Quickly go to

TOPICS

PROGRAM

Speakers

Tickets

Awards

FAQ

rockstars valley 2026 | engineering under pressure

We are part of the biggest digital disruption of this century.

For engineers, IT managers, and CIOs, this represents a fundamental shift in how we work, collaborate, and make decisions. Technology is advancing exponentially, and the world is constantly changing—just like the organizations we’re part of. The impact of the choices we make is growing ever greater. What seems sensible today may pose a risk tomorrow. This requires more than just knowledge. It requires vision, leadership, and a focus on people.

During Rockstars Valley 2026 on October 6, we will create an environment where professionals can come together to deepen their insights, broaden their perspectives, and refine their decisions.

Through inspiring sessions, thought-provoking discussions, and focused reflection, we are building a shared vision for the future of engineering.

Not just random ideas, but a concrete direction.

Not abstract trends, but practical insights.

KEY NOTES

Wietse Hage Software Developer, Philosophy of Technology Specialist, and Podcast Host

Inge Bryan, Leading expert in cybersecurity, intelligence, and law enforcement

Brankele Frank, neurobiologist and author of *The Big Book of De-Stimulation*

Edwin van der Sar, Former General Manager of Ajax

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 6, 2026, during the fourth edition of Rockstars Valley, we will bring together more than 600 engineers, clients, and CIOs at the Johan Cruijff ArenA for Rockstars Valley 2026: “Engineering Under Pressure.”

the

rockstars awards

During Rockstars Valley 2026, we will once again present The Rockstars Awards.

An ode to guts, impact, culture and stories that make a difference in tech. Do you know a team or project that should be in the spotlight?
Let’s hear from you and nominate them for the Rockstars Innovator, Social Impact, Happiness or Engineering Under Pressure Award!

this is what you can expect

Visionary keynote speeches by leading thinkers in the fields of AI, cloud sovereignty, security, and performing under pressure

Breakout sessions that combine inspiring real-world examples with in-depth discussion, leading to concrete insights

Meet like-minded people from the IT world who understand your challenges and build valuable connections during the networking reception

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

topics

At Rockstars Valley ’26, the themes of AI, cloud sovereignty, and security will shape the conversation about the future of engineering.

Artificial Intelligence is fundamentally transforming processes and raising new dilemmas regarding accuracy, environmental impact, and workplace well-being. At the same time, the growing dependence on big tech from North America and Asia raises important questions about Europe’s digital sovereignty. On top of that, security challenges are increasing. With the rise of AI and quantum technology, risks are becoming greater and more complex.

The time to wait and see is running out. Now is the moment to take a stand and take action.

AI Impact

Developments around AI are moving at lightning speed and have a major impact on the work of Engineers. How should you deal with this, what will this mean for your role as an engineer? And what does this mean for a manager if the dynamics within the team are going to change because of AI?

Are you AI Ready?

Cloud Sovereignty

There is increasing pressure to bring Cloud back to Europe. What is possible in this, what choices to make and what is realistic?

Back to Europe

Security

Data breaches and hacks are a daily occurrence. How prepared is your team to deal with them? What measures are needed to keep your data secure in the age of AI?

Are you safe?

People First

Engineering Under Pressure requires more than technical skills. It requires a focus on people and collaboration. People First is about performing when the pressure is on, from leadership and soft skills to (neuro)diversity and inclusion

Man at 1

program

Below you’ll find an overview of the Rockstars Valley ’26 program. Our keynote speakers for the TED-style talks have been announced and will set the tone for the day.

Be sure to check out the breakout sessions in advance to see which topics you’d like to explore in more depth. We look forward to welcoming you on October 6!

Please note: The times listed are subject to change and may be adjusted.

Speakers

The keynote speakers for Rockstars Valley have been announced! In four TED Talks, our keynote speakers will take us on a journey through various topics—from the impact of AI and security to people under pressure.

Wietse Hage

Engineering philosopher

key note speaker

Wietse has been following technological developments since he started his first company in the schoolyard. He studied Philosophy of Technology and taught media philosophy, among other subjects. He has also been making podcasts about technology for a select group of “tech fans” (aka nerds) for ten years.  

Inge Bryan

Leading the way toward a more secure society

key note speaker

Inge served as CEO of Fox-IT until 2023. Prior to that, she spent two decades working in intelligence and law enforcement. Under her leadership, efforts to combat cybercrime were stepped up, and extensive data analysis capabilities and methodologies were developed.

Brankele Frank

Neurobiologist, author & winner The Smartest Man 2025

key note speaker

Brankele studied in Amsterdam, London, and Paris, taught, and worked in the business world. After suffering from burnout, she immersed herself in the neurobiology of stress and recovery. Her bestseller *Over de kop* was published in 2023, and in April 2026, her latest book, *Het Grote Ontprikkelboek*, was published, exploring how we can reduce sensory overload in our overstimulated society.

Edwin van der Sar

Former CEO of Ajax & Ambassador for the Hersen Foundation

key note speaker

Edwin played for Ajax, Juventus, Fulham, and Manchester United, and made 130 appearances for the Dutch national soccer team. After his playing career, he served as Ajax’s general manager for 10 years.

breakouts

We’re excited to announce the first breakout speakers, including a number of specific sessions. This list will continue to grow, so be sure to check back often for new names!

Antoine Tielbeke

Cloud Engineer and European Cloud Expert

speaker

Antoine works exclusively with European and open-source tools based in Europe. His talk focuses on cloud sovereignty.

Koen Sterken

Product Owner and Agile Lead

speaker

In addition to technical development, Koen also focuses on the importance of neurodiversity in the workplace.

Marc Heusdens

Product Owner, AI Tribe Lead, and Entrepreneur

speaker

In addition to technical development, Marc also focuses on the importance of neurodiversity in the workplace.

Wietse Hage

Engineering philosopher

speaker

Wietse has been following technological developments ever since he started his first business in the schoolyard.

Christoph Martens

Security Engineer

speaker

Chris is a Cyber Defense Engineer with a strong focus on automated malware reverse engineering, real-time analysis of malware infections within botnets, and the development of strategic counterattacks against large-scale APTs.

Ramona Domen

Software Engineer, International Speaker, and Community Leader

speaker

Ramona is a software engineer and impact leader at Team Rockstars IT. As a Microsoft MVP and speaker with a passion for creating inclusive and accessible applications

Benjamin Abbenhues

Senior Cyber Defense Specialist

speaker

Benjamin works in security operations on a daily basis and supports analysts and teams with investigations, processes, and incident response.

Roel van Bergen

AI Engineer and Trainer

speaker

Roel is a software engineer at Team Rockstars IT, with experience in .NET, cloud, software architecture and AI-assisted development.

Robin Hogendorf

Account Manager, Brand Partnerships at AFC Ajax

speaker

Robin has been working at AFC Ajax for 5 years. In his role as Brand Partnerships Account Manager, he is closely involved in the partnership with Team Rockstars IT.

Kimmy Gommers

Sponsorship Manager

speaker

Kimmy works every day to foster connections and collaboration with AFC Ajax as part of the sponsorship program.

Jasper Loos

Principal Consultant

speaker

Jasper is a Principal Consultant at Team Rockstars IT.

Koen van Gilst

Principal Engineer at Rabobank

speaker

 

Koen helps transform AI prototypes into production-ready applications within a highly regulated banking environment. His work focuses on experimentation, governance, and engineering practices that make AI systems reliable, measurable, and truly usable in practice.

Scaleway

Cloud Sovereignty

speaker

Scaleway is Europe’s sovereign cloud and AI provider, offering a secure, transparent, and sustainable platform. We empower organizations of all sizes to build and scale on their own terms using open, independent technologies and continuous innovation.

from the Source

Cloud Sovereignty

speaker

Vandebron is an energy platform with a mission.

They bring together the supply and demand for clean energy and offer innovative solutions that help you use energy more efficiently.

KPN

AI Impact

speaker

As the Netherlands’ network provider, KPN is passionately committed to building secure, reliable, and future-proof networks and services, ensuring that everything and everyone is connected anytime, anywhere, while also working to create a more prosperous and cleaner world. Day in and day out, for nearly a century and a half.  

TenneT

speaker

Every day, TenneT provides safe and reliable electricity to 18 million people in the Netherlands. With a clear strategy, a well-defined organizational structure, and sound governance, they work around the clock to build a future-proof energy system.

Wil je een impressie wat je kan verwachten??

Taste the atmosphere of our previous edition

Reserve your spot at Rockstars Valley ’26

Team Rockstars IT is organizing Rockstars Valley for the fourth year in a row. Ticket sales have officially begun. Tickets are €399 per person.

Did you receive a voucher code? First, complete your registration; the payment section, which includes the option to enter a voucher code, will follow.

FAQ – Rockstars Valley

General

Rockstars Valley is the leading tech conference bringing together IT professionals, organizations and leaders. Theme: Engineering Under Pressure. Expect inspiring keynotes, practical breakouts, an exclusive CIO program and the first presentation of The Rockstars Awards.

Rockstars Valley is organized by Team Rockstars IT.

  • IT professionals seeking 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.

Expect over 600engineers, principals and CIOs.

You can register by purchasing a ticket on this page.

Rockstars Valley 2026 brings people together to think about engineering in the future. What pressures are on the engineering sector and what must we do to stay relevant.

  • 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 opt out of the event by clicking through the confirmation email at Click the registration link. Enter your information into the system; you can then opt out of the event by canceling your registration.
 
If you bought a ticket please read the terms and conditions carefully. We always want to think with you so you may also email events@teamrockstars.nl

Location

  • Date: Tuesday, October 6, 2026
  • Program ovb: 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

There will be few opportunities to work during the event, but there are no designated workspaces available. Unfortunately, we do not have any facilities or phone booths for attending online meetings,

  • 09:30 – Reception
  • 10:30 – Plenary opening with a TED talk by Wietse Hage & Inge Bryan
  • 11:45 – Breakout Session 1
  • 12:30 – Lunch
  • 1:45 PM – Breakout Session 2
  • 2:30 PM – Break
  • 2:45 PM – Breakout Session 3
  • 2:45 PM – TED Talk by Brankele Frank and others
  • 4:00 PM – Closing plenary session and awards show
  • 4:30 PM – Networking reception

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

The lineup includes Wietse Hage, Inge Bryan, Brankele Franke, and several speakers from Team Rockstars IT

We’re currently still busy filling out the breakout sessions. Have you registered yet? If so, you’ll receive an email as soon as the breakout sessions are open.

Awards

There are five categories:

  • Innovator Award – for boldness in technology
  • Social Impact Award – for social impact
  • Happiness Award – for strengthening tech culture
  • Theme Award: Engineering Under Pressure – for those who keep moving and never stand still
  • 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.