Our host who’ll make you laugh, and question reality
Our festival host with a hidden agenda. Sure, he’ll guide you smoothly through the day. But while he’s at it, he’ll also bend your brain with mind-blowing tricks and a sharp sense of humor.
Steven isn’t just a magician. He’s a showman with flawless timing, quick wit, and the kind of contagious energy that pulls even the most seasoned operators out of their bubble. Don’t expect filler talk between sessions.
Expect magic. Expect pace. Expect to lose track of time, and find yourself fully in the moment.
This isn’t just any business event. Even the host will blow your mind.
The only business event that will show you :
• How to build AI automations & AI Agents
• How to structure hybrid AI growth teams
• How to use GPT Ranking GEO Cheatsheet
• How to maximize AI with GPT Masterclass
• How to 10x your social content with AI
The rules of growth are changing. AI, automation, and intelligent tools are unlocking massive opportunities—but only for those ready to evolve. In this new era, scaling without purpose is no longer an option.
We’re bringing together AI pioneers, growth leaders, and impact makers across four dynamic stages: Growth, Ecommerce, Impact & Pitch. Expect sharp strategies, bold ideas—and an epic party with artists, DJs, and like-minded people.
Previously on Sprints & Sneakers:
In 2024, we welcomed speakers from Check, Google, and AFAS, plus TEDx icon Matthijs Schouten. Past acts include De Jeugd, Vengaboys, and Goldband. Every year, we raise the bar. 2025 will be our boldest edition yet.
At 4 different stages
Revolutionizing with AI
Radboud University, Professor - Artificial Intelligence
Join Pim Haselager to understand how self-learning AI systems are driving critical business decisions today, and why transparency and explainability are essential for building trust in AI-driven processes.
Key learnings
• How to be you with(out) AI
• What are the possibilities for meaningful human control over AI
• How can we use AI for sustainable growth
Turning inventiveness into acts of creative bravery for growth at Philips
What happens when one of the world’s most trusted brands is led by a CMO who believes creative bravery drives growth? Josefien Olij shows us. At Philips Personal Health, she turns inventiveness into bold campaigns that don’t just stand out, they gain market share. At the S&S Festival, she’ll reveal how to stay relevant in a noisy market, and why courage might be your strongest competitive edge.
Key learnings
• Test & Learn Mindset
• Be Courageous
• Go beyond Marketing
Transforming traditional commodity market
Louis Manu, the founder of Wi-flix makes entertainment available to the African people. he is the mastermind behind a groundbreaking marketing strategy, has successfully gained millions of customers across Africa at an astonishing $0.07 CPA. By expertly navigating the complexities of the African market, Louis has proven how to introduce Western products effectively while competing with global giants like Netflix.
Reason to attend: Discover how Louis successfully introduced a Western product to Africa, overcame market challenges, and achieved record-breaking customer acquisition numbers.
Key learnings
• Discover how to successfully introduce a Western product to Africa and effectively compete with giants like Netflix.
• Learn how prioritizing profit with purpose can create lasting impact across an entire continent.
• Explore our go-to-market strategy and uncover the powerful second-mover advantages that Africa offered usBuilding a DTC brand that balances profit and purpose.
Combining product innovation with growth
Co-founder of Ekster, transformed a simple idea into a global brand by reimagining everyday carry essentials for the modern world. His journey from a university classroom to leading a company recognized by Forbes' 30 Under 30 list exemplifies innovation and strategic growth.
Reason to come: Discover how Olivier built a $50M+ DTC brand by combining product innovation with strategic growth marketing.
Key learnings
• How to scale your ecommerce brand globally.
• Why retention matters most for lasting growth.
• Retention can double your acquisition efforts.
Transforming traditional commodity market
Lukas Grosfeld, co-founder of Wakuli, is revolutionizing the coffee industry by making specialty coffee both accessible and sustainable. His approach combines ethical sourcing with innovative business strategies to benefit both farmers and consumers.
Reason to attend: Discover how Lukas is transforming a traditional commodity market through a mission-driven, scalable business model.
Key learnings
• Building a DTC brand that balances profit and purpose.
• Omnichannel strategies to boost engagement and growth.
• Ensuring fairness through transparent supply chains.
How to build a high-performing B2B marketing machine
Dorus Kaandorp, Team Lead B2B Marketing at Sprints & Sneakers, makes the most unsexy niches interesting. He blends creative storytelling and content with tech-savy experiments to scale 20+ B2B brands. In 2025 alone, he was responsible for generating over €500 million in pipeline. And this amount is growing.
Reason to attend:
Tired of shallow hacks and templated tactics? Dorus believes that real growth starts with real connection. Join his in-person session and experience what happens when strategy, authenticity, and energy collide.
Key learnings:
• How to build a high-performing B2B marketing machine using creativity, automation, and clear strategic thinking.
• With new tools flooding your LinkedIn feed daily, learn how to separate the hype from the tactics that actually work.
How to build a powerhouse in Dutch media through podcasting
Koen Stam and Jaro Knoppert are the founders of Lotgenoten Podcast, the Netherlands’ #1 entrepreneur podcast, reaching over 5 million people each month. What started in their parents’ living room has grown into a thriving platform with a new office, a growing team, and conversations with top business leaders. Now, they’re taking on an even bigger mission.
Key Learnings
- Turning an idea into a business: the art of the start
- Using data to level up your social media strategy
- Building your network and speaking your customers’ language
Unlocking your owned touchpoints
Sira van Zanten is an omnichannel expert focused on customer-centric growth. She believes that a company’s most valuable assets are its own, first-party customer interactions. With her practical approach, she helps businesses identify and unlock these often-overlooked moments. From the checkout page to package delivery, and from digital touchpoints to the in-store experience, Sira shows how small but impactful improvements can build a stronger, more resilient growth strategy.
Reason to attend:
In today’s market, where customer expectations are constantly shifting and competition is fierce, Sira demonstrates how focusing on your own customer interactions creates sustainable value. You’ll discover how to turn the entire customer journey into opportunities for growth and loyalty, without relying heavily on external data or expensive campaigns.
What you'll learn
How to turn internal touchpoints into a sustainable source of growth.
Why collecting first-party data is crucial for a future-proof strategy.
Practical examples for activating your data and turning customers into fans.
What It Really Takes to Keep Going
Why do some founders break, and others break through?
As hosts of the hit podcast and authors of the book Doorzetters (Go getters), Ruud Hendriks (media pioneer) and Richard Bross (tech investor) have interviewed the toughest entrepreneurs in the game.
In this interactive session, they share what they've learned: raw stories, hard-won lessons, and the mindset behind relentless growth — especially when things get hard.
Meet our sponsors
All the important details before attending the festival for growth.
From legendary magician Hans Kazàn to a dazzling drag queen, our hosts know how to steal the show. Last year, they brought magic, sparkle, and unforgettable energy to the stage.
This year’s host? We’ll reveal that soon… but trust us, it’s worth the wait. One thing’s for sure: we don’t just bring together the brightest minds in AI, automation, and digital transformation — we make sure it’s unforgettable.
