Congress

program

Panels &
Speakers

Opening ceremony

MICHAEL KELLERSecretary General , ISF
MARCO VAN LEEUWENPresident, ISF
Jaap
JAAP MAZEREEUWChair, National Organizing Committee (NOC) - NL

Panel 1 - Keynote talk: global shifts: Understanding the decline of globalization

Panel 2 - Navigating the new global order: what is the future of seed trade?

panel 3 - unlocking the full potential of innovation in plant breeding across frontiers

panel 4 - the role of the seed sector in the cop28 emirates declaration on sustainable agriculture, resilient food systems and climate action

panel 5 - innovative public-private partnership for development: what are the bottlenecks and opportunities?

panle 6 - organized chaos session: navigating isf into the next century

panel 7 - whiter the seed? the seed sector in a polarized and fragmented world

CHANNEL WORLD SEED

Channel World Seed 

Chanel World Seed is ISF’s own live broadcast platform with a studio set in the Congress venue. It will air content to both the onsite attendees (exhibition area) and the virtual audience. 

As a sponsor, you can book a 30-minute time slot on our programming schedule to broadcast your own content such as live interviews, product promotions, panel discussions on specific topics, and other content. 

Contact ISF Secretariat to have more information: infowsc@worldseed.org

Photo: WSC 2022 - Channel World Seed Studio in Barcelona

Social Events

Social Events

Welcome Party

A fun and informal get-together to enjoy local culture and network opportunities.

Date: Monday,  27 May 2024

Time: 19 :00 – 22:00
Venue: SS Rotterdam, 3e Katendrechtse Hoofd 25,
Dress code: Business casual

Photo: ISF WSC, Welcome Party, Nice 2019
Join us at the Welcome Party!
Women Luncheon, Cape Town 2023
Women’s Luncheon

On day 2, we are putting the spotlight on women in the seed sector to inspire leadership, effect lasting change, and create more opportunities for inclusiveness in our industry. 

Date: Tuesday, 28 May 2024

Time: 12:00 – 14:00
Venue: Ahoy Congress, Dock 14, Level 2

Future Generation corner

Over the three days of the congress, we are offering a unique space for exchange among young professionals in our industry. 

If you are 40 and below, don’t miss this chance to meet, mingle and network in a cozy, casual environment within the congress.

Date: Monday – Wednesday,  5 – 7 June 2023

Time: 08:00 – 18:00
Venue: Ahoy Congress, Port 1, Level 3

Future Generation Corner, Cape Town 2023
RDM Onderzeeboothloods
Photo: ISF WSC, Farewell Get Together, Barcelona 2022
Farewell Get Together

It marks the official close of the World Seed Congress. A modern event, with seated and standing tables to enjoy a last evening together. 

Don’t miss it!

Date: Wednesday, 29 May 2024

Time: 19:00 – 01:00

Venue: RDM Onderzeeboothloods (Submarine Wharf)

Dress code: Business casual

Transfer:

For all registered delegates and those attending this event, we will provide an optional boat transfer to the event location.

  • Departure: 18:30 from Spido pontoon at Willemskade
  • Name of the vessel: James Cook
  • Transit time: approx. 30 minutes
  • Individual arrival to Willemskade (i.e. by public transport with the tram 7 to  Willemskade)

For the return transfer, we will provide bus shuttles only.

Thursday Thematic Day

This year the Thematic Day is organized with Plantum, in collaboration with several esteemed Seed Valley companies. 

This is offering exclusive post-congress tours on May 30th. These tours are a unique opportunity to explore cutting-edge facilities and gain insights into the latest advancements in the seed industry. There are four routes that you can choose, providing a diverse and enriching experience.

The following routes will be organized:

  1. Seed Valley region: Visit to Syngenta, Incotec, Enza Zaden and Seed Processing Holland
  2. Region Rotterdam: Visit to Bayer Vegetables Seeds and Rijk Zwaan
  3. Region Zeeland: Visit to DLF and Meijer Potato
  4. Region Wageningen: Keygene and the Wageningen University& Research

Program: 

  • The tours will start at 09.00 am and will be back latest by 06.00 pm with the exception of the visit to Seed Valley, where the hours will be 08.00 am- 07.00 pm.

