Smith Communicatie was asked by MKB The Hague to organize the Hague Entrepreneurs Debate, as it had done in previous municipal elections. It was important that it was organized in close cooperation with various interest groups, besides MKB The Hague, namely: VNO-NCW, Bureau Binnenstad, Koninklijke Horeca Nederland, Stichting Binnenstad, The SocialClub and Directieoverleg Podiumkunsten Den Haag and Directieoverleg Haags Musea.

The approach

After searching for a suitable date leading up to the elections, it was decided that a physical debate could finally be organized again - after Covid! Short, powerful and appealing. A program was devised with lots of interaction with the entrepreneurs present, in which the leaders of as many political parties as possible would participate. Amare was selected as the venue, one of the first times an event was organized here after Covid, so again this brought additional challenges. Smith Communications, however, was firmly in control and took responsibility for the complete coordination of the Hague
Entrepreneurs' Debate. From the invitation process for the list leaders, approaching suitable moderators, contacting various suppliers, to the details on location, with the caterer and technology.

The results

It was a successful evening with some 200 entrepreneurs from The Hague showing their political preferences in Amare. A poll was taken among the guests before and after the debate, which clearly showed changes. Led by former alderman Henk Kool and radio host Nicolette Krul, six propositions were discussed. Entrepreneurs were able to vote live on the various propositions, generating a lot of interaction. All twelve political parties (VVD, D66, PvdA, CDA, Groen Links, Groep de Mos/Hart voor Den Haag, Partij voor de Dieren, Denk, ChristenUnie/SGP, the Haagse Stadspartij, SP and PPV), did their best to convince the entrepreneurs of their own views. The reactions were very positive. In short, a successful and meaningful evening!