Assignment

A road incident calls for fast, coordinated action. The moment something happens, a wide network of organisations gets to work. National Highways equivalent Rijkswaterstaat, the police, ambulance and fire services, ANWB roadside assistance, recovery companies, the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee, animal rescue services, and tyre specialists such as VACO and BOVAG all have their own role, equipment and responsibilities. In those moments, everything depends on working together seamlessly. To strengthen that collaboration, Rijkswaterstaat organises its Incident Management (IM) Events. These events bring the entire network together to meet, learn and exchange ideas. They create space to share knowledge, discuss real-life experiences and gain a better understanding of each other's work.
Together with Rijkswaterstaat, we have been entrusted with developing and producing these events over a three-year period. A great opportunity for us, as Partners for Live, to create lasting impact. We developed an overarching event concept that builds recognition, strengthens connections and provides continuity, with 'The Power of the Chain' as the central theme.

Result

The IM Events travel across the Netherlands, visiting three different regions each year. Venues have included Noordkade in Veghel, Bouw & Infra and the Dongecentrale. By taking the event to different regions, we bring it closer to the people who work together every day. Each event combines a plenary programme, interactive breakout sessions and an IM Expo, where partners showcase their vehicles, equipment and specialist expertise. It gives everyone the chance to see how others in the network operate and learn from one another.
To keep the conversation going between events, we developed a dedicated web app that stays active throughout the three-year programme. It provides a place where participants can stay connected, exchange ideas and contribute topics for future editions. Those contributions help shape each programme. Working closely with Rijkswaterstaat, our programme team identifies the challenges currently affecting the road network, the questions people are asking and the topics that deserve attention.
As a result, every programme is firmly rooted in everyday practice. Recent editions have explored subjects such as incidents involving electric vehicles, which require new knowledge and different response strategies. A traffic psychologist also shared insights into human behaviour on the road, exploring questions such as why so many drivers ignore a red X above a motorway lane. These are the kinds of topics that spark recognition, encourage discussion and generate practical insights for everyone involved.
The IM Events create stronger relationships, better communication and a deeper understanding of each other's work. Not only during the events themselves, but ultimately where it matters most: on the road. Because effective incident management depends on the strength of the entire chain.