Participation to the post-congress tours will costs 50 euro on a first come first serve basis. Registration via the registration platform. 

Sunday Pre-congress activity

Golf Tournament

Get involved! Join the fun!
The ISF Golf Tournament and Clinics sponsored by Incotec is the traditional kick off to the World Seed Congress week. Not only for seasoned golfers, but for everyone. Whether you are new to the game or an experienced player, it is the perfect opportunity for a morning of networking, fun and friendly competition. There is a prize of 5’000 EUR, provided by Incotec, for the winning team’s a charity of choice. 

For beginners
If you don’t yet play, or just need some practice, sign up for the golf clinics offering a series of lessons and information about the sport.

For tournament participants
The format is Scramble – which is all about teamwork and shared success and is perfect for all skill levels. Sign up today to secure your spot.

Location:
Near the city centre of Rotterdam but set in tranquil surroundings, Broekpolder Golf Club with its open fairways and wide views is known for its beauty, its water features and the quality of its greens.

  • Date: 26 May 2024
  • Location: Broekpolder Golf Club
  • Hotel Pick up: 07:00h
  • Tournament: 08:30h – 12:30h 
  • Lunch: 13:00h
  • Hotel Drop off: 14:30h

Registration: 
During congress registration (don’t forget to email your handicap to isfwsc@kit-group.org after registration).

Price:
310 euros including green fee, lunch and transportation

Equipment rental: 
A limited number of clubs, golf carts and trollies are available for renting.

Cancellations: 
See Cancellations section.

 

ISF thanks Incotec for kindly sponsoring this event:

Gold Club Broekpolder

Sunday afternoon Charity River cruise in Rotterdam

River cruise Rotterdam

In collaboration with Germains Seed Technology, we are happy to introduce a captivating new event on Sunday afternoon, that will give everyone the opportunity to come together for a delightful river cruise along the Nouvelle Meuse River in Rotterdam.

For this event, all participants are requested to donate 50€ that will be equally distributed among two deserving charitable associations, the Seed Resilience Foundation and Voedsel Bank, a dutch local food bank. Germains are kindly covering all of the cost of the event for attendees.

This is not just an event; it’s a chance to enjoy the scenic beauty of Rotterdam, make connections with other delegates while making a positive impact in the community. Accompanying persons are welcome to join this event as well. Please register through the registration platform. 

Program: Activity full

  • Sunday 26 May 2024
  • Activity: 2-hour boat trip with complimentary bar and snacks. An Audio guide will also be available with information on all points of interest on the route.
  • Departure: 16:00 from Boompjeskade
  • Return: 18:00 at Boompjeskade (For those attending the President Dinner a shuttle will be provided.)
  • Donation price: 50€

Thank you to Germains Seed Technology who is kindly sponsoring this event. 

Accompanying Persons Program

Welcome to Rotterdam, a city that seamlessly blends modern innovation with historical charm. As you embark on your journey through this captivating destination, prepare to be enchanted by its iconic skyline, bustling harbor, and vibrant cultural scene. 

From its cutting-edge architecture to its rich maritime heritage, Rotterdam offers a tapestry of experiences that cater to every traveler’s interests. Join us as we explore the hidden gems, savor the culinary delights, and immerse ourselves in the diverse neighborhoods that make Rotterdam a true gem in the heart of the Netherlands. Whether you’re an art aficionado, a food enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking adventure, Rotterdam promises an unforgettable expedition that will leave you with cherished memories and a longing to return. So, gear up to uncover the treasures of Rotterdam and let the journey begin!

We are pleased to present the program that has been designed for Accompanying Person. All tours include transfers, lunch, entrances, guides, gratuity, and drinks allowance during lunch. 

The fee for the 3 days for Accompanying person is 750 EUR. 

Monday 27 May 2024

Rotterdam Tour

After the gathering you are going to explore the city center of Rotterdam by foot under guidance of professional guides.
Lunch will be served at restaurant Bazar on the Witte de Withstreet. After lunch you will take a watertaxi to the Splash Tours. During the 60 minutes drive you will see the skyline of Rotterdam. After the Splash tour you will take a watertaxi back to the city center.

  • Half day tour: 11:00 – 15:30 
  • Lunch included
  • Price: 165 EUR for delegate

Tuesday 28 may 2024

The Hague and Delft Tour

With a professional guide you will discover The Hague by foot. The city of our royal family and our government. Following we will enjoy the lunch and will go to Delft by bus. At Delft you will visit the Royal Factory Delft (Delft Blue), Marketplace with cityhall, Nieuwe Kerk (new church) and you can visit the Prinsenhof Museum. After this enerveting day we will bring you back to Rotterdam by bus.

  • Full day tour: 08:45 – 17:30
  • Lunch included
  • Price: 215 EUR for delegates

Wednesday 29 May 2024

Kinderdijkt Tour

750 years of living with water. How inhabitants make and keep their land liveable through hard work and smart organisation. How mills, millers, nature and the typically Dutch landscape move with the times. And how the rest of the Netherlands and the world can learn from innovative water management. You can see and experience this unique area with your own eyes this morning.
After lunch we will go back to Rotterdam by bus.

  • Half day tour: 08:45 – 13:30
  • Lunch included
  • Price: 135 EUR for delegates

Venue

An ideal place for business !

Photo: Ahoy Rotterdam

The ISF World Seed Congress 2024 will provide many opportunities to conduct business in small or large group settings.

From the Trading Floor to the Exhibition area and Private Meeting Rooms, delegates will find exceptional meeting facilities that meet their needs.

During the annual ISF World Seed Congress, ISF organizes panel discussion on ISF key topics. These meetings are open to all ISF members and provide the participants with an update of what has been done over the past years.

These meetings also serve to set the positions that ISF will be taking in its outreach efforts to external stakeholders. Should you wish to make your voice heard, these would be the meetings to go to.

Congress venue

Rotterdam Ahoy is a large, multi-purpose event complex located in Rotterdam, Netherlands. It is one of the most prominent venues in the country, known for hosting a wide variety of events, including concerts, conferences, sports competitions, trade shows, and exhibitions.

Rotterdam Ahoy is conveniently located and easily accessible, with good transportation connections.

The architecture of Rotterdam Ahoy is characterized by its modern and versatile design. The complex consists of several interconnected buildings that serve different purposes. The section of the Ahoy Convention Centre offers extensive conference and exhibition facilities, making it a popular choice for business gatherings, trade shows, and exhibitions. It has various meeting rooms and halls of different sizes, equipped with modern technology and amenities.

Rotterdam Ahoy has undergone various renovations and expansions to modernize its facilities and keep up with the demands of hosting large events. These developments have helped maintain its status as a premier event destination.

Venue address:

https://www.ahoy.nl/en

Internet
Complimentary Wi-Fi will be available for all participants throughout the Congress venue.

Michael Keller

Michael is a German national based in Nyon, Switzerland where the ISF headquarters is located. After his legal training at the University of Manheim, he completed a Master’s degree in European Law and post-graduate studies in Political Science.

Michael joined the French Senate (Paris, 1999) as Parliamentary Advisor then joined the Mayors Association of France as Head of European and International Affairs. He later became Director of Regulatory and Public Affairs at DuPont Pioneer (2008-2014). During this period Michael served in the Board of Directors of the Union Française des Semenciers (UFS).

As founder-member of the French seed trade association, Michael’s move to the International Seed Federation (ISF) was a natural progression. ISF represents the seed sector internationally, acting as the industry’s voice on global issues. As ISF Secretary General Michael brings extensive experience in agriculture and food chains and is a prolific speaker on public policy and regulatory issues.