EFR Inspiration Days

9th and 10th of April 2025

About EFR Inspiration Days

The EFR Inspiration Days is one of the most prestigious student-organized events in Europe, aimed at being the most innovative, society-aligned experience that connects and inspires students from all faculties. The EFR Inspiration Days 2025 is a dynamic two-day event designed to broaden the perspectives of students and alumni by connecting them with a diverse range of leaders, industry experts, and thought-provoking discussions. Beyond just career insights, the event challenges participants to think differently, embrace new ideas, and engage with professionals from various fields. With a strong focus on both business and socio-economic topics, it offers a unique platform for networking, learning, and inspiration.

On April 9, 2025, Day 1 of the EFR Inspiration Days will focus on business, featuring a Lunch Roundtable, where students can engage in small-group discussions with business leaders, founders, and employees from top firms. This exclusive opportunity provides a chance to gain valuable career insights, explore various industries, and forge important connections. The day will conclude with Networking Drinks, offering a relaxed setting for attendees to continue conversations with speakers and peers.

On April 10, 2025, Day 2 will center on socio-economic issues and leadership. The day will begin with a Panel Discussion on the “Dark Economy,” where experts will delve into the complexities of informal markets, underground economies, and their policy implications. This will be followed by an Exclusive Interview with Dr. Alexander Italianer, providing an in-depth look at his career, experiences, and perspectives, along with an interactive Q&A session. The event will wrap up with Networking Drinks, offering a casual environment for students and alumni to make connections.

This event is the successor to the well-known EFR World of Business Congress.

For any questions, please contact us at: info@efr-inspirationdays.nl.

Lunch Roundtable - Tuesday, April 9
12:30 - 16:00 | Stadion Woudestein (Excelsior)
Lunch Roundtable

The Lunch Round Table is the direct successor of the Conference Platform of the EFR Business Week. The lunch will consist of 20 prominent speakers including CEOs and founders of various companies. They will discuss topics related to the theme of the EFR Inspiration Days with 60 highly motivated students. This way the students can learn from the insights of the speakers, but also challenge themselves and present their own views on the topics.

Main Conference - Wednesday, April 10
14:30-15:00 | Erasmus Paviljoen
Walk-In with drinks
15:00-15:45 | Erasmus Paviljoen
Panel discussion about the Dark Economy
15:45-16:00 | Erasmus Paviljoen
Break
16:00-17:00 | Erasmus Paviljoen
College Tour Interview with Dr. Alexander Italianer
17:00-18:00 | Erasmus Paviljoen
Networking Drinks

Previous year's panel speakers

Jort Kelder

Join as our moderator for the panel this year is journalist, columnist, and presenter Jort Kelder. You might know from the flagship program of NPO, Op1, his radio show Dr. Kelder & Co, his weekly column in het Financieele Dagblad, or perhaps from the rather witty Snobcast. In the public eye, he's renowned as one of the sharpest moderators around, yet thankfully with a sense of humor.

Ali Niknam

Ali Niknam is a highly regarded entrepreneur known for his innovative contributions to the fintech industry. As the founder and CEO of bunq, he has demonstrated remarkable vision and leadership, driving the company to new heights of success. With a huge commitment to user-centric principles, Niknam has reshaped the banking experience.

Alexander Rinnooy Kan

Alexander Rinnooy Kan is a highly respected figure in both the academic and business realms, celebrated for his exceptional contributions to various fields. With a distinguished career spanning academia, business, and public service, Rinnooy Kan has earned widespread admiration for his visionary leadership and profound expertise.

EFR Wall of Fame

Over the years EFR has invited some of the world’s most prominent business and industry leaders to the campus of the Erasmus University Rotterdam for Insipiration Days and it’s predecessor the EFR Business Week, check out some of them below.

Our previous speakers

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