We’re thrilled to share the success of the Food Eco-Culture Edu project’s first Transnational Project Meeting (TPM), which took place from 25-27 November 2024 at NHL Stenden’s Hotel Management School Leeuwarden (HMSL) in the Netherlands. This meeting was the official launch of our exciting journey to transform food and hospitality education across Europe, and it brought together our amazing project partners for three days of collaboration, planning, and innovation.
Day 1: Setting the Stage and Getting to Know