Shift2 the Future: the event on digital government, innovation and AI

What a day! On June 24, 2025, more than 200 public sector professionals gathered at DeFabrique in Utrecht for the very first Shift2 the Future event. A milestone for Shift2 and a vibrant day on which we energetically explored the digital future of government together with clients, partners and colleagues.

Managing Director Mike de Ruiter of Shift2 at the Shift2 the Future event

In DeFabrique in Utrecht we immersed ourselves in the world of digital transformation, innovation ánd fun. Not only that: we also celebrated Shift2's one-year anniversary! A great moment to reflect on what we have achieved together with municipalities, water boards and provinces in the past year in the field of digital services, elections and citizens' affairs. 

The day began with a powerful keynote by Remy Gieling, tech expert and trend watcher. He took us through the lightning-fast developments of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on digital government. How can local governments use this technology responsibly to improve services and keep them human?

Keynote speaker Remy Gieling
Keynote Remy Gieling on AI in digital government
Subsession room with participants and presenter Marc van Tintelen of Shift2
Colleague Marc van Tintelen during subsession 'The website of the future'

Visitors were then able to participate in their own program of inspiring sub-sessions focused on current topics within local government:

  • Responsible AI use within local government - Mark Zijlstra(ICT Law)
  • The next step in accessible digital services - Twan Emonts-Schumer(Cardan)
  • The website of the future - Marc van Tintelen (Shift2)
  • Elections of the future - Maarten van de Veer (Shift2)
  • The future of civic affairs - Laura Wieringa and Jeroen Brakel (Shift2)
  • Smart data for modern municipal services-Sharina van Putten and Twan Meijerink (Shift2)

Meet and discover at the partner plaza

At the bustling partner plaza, Shift2 partners presented their solutions that help local governments with digitization, communication and inclusive service delivery, among other things. These were the 14 partners in attendance: Cardan Technobility, SEP, ReadSpeaker, Keesy, KCM Group, Conduction, Zynyo, Weglot, Scribit.Pro, Blue Billywig, Progresity, JCC Software, Spotler, Momice and BiLogic. We are extremely proud that these partners were present at the Shift2 the Future event and together we were able to showcase our valuable collaboration to visitors.

Visitors play a game during the Shift2 the Future event
Commedian Harry Glotzbach on stage
Commedian Harry Glotzbach on stage for the day's wrap-up

Fun hour & wrap-up with a smile

After all that inspiration, it was time for action. During the Fun hour, visitors could have fun on the go-kart track and at SIM racing. Cabaret artist Harry Glotzbach summed up the day hilariously, with sharp insights about technology, civil servants and visions of the future. Afterwards we closed the day festively with drinks and the beats of DJ Hielke Boersma.

Building the digital government of the future together

We look back with pride and gratitude on a day full of meeting, innovation and progress. The success of Shift2 the Future shows what is possible if we continue to work together to create a modern, inclusive and accessible government. 

💜 Thank you to everyone who attended.

Wall with Shift2 the Future logo

Want to know more?

Wondering how we can help your municipality with digital transformation, civic affairs or accessible services? Contact us or read more about our solutions. Together we improve 💜.