GDC Business Breakfast @Netherlands Consulate San Francisco

Business Breakfast network meeting: State of the industry and opportunities outlook

The Consulate General of the Netherlands in San Francisco is honored to invite you to an intimate business breakfast on the occasion of the Game Developers Conference, and a Dutch delegation visiting the conference under the umbrella of the Dutch Games Association.

We are excited to feature two inspiring speakers who will share their unique perspectives on the gaming industry.

By joining us for this early morning breakfast network meeting you will be able to not only expand your network, but gain insights into current industry trends.

The Dutch gaming sector is renowned for its innovative insights, creative design and high-quality development. This session aims to bring the American and Dutch markets together so new opportunities can be created for collaboration and exchange.

Detailed program and speakers

08:00 Walk-in & networking

08:30 Welcome by Agnes Koppelman, Deputy Consul-General of the Netherlands in San Francisco and Head of Economic Department

08:35 Introduction by Martine Spaans, General Manager Duch Games Association

08:45 Joost van Dreunen, SuperJoost: "Opportunities for game developers as digital culture creators"

With over two decades as an industry analyst in interactive entertainment, Joost teaches on the business of video games at NYU’s Stern School of Business. He also recently founded ALDORA, a games data provider. As co-founder of SuperData, he led it to acquisition by Nielsen in 2018. Now, Joost invests in and advises data companies and game developers. His book, "One Up: Creativity, Competition, and the Global Business of Video Games," complements insights shared through his SuperJoost PlayList newsletter and the UNBOXING podcast. Recognized as "a blue flame thinker" by Scott Galloway and "uncommonly level-headed" by Polygon, Joost is a respected voice among industry leaders, investors, and academics.

09:05 Henk Rogers, Entrepreneur & Honorary Consul of the Netherlands of Hawaii: From Games to Climate

Considered one of the visionaries of computer games, Henk Rogers helped change the face of the industry as the entrepreneur responsible for bringing the Tetris game to the United States and world market. Henk's leadership helped propel Tetris to become one of the best-selling video game franchises in history, with hundreds of millions of units sold. Even nearly 40 years after its creation, the game’s popularity continues to grow. His book, The Perfect Game: Tetris – From Russia with Love, will be released on April 1.

Regarded as one of the pioneers of the video game industry, Henk Rogers played a key role in shaping its evolution. Currently, he serves as Chairman of the Board for The Tetris Company, the exclusive licensor of the Tetris brand. Beyond his groundbreaking work in gaming, Henk is a passionate advocate for ending the use of carbon-based fuels. He leads several initiatives in this space, including Blue Planet Foundation and the Blue Planet Alliance. His contributions to both the gaming and sustainable energy sectors have earned him numerous awards, and he is widely regarded as a visionary leader in both fields.

Henk Rogers serves as Honorary Consul of the Netherlands in Hawaii

09:25 Wrap up

09:30 Networking

10:00 End