Operational execution of a floating public activation on the Keizersgracht during King's Day in Amsterdam
Operational Lead
27 April 2026 · Keizersgracht, Amsterdam
Verpact / Statiegeld Nederland
Looking for someone who can make an unusual location or unconventional concept work operationally? Whether it's a floating collection point, a pop-up in a busy public space or an unexpected format: I make sure the execution is solid, the crew is in place and the audience gets something out of it.
For Verpact, I worked on the Verpact Recycle Café during King's Day in Amsterdam: a temporary, floating activation on the Keizersgracht near the Runstraat. The concept was set up as a "reversed café": not a place where visitors came to receive something, but a place where revellers on the water could hand in their empty deposit bottles, cans and other packaging waste.
Boats could slowly pass by or through the floating collection point without mooring, allowing waste to be collected directly before it ended up in the canals.
The activation was part of a broader effort by Verpact and Statiegeld Nederland to reduce pollution on streets and canals during King's Day.
King's Day in Amsterdam is one of the busiest events of the year, especially on and around the canals. The activation had to be visible, accessible and low-threshold, while remaining safe and well-organised at all times.
The biggest challenge was combining public activation, logistics and safety at a busy waterside location. Visitors didn't arrive on foot; they passed by on boats. That meant communication had to be immediately clear, the crew had to be well-positioned, and throughput had to be continuously monitored.
On top of that, the concept had to feel positive and welcoming: people needed to be encouraged to hand in their waste without it feeling like an obligation.
I was responsible for the operational execution on location and directing the crew during the event. My focus was on:
I worked with a clear division of tasks within the crew so everyone knew exactly what they were responsible for. The activation had to be immediately understandable for passing visitors - so the focus was on visibility, short communication and a clear flow:
Throughout the event I continuously monitored crowd density, safety and pace. Where needed, I redirected crew members, moved people to the busiest points and kept the activation running smoothly without disrupting the waterway or visitor experience.
It was important that the crew didn't just work efficiently, but also radiated the right energy: positive, active and inviting. That way, handing in waste became part of the King's Day experience rather than an interruption of it.
The video below gives an impression of the atmosphere and execution of the activation.
I help organisations with event management, brand activations and operational execution on location
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