rockstars valley 2025

Rockstars Valley | Ahead of the Game |

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TRACKS

PROGRAM

Speakers

Tickets

Awards

FAQ

tech conference

In a world that is changing at lightning speed, it is not enough to keep up. Anyone who wants to make a difference — as an IT professional, organization or leader — must think ahead, strategize and actively shape the future.

On Tuesday, October 7, 2025, the third edition of Rockstars Valley will bring together over 550 engineers, clients and CIOs at the Johan Cruijff ArenA during Rockstars Valley 2025: “Future Quality – Ahead of the Game.”

the

rockstars awards

During Rockstars Valley 2025, we will present The Rockstars Awards for the first time.

An ode to guts, impact, culture and stories that make a difference in tech. Do you know an organization, team or speaker that deserves a stage?
Let’s hear from you and nominate them for the Digital Daredevil, Culture Code Champion or Impact Innovator Award!

this is what you can expect

Visionary keynotes from (inter)national thought leaders on digital strategy, leadership and innovation

Breakout sessions full of inspiring case studies and in-depth talks

Meet like-minded people from the IT world during networking drinks

The Rockstars Awards, where we celebrate guts, impact and culture

rockstars valley 2025 | Ahead of the game

In the world of high IT performance, you make the difference between competing and winning with the right strategy, expertise and team quality. That’s how you stay ahead of the game.

During Rockstars Valley 2025, all the top players in IT meet at the center spot of our business. We bring engineers, architects and chiefs together in an ArenA to set the lines for tomorrow’s digital landscape together. We share insights, learn from each other’s challenges and explore solutions that lead to quality that lasts. From data quality and security to sustainable innovation and cost control, we discuss topics that will define the future in IT.

Immerse yourself in the tracks

TRACKS

Discover the six inspiring themes of Rockstars Valley. Each track highlights a unique aspect of the future of technology, collaboration and humanity. Hover over the tiles to learn more about the topics and sessions within each track.

Harnessing Intelligence

Mastering AI Usage and Development

AI models are improving at lightning speed, from text and image generation to now even video with Veo 3. Code-generated models are also growing in power and precision. This opens up two tracks within software development: on the one hand, the smart use of existing AI to create software faster, more efficiently and with higher quality, and on the other hand, the actual building of proprietary AI solutions with all the technical and ethical challenges that come with it. In this track, we’ll explore how AI plays a role at each stage of the software development lifecycle, what specific obstacles you face when designing and implementing AI systems, and when the “human in the loop” is indispensable in the process.

Better together

offerings and client cases

In this track, different organizations share their best practices and concrete cases. What works well in one sector can, with a few minor adjustments, also be an interesting angle in another domain! Practical stories about collaboration, innovation and the difference we make together. To learn from and to get energy from.

Swimming against the tide

inclusion and compassion

If you look at (world) politics it occasionally seems like going back in time in terms of inclusion and compassion is a dirty word. For Team Rockstars IT, it’s clear that creating an environment where people can be themselves, appreciating different perspectives and the power of connection, works like a charm! After all, we know that being cordial and giving everyone equal opportunities not only creates more happiness, but also better products and results. In this track, we show examples of this.

The Source Awakens

engineering for impact

This track focuses on the power of technology. Do not expect theoretical models, but real stories from practice: best practices, tips and tricks, and lessons learned in the field of architecture, security, and data engineering. From some of the best architects and technologists in the Netherlands. These sessions offer you new insights, inspiration and directly applicable knowledge with which you can increase your own impact.  

Driving for quality

Sharpening your tools

In software development, quality is not an accident, but the result of deliberate choices, thoughtful processes and continuous improvement. In this track, we explore how development teams are constantly looking for ways to get better together. It’s not just about what you build, but how and where you build.
Does the solution meet agreed-upon quality and security standards? Is test automation applied structurally? Does the team have the mandate to be truly effective? And does collaboration ensure that the whole is stronger than the sum of its parts?
In these sessions, expect practical insights, inspiring examples and immediately applicable techniques to sharpen your technical tools and achieve lasting quality.

Framing the Future

Exploring trends and technology

In this track, we look at the future of technology from a variety of perspectives. From strategic visions and breakthrough innovations to ethical issues and emerging trends, together we explore the forces shaping our world. These sessions offer you inspiration and fresh perspectives. They invite you to think and act for yourself and play an active role in shaping the future.


Speakers

Ruud Gullit

Speaker & former soccer player

speaker

With his experience as a former professional soccer player, Ruud Gullit, aka “Black Tulip,” speaks with great passion about sports & motivation, team building and leadership.

Jaya Baloo

CSO at Rapid7

speaker

With a keen eye and infectious enthusiasm, Jaya makes complex digital threats understandable and activating.
A must-see for anyone taking security, privacy and resilience seriously in the AI era.

Anita Kalmane

Agile Coach & Scrum Master

speaker

Specializing in neurodiversity and team development.
An energetic and inspiring session for leaders who want to build agile, diverse and resilient teams.

Peter Joosten

Futurist and innovation expert

speaker

Joost translates complex innovations such as AI, biotechnology and digitization into practical applications for organizations.

Sjoerd Blum

Fractional CxO

speaker

Sjoerd shows how to use technology to seamlessly connect people, process and system.
A talk full of realism, vision and guts – indispensable for those who really want to land innovation.

Mario Suykerbuyk

Director of Technology Tennet

speaker

With real-life stories from crisis situations, he shows how to build digital resilience where it really matters.
A wake-up call for organizations that want to be prepared for tomorrow’s risks.

Arjen Boersma

IT Director Pro Rail

speaker

Arjen shares how to use data, IT and collaboration to make a robust system agile.
A talk full of strategic insight and down-to-earth lessons from mobility and technology practice.

Lennert L'amie

CIO Schiphol

speaker

Lennert shares how to accelerate technological innovation with vision and guts. An inspiring session packed with strategic insight and practical lessons for leaders who want to grow in digital transformation.

Thijs den Hollander

Software Engineer

speaker

In his talk, Thijs shares practically applicable insights on front-end architecture, performance optimization and user-centric development

Frank Hartman

Senior Front-end Engineer

speaker

Lover of digital tools and Senior Front-end Engineer. With a dose of humor, Frank takes people through his search for the best tools of the moment.

Foto van Bart van Nierop

Bart van Nierop

Senior Software Engineer

speaker

Specialist in .NET, Lisp and functional programming; a passionate DevOps evangelist with extensive experience in software architecture and craftsmanship.

Ruurd Dam

Managing Director - Cloud

speaker

Ruurd Dam is managing director at Rockstars Cloud, during RSV 2025 he will take you through his talk “Cloud On Its Own Ground“.

Oscar van der Leij

Solutions Architect

speaker

Oscar van der Leij is Solution Architect at Team Rockstars and after several unique and successful formats like it Architects Cafe he stands with his talk “The threatmodel we didn’t see“ On RSV 2025. 

Mathijs van Bree

Principal AI Consultant

speaker

Mathijs van Bree is Principal Data Consultant –Strategy & Execution at Team Rockstars and during RSV he speaks about "This is how to ensure quality in LLM and Agentic-AI systems". 

Yannick van der Wende

Scrum Master

speaker

Yannick van der Wende – PSM III, Agile tribe lead, Special Agent, and Scrum master at Team Rockstars IT! During RSV 2025 Yannick takes you through directly applicablee formats from practice – The Power of Storytelling in Retrospectives.

Marco Kuiper

Technical Director

speaker

Marco Kuiper is Technical Director at Team Rockstars. A true techie, he will enthusiastically take you into the world of RockSOLID!

Simone van Erp

CPO

speaker

As CPO of Team Rockstars IT, Simone is closely involved in the impact of AI on workplace happiness. She wrote an inspiring travelogue about this, which she is happy to share with you during her talk.

Martijn Beenker

Lead Data Engineer

speaker

Martijn began his career in education and communications before moving into IT. Martijn’s interests reflect his background: he is endlessly curious about the workings of both technology and human dynamics.

Tim Smeets

Java Developer

speaker

Java developer, IoT enthusiast and proud Rock Star. He loves projects where cables, sensors and code come together, and knows how to still stay agile in large teams. In his talk on the LeSS Agile framework, he shows how to rock at scale, too.

Jowen Mei

Scrum Master

speaker

Jowen’s personal mission: to improve individuals, teams and organizations. Especially as a Junior Social Scientist.

Mirjam van Olst

CTO

speaker

Mirjam is a people-oriented tech leader who gets energy from complex challenges and turning ideas into action. She loves environments where people and technology grow together, and where trust, collaboration and fun are key.

Serge Don

Test Automation Engineer

speaker

Serge Don is an enthusiastic Test Automation Engineer with a strong drive for improvement. He prefers to help companies build software they are proud of. An advocate of “Quality at Speed,” he advocates a modern approach to software quality.

Joe van Burik

Presenter & Podcast Creator

moderator

Joe van Burik follows and interprets the most important developments in tech, with sharpness, fluency and the necessary humor. Can be heard daily on BNR Nieuwsradio covering the most important tech news.At Rockstars Valley, Joe leads the program and connects between the speakers and the audience!  

Ron Veen

Lead Developer

speaker

Ron Veen is an experienced software engineer with more than 20 years of expertise in the JVM and Java ecosystem. He works at Team Rockstars IT as a Special Agent and lead developer, speaks regularly at international conferences and has written several books.

Ramona Domen

Front-end Developer

speaker

Ramona is a software engineer, Microsoft MVP and international speaker with a passion for creating inclusive and accessible (web) applications. She loves spreading awareness about this topic and hopes to inspire people, both in her daily work and by taking the stage when she gets the chance.

Cris Cadinu

Principal Consultant

speaker

Cris Cadinu is a Principal Consultant and Team Topologies Advocate, with a strong focus on Engineering Excellence. He helps organizations become scalable and agile by embedding DevOps practices and empowering teams.

Réjane Nedellec

Head of Partners & Alliances at Scaleway

speaker

Rejane leads strategic collaborations within the Scaleway ecosystem to create greater value for clients through partnerships. With multiple years of experience in sovereign cloud solutions, she also brings extensive expertise in consulting and business development gained at top consulting firms.

Jiaqi Wang

Partner Solution Architect at Scaleway

speaker

Jiaqi Wang supports partners in designing and implementing sovereign, secure and high-performance cloud architectures with Scaleway. Prior to his role at Scaleway, Jiaqi worked on large-scale cloud migration and DevOps industrialization projects in the banking, automotive and industrial sectors.

Lisanne Buik

AI ethicist and futurist

speaker

Lisanne Buik is a futurist and AI ethicist who helps organizations design intelligent systems that serve both people and planet. A former tech entrepreneur and creator of the Gracious AI philosophy, she advises Philips, DPG Media and the Dutch and Luxembourg governments, among others.

Roos Anneveldt

Product manager Platform Engineering at Essent

speaker

Roos Anneveldt is Product Manager Platform Engineering at Essent. From her background in Product Management, Agile coaching and Digital Transformation, she developed a strong vision on how organizations can make their internal teams effective and how democratic leadership can empower in this.

Karin van der Wekke

VP Cloud & Mobile Platforms at KPN

speaker

With a strong foundation in leadership, digital transformation, artificial intelligence and strategic communications, Karin leads multidisciplinary teams delivering scalable cloud solutions and mobile services. Together with her teams at KPN, she drives innovation and transformation within enterprise technology environments.

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FAQ – Rockstars Valley

General

Rockstars Valley 2025 is the third edition of a leading tech conference bringing together IT professionals, organizations and leaders. Theme: "Future Quality – Ahead or the Game". Expect inspiring keynotes, practical breakouts, an exclusive CIO program and the first presentation of The Rockstars Awards. 

  • IT professionals who seek future-proof knowledge. 
  • Organizations Looking to inspire in tech culture and innovation. 
  • Leaders & CIOs Who want to think strategically about digital transformation and reliability. 
  • Anyone who wants to celebrate impact, guts and a strong tech culture. 
  • For anyone who wants to make an impact in tech: IT professionals, organizations and leaders.  

Expect over 550 engineers, principals and CIOs. 

You can sign up via the sign-up button on the official Rockstars Valley 2025 page.

Rockstars Valley 2025 brings people together to think ahead, make strategic choices and actively shape the future – with a focus on quality, culture AND tech innovation. 

  • Lunch + drinks + all drinks and snacks throughout the day are included.  
  • Allergies and/or dietary requirements can be communicated at registration so that we can take them into account. 

Yes, you can unsubscribe from the event by clicking on the confirmation email. the registration link here you can unsubscribe from the event.  
 
If you bought a ticket please read the terms and conditions carefully. We always want to think with you so you may also email m.boer@teamrockstars.nl

Location

  • Date: Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025 
  • Program: 09.30 – 17.15 | drinks from 17.15 
  • Location: Johan Cruijff ArenA, Amsterdam 

  • Navigation address: P1 ArenA, Burgemeester Stramanweg 130, 1101 AX Amsterdam
  • Parking: Parking is available at P1, costs are at your own expense.
  • Walking Route: Walk toward Main Entrance E and follow the signs for Rockstars Valley.

  • Station: NS Station Bijlmer ArenA 
  • Walking route: Turn left out of the station → ArenA Boulevard → follow signs to Main Entrance E.
    After Perry Sport turn right and continue to Main Entrance E, follow signs Rockstars Valley 

Program

Yes, you can at the hospitality square. Tip: bring your own headphones.  

  • 09:30 – Reception 
  • 10:30 – Plenary opening (CIO Panel + Jaya Baloo, moderator: Joe Bunnink) 
  • 12:00 – Lunch 
  • 13:15 – Break-out Round 1 
  • 14:15 – Break-out Round 2 
  • 15:00 – Break 
  • 15:30 – Break-out Round 3 
  • 16:30 – Plenary closing (Ruud Gullit + Award show, moderator: Joe Bunnink) 
  • 17:15 – Networking drinks 

  • Plenary sessions: Dutch (English translation available) 
  • Break-outs: English or Dutch, this is indicated per talk in the program. 

The lineup includes. Sjoerd Blum , Jaya Baloo, Ruud Gullit, Lennart L’amie, Peter Joosten and more. See the full list on the event page

  • Track: Harnessing Intelligence – Mastering AI Usage and Development. 
  • There will be an AI talk during each breakout round, including sessions by Bart van Nierop, Frank Hartman and Matthijs van Bree. 

In early September receive all registrants an email to send their breakouts to choose by time block. When you select after Sept. 9 register choose your breakouts directly when registering in the registration form.

Awards

There are four categories: 

  • Digital Daredevil Award – For guts in technology 
  • Impact Innovator Award – for social impact 
  • Culture Code Champion – For strengthening tech culture 
  • Mic-Drop Award – For the most memorable talk 

You can nominate your team through the entry form on the awards page. Check the categories and criteria there.