Meet the Expert Day: One-on-One Sessions

A full day of focused, one-on-one conversations between KR members and hand-picked experts. Just you, an expert, and 20–30 minutes to dive into the questions that matter most to your business right now. Whether you’re figuring out how to protect your brand, get your labels right, or take the next financial step, this is your chance to get the right answers.

The schedule:
12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Networking lunch
1:00 – 5:00 p.m. One-on-one sessions
5:00 – 6:00 p.m. Drinks & networking

We’re covering a range of topics that every food startup eventually faces. 

Brand Protection with Kilburn & Strode
Your brand is your company’s most valuable asset. It is much more than just a design or a logo. But did you know that without a valid trademark registration, you cannot claim rights to your brand name or logo? That makes solid brand protection in the countries where you produce and/or sell your products essential. On the other hand, brand protection in an area that is too broad leads to unnecessary risks and may even result in you losing your rights. You’ll meet Marit Blom, Trademark Attorney at Kilburn & Strode.  

Example questions:
– What do I need to consider when choosing my brand name and logo?
– Is my brand protected once I obtain a trademark registration?
– How does it work if I want to export to other countries?

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Loans through Qredits
Growth takes money. Qredits supports small businesses with accessible loans and coaching. Qredits is a business partner for both new and experienced entrepreneurs in small and medium-sized businesses. They are a credit provider, but also a coach and trainer: Their team of experts stands by you, thinks along with you, and offers opportunities. Discuss your funding needs and find out what’s possible for your stage of business.
You’ll meet Niels Hooiveld , Business Advisor at Qredits since 2017.

Sample questions:
– I need €15,000 to buy equipment; where do I start?
– I’ve never applied for a loan before; what do I need to prepare?

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Branding with Now New Next
Your packaging is often the first, and sometimes only, opportunity you have to connect with a customer. Ariane van Mancius from Now New Next joins us to take an honest look at your branding and packaging. Now New Next is a branding and design studio that helps food brands present themselves with clarity and purpose. Ariane joins us to take an honest look at your branding and packaging. Does it attract the right audience? Does it reflect what you want to stand for? And could it be more sustainable? 

Example questions:
– Does my packaging appeal to the right target audience?
– How can I make my packaging more sustainable?

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Retail Insights with Laura van der Velden
Getting your product onto a retailer’s shelf is one thing; staying there is another. Laura van der Velden is a category strategist with over ten years of experience in retail, gained on the buyer’s side at Albert Heijn and Jumbo. Now she helps better-for-you food brands take that same step, but from the other side of the table. She offers advice at the moments that matter most: from your initial retail discussions to establishing a solid position on the shelf. Think of translating your brand story into retail arguments, shelf logic, and price positioning. Hear her perspective on shelf positioning, pricing, and what a buyer really looks for before giving the green light.

Example questions:
– Is my pricing strategy appropriate for the retail channel I’m targeting?
– What do I need to have prepared before my first meeting with a retailer?

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How it works
When you sign up, you’ll indicate which expert sessions interest you and submit a specific question in advance. This helps us make the most of every slot and ensures the expert is prepared for your specific situation.

Based on all registrations, we’ll create a personalized schedule for you.
Please note: spots are limited, and we can’t guarantee a spot with every expert, but we’ll do our best to put together a day that’s genuinely useful for everyone.

Sign up using the registration form below. You’ll receive your personalized schedule before the event.

Registration for this session closes on May 5. Please submit the specific questions or topics you’re interested in when registering for the session.