kennismarkt

Kennismarkt is a Dutch term referring to an event or setting designed for people to get acquainted and exchange information about who does what within an organization, project, or field of work. The word combines kennismaken (to get to know) and markt (market), implying a space where knowledge and connections are offered and sought.

In practice, kennismarkten are used in onboarding, recruitment, or collaboration-building contexts. They can function as informal networking fairs, open-house days, or orientation-week activities, where staff, students, researchers, or external partners present their work in short pitches or at exhibitor booths. Participants can ask questions, collect materials, and arrange follow-up meetings.

Typical formats include short pitches or demos, guided rounds of conversations (speed networking), and a mix of informational stands. Some kennismarkten are organized around a theme, such as a department intro, a research program, or a cross-disciplinary challenge. They often include opportunities for informal discussion, demonstrations, and distribution of contact details or brochures.

Outcomes may include initial contacts, potential collaborations, student or employee recruitment, and mutual knowledge sharing. Kennismarkten are not standardized and vary widely by organization; success depends on clear goals, good facilitation, and structured follow-up. In Dutch usage, kennismarkt is related to but distinct from “kennismarkt” (knowledge market), which more often denotes platforms or policies for exchanging knowledge between providers and users; kennismarkt is more event-oriented and focused on introductions.