WorldTalks Amsterdam | Time Better Spent

WorldTalks Amsterdam believes that there is a globally-minded audience in Amsterdam hungry for insights, connections and experiences beyond national borders. This free event is for both recently relocated expats and long-term residents. Their doors are open to everyone interested in a global perspective. Whether you are an expat, a Dutch local who's internationally oriented, or simply a traveller passing through, you're all welcome to join their free events.

A talk about our precious time

The attention economy is running at full speed. We sometimes seem glued to our screens and with apps and subscriptions such as Facebook, Instagram and Netflix, the word "boredom" is disappearing from our dictionary. Are we still able to use our time ourselves? And what choices do we make in this?

• What: WorldTalks Amsterdam | Time Better Spent
• Date: Thursday, March 12
• Time: 6pm-7pm (Doors open from 5.30pm)
• Bites & music after. Find out more on the ITA website.

Register for free tickets and a free drink on the ITA website. This event is in English.

Time Better Spent

The theme of the night is Time Better Spent and the line-up of special guests will give many fascinating insights, spark ideas and pose challenging questions. Expect a varied programme with enlightening talks on ways to spend our precious time in a more optimal way. The speakers come from various different fields and disciplines, from business to the arts.

If tech companies are truly hijacking our brains, why does it feel so good? With the attention economy running at full speed, we seem to be glued to our screens, overloaded with seductive apps like Facebook, Instagram and Netflix. Who is controlling who? Time to change it up, get the best out of the overwhelming options and reclaim our (screen)time.

Fresh perspectives on how we can (re)claim our (screen) time

Here's what to expect within this programme:

Laura Hoek - Phoning Kills the Vibe

Feel like your phone is your best friend? Having a hard time letting go? Designer Laura Hoek initiated the project "Phoning Kills the Vibe” that confronts us with our telephone use in a cool and clever way. Whilst the tobacco industry is forced by the government into providing warning labels for their products, phone companies lack any form of information explaining the dangers of using your mobile. With on-point esthetics and catchy tag lines, Laura makes sure we pay attention.

Wesley Kalkhoven - Phone detox session

Although urban gymnast and ninja warrior Wesley Kalkhoven has 23K followers on Instagram, he also believes in offline magic. His slogan ''We will never post true happiness. Because when we are happy we're are not online” says it all. In this edition Wesley comes to the rescue: he will provide us with a short stretch and phone-detox session, making sure tech is not turning us into a generation of hunchbacks.

Omapost  - AKA Grandma Mail

If you feel like making your screen time more socially impactful, check out Omapost (Grandma Mail), an app that allows you to surprise your grandparents with a postcard in no time. Founder Wilbert van de Kamp shares his idea on how a small gesture can cause a big effect. The best part: you can not only cheer up your own grandparents, but also someone else’s. By "adopting a grandmother" (but course it can also be a grandfather), Omapost wants to create an accessible way of tackling loneliness among the elderly. Think of it as the best of both worlds.

Andreas Elpidorou

Does boredom enrich your life? No, really, we’re serious. Think about it. Philosophy professor Andreas Elpidorou has thought about it a great deal and he concludes that boredom is necessary and valuable. He is currently an Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of Louisville and specialised in the philosophical study of the mind.

Tim Smits

Grabbing your phone and suddenly scrolling for half an hour on social media: people often only say afterwards that they would rather have spent that time differently. On the other hand, smartphone have enormous benefits, from navigation and taking photos to listening to music and looking up information. The challenge is to find the right balance. Here is where Unpluq comes in. Tim Smits has invented a small, yellow device that you plug into your smartphone when you want to allow "distracting" apps such as YouTube and Facebook.

Music / spoken word by OTION

Music by poet and musician OTION​​​​: a spot-on musical medley about the topic of the day.

Get inspired at WorldTalks Amsterdam

WorldTalks Amsterdam, an urban talk show by ITA & Pakhuis de Zwijger and powered by Rabobank Amsterdam, brings you food for thought. Every two weeks, they connect worldwide urban trends and challenges to urban daily life, from greener cities to future love scenarios and digital innovation. Discover what’s next, check out inspiring speakers and meet new folks.

Book your tickets online

Attendance is free, but reservation is essential. Tickets include a free drink! Book your tickets on the ITA website.