THE CONNECTION MANUAL
Your guide to OptiConnect at Terschelling 27-29
October 2025
Three days of inspiration, connection and coastal energy.
From beach activities and cycling along the Wadden Sea to wagon rides, good food and live music by the sea.
Dear all,
With so many changes in the world, in our markets and within OptiGroup, this feels like the perfect moment to come together to reconnect, share perspectives, and strengthen our bonds. That’s exactly what the OptiConnect Days, taking place from Monday 27 to Wednesday 29 October, are all about.
Our destination: the beautiful island of Terschelling. Participants include senior managers from all five Western Europe clusters (Facility & Hygiene, Safety, Medical, Packaging and Paardekooper), members of the Western Europe Management Team, and colleagues from the overarching OMT.
In this invitation you’ll find the full programme, schedule, some practical tips and a tiny bit of homework. I’m really looking forward to sharing these days with you, to connect, exchange ideas and shape what’s next together.
Alex.
A Little Homework Before We Connect
Before boarding Regina Andrea, we’d like to ask you to prepare a few small things. Nothing heavy, just enough to get you thinking, smiling, and ready to connect.
1. SeaLines: A Poetic Introduction About You, Written by You
Write a short poem - no more than 8 lines - as a personal introduction. It can be light-hearted, serious, reflective or funny, whatever feels like you. Tell us who you are, what you do, what drives you, or what makes you tick at work (or outside of it). Rhyming is optional; honesty and creativity are not. You may write your poem in English or in Dutch. Each participant will be invited to share their poem aloud during the journey, a creative alternative for the usual round of introductions.
2. A Thought for the Group
Take a moment beforehand to reflect on this question: What do you see as an essential ingredient for our group to become even more successful together? There’s no need to write anything down, just think it through, so you can share your thoughts during the discussions on the island.
3. The Idea Box
During the OptiConnect days, you’ll find an Idea Box, a place to drop any thought, insight or suggestion that comes to mind. Big ideas, small tweaks, possible cost reductions, bold dreams, all welcome. You can add your name or stay anonymous, whatever feels right. It’s an easy way to make sure every voice is heard, even if not everything fits into the sessions.
Practical Tips
Parking and mooring location
Please park not later than 09.30 AM at Tjerk Hiddes Car Park aan het Skyppedykje 1 in Harlingen, 8872 NA. Make sure to reserve your spot at least one day in advance via harlingenwelkomaanzee.nl/ parkeren (it’s cheaper than booking on the day itself). You can enter and exit the parking area using your debit or credit card. Please try to carpool where possible, it’s more fun and more sustainable. Then take the free shuttle to the terminal of Rederij Doeksen. From there, it's only an 850-meter walk to the mooring location of the Regina Andrea, Nieuwe Willemskade 11 in Harlingen-Haven. You can also drop off your fellow passengers with all the luggage there first, and then park. Gentle reminder, the ship won’t wait for latecomers, so please be on time.
Clothing
The dress code for OptiConnect is casual, comfortable and informal. Bring rain gear for the cycling activities and swimwear if you plan to join the kayaking. It’s often a little cooler and windier on the island than on the mainland, so layering is your friend. Simple rule: if it works for a meeting, a bike ride and a drink by the sea, it’s perfect for OptiConnect.
Monday 27 October
10:00
Gathering at Harlingen Harbour, at the classic private ship Regina Andrea. Coffee, tea and something sweet await.
10:30 Departure
We set sail for Terschelling.
11:00 SeaLines
A poetic introduction of you, written by you.
11:30 Setting Sail with Alex de Graaf
12:00 Lunch on board
13:00 Arrival at Terschelling
Bags off, bikes on, off we go to Hotel Paal 8.
14:00 A New Chapter
François Olsthoorn introduces Paardekooper Packaging.
14:30 New Horizons: From Ireland to Asia
Alan Foley & Jan van den Bos present how recent acquisitions have expanded OptiGroup’s footprint, with our first locations in Ireland and China.
15:30 From Footprint to Future
Alan Campbell on why LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) is the only way forward for the packaging clusters.
16:00 Our Shared Horizon: Autonomous Growth
Bas Haagen leads the discussion on how we, together, can achieve self-driven and sustainable growth.
16:30 The Digital Tide: E-commerce and the Future of Wholesale Marloes de Ruiter leads the session on how every cluster can ride the wave of online growth.
From 17:00 onwards
Enjoy drinks and light bites at the hotel bar and take some time to freshen up in your room.
19:00 Waves & Warmth: A Latin Evening by the Sea
A coastal dinner at Pavilion West aan Zee, accompanied by passionate live Latin music.
22:30 Dinner ends, connections don’t.
The hotel bar welcomes you until midnight.
Tuesday 28 October
07:30 Rise, Shine & Move
For the brave (and the slightly mad): the day starts early and active. Choose your wake-up call: Bootcamp on the beach, Yoga in nature, or Kayaking through the breakers. And yes, it’s early. Yes, it’s after wine. And yes, you’ll feel great afterwards.
From 08:30 Breakfast at leisure
10:00 Managing Transitions: Transformation and Renewal
We’re delighted that our CEO, Christoph Sander, has joined us to share his vision and insights, a moment to listen, reflect, and be inspired. Christoph also welcomes your questions and views, including the critical ones, since true connection starts with open dialogue.
10:45 Shaping Tomorrow’s Leaders
An interactive discussion, led by Alex, on how we can best identify, support, and develop our high potentials.
11:15 Stronger Together: The Power of Sourcing!?
Our sourcing director Jacco van Dijk explores how closer collaboration within and across clusters can unlock shared value and sustainable advantage.
11:45 From Insights to Actions
Martin van Es concludes our working sessions with a summary of key takeaways, commitments, and next steps.
12:30 Cycling East, Along a World Wonder
We set off along the UNESCO World Heritage coastline of the Wadden Sea, heading east across the island. Our destination: Eiland Bistro, where a well-earned and delicious lunch awaits.
14:15 Discovering the Boschplaat
Terschelling’s wild heart awaits. We explore the elements: nature, flavour and fun on foot and by horse-drawn wagon.
17:15 Back to Paal 8
Return by bike to the hotel and take some time to refresh before the evening unfolds.
The Evening Edition: Tapas, Quiz & Team Spirit
19:00 Dinner at De Kerijfbar, West-Terschelling
A bus will take us to West-Terschelling for an evening of Asian-style tapas, quiz and team spirit. The Asian flavours are a fitting nod to OptiGroup’s newest presence in Asia. After dinner, the Quiz Master takes the stage for an interactive OptiQuiz, a mix of fun and facts. Expect questions about OptiGroup, its companies, products and people, but also about life beyond work. A light-hearted way for newcomers to get to know the group, and for veterans to prove they still know it best.
23:30 Return by bus to Paal 8
Wednesday 29 October
07:30 Fun Before Breakfast
Another early start and another chance to wake up the island way. Right on the beach, you can choose your own adventure: beach golf, archery, power kiting or blokart sailing. Whether you aim for the target, chase the wind or simply enjoy the view, it’s the perfect energizer to kick off the day. Coffee tastes better afterwards, promise.
09:00 onwards: Your Morning, Your Choice
Enjoy breakfast and check out at your own pace. Please note: all bikes must be returned to Tijs Knop in West-Terschelling before noon. Besides that, the morning is yours, catch up on emails, pick up a souvenir, or get one last energy boost with a workout at the popular Island Gym.
12:00 Meeting at the Harbour
We gather at the harbour for departure. The ferry leaves for Harlingen at 12:30, with a reserved OptiGroup area on board where lunch will be served. Arrival in Harlingen is expected at 14:30.
