Side Programme
Let’s connect, get inspired, and mainstream river restoration!
The conference offers a diverse and interesting side programme and networking possibilities. If you are interested to host a workshop or a meeting, get in touch with Neza@fishmigration.org to explore the possibilities.
Sunday, 14 April 2024
Icebreaker
We invite you to kick off your Free Flow Conference with an exclusive early bird registration event held at Oosterpoort, Groningen, on the evening before the conference. Registration will be open from 19:00 to 21:00 providing you with the opportunity to network with fellow attendees while enjoying a drink. First drink is on us! Join us to connect and unwind before the conference officially begins. We look forward to welcoming you!
Oregon RFID workshop
The Oregon RFID PIT technology workshop covers the construction and operation of PIT Tag monitoring systems, including site selection, field power sources, installation and maintenance. The workshop will start at 10:00 on April 14, at the Flonk Hotel Zuid - Laan Corpus Den Hoorn 300, 9728 JT Groningen. Pre-registration is required; for more information, contact teddi@oregonrfid.com.
Monday, 15 April 2024
#DamBusters Documentary Screening
Join us on April 15, 2024 at 17:50 for the screening of "#DamBusters - The start of the riverlution". The documentary follows the journey around the world of Spanish engineer, Pao Fernández Garrido, meeting river heroes on their passionate quest to restore their rivers and ecosystems by removing dams.
The screening is made possible by The Nature Conservancy, World Wildlife Fund, and the World Fish Migration Foundation.
Tuesday, 16 April 2024
Dam Removal Award 2023 Ceremony
The Dam Removal Award celebrates the most inspiring riverine barrier removal projects in Europe in 2023. At the dinner event, nominees will be showcased, and the ultimate winner will be announced, receiving a prize of 15,000 Euros to support their team's upcoming removal project, along with a special trophy!
Free Flow Afterparty
Dance the night away at the Free Flow Afterparty and take a break from the hustle of conference days. The official afterparty for the Free Flow Conference will be held at Cafe Buckshot - Gedempte Zuiderdiep 58, 9711 HK Groningen, Netherlands, on the night of April 16. DJ Sampsa will kick off the beats starting from 23:15.
Wednesday, 17 April 2024
Field trips
As part of the conference in Groningen, we offer five field trips to locations in the north of the Netherlands on April 17, 2024. Detailed itineraries for each excursion are available below.
Other side events
The Lives Shaped By Water Exhibition
The Lives Shaped By Water Exhibition documents the connections between people and rivers by exploring how we influence each other. Created by "United for Rivers Initiative", this exhibition is as much a story of rivers as it is of the people and life taking place on their banks. It transcends borders to bolster the shared landscape upon which we (re)connect with nature and each other. The exhibition is open on April 15 and 16 and it is made possible by The Nature Conservancy.
Arthur de Bruin Underwater Photography
During the conference, the filmmakers Arthur de Bruin and Dick Harrewijn will be enriching the Free Flow Festival with underwater video from our beloved fish friends beneath the waterline.