessions)
Feedback and reflection with the full group
Closing and networking drinks

Each transition required clear communication and timing to prevent groups from waiting too long or feeling uncertain about what was expected of them.

Approach

My approach focused on energy, clarity, and connection:

Preparation: extensive pre-briefing with speakers and organizers to align expectations
Timing: a tight schedule with built-in buffers for spontaneous moments
Energy management: keeping the room engaged through interaction and short in-between moments
Flexibility: switching and improvising when segments ran faster or slower than planned
Behind the scenes: continuous alignment with tech, speakers, and organizers via quick check-ins

Result

A professional, smoothly run event with clear direction and strong transitions
Participants moved through the program without chaos (plenary → workshops → feedback), while maintaining atmosphere and energy
Positive feedback from the organization on facilitation and presentation
A successful celebration of an important milestone for the NAH+ network

Skills

Co-hosting • Program direction • Time management • Event flow design • Stakeholder communication • On-stage presence • Improvisation under pressure

"The best part of co-hosting is being the bridge between content and experience. You make people feel welcome, know where to go, and keep the program running smoothly. It's about sensing when to give space-and when to provide direction."

Interested in working together?

I help organisations with event management, brand activations and operational execution on location

Get in touch

Expertisenetwerk NAH+ – Co-host & Program Flow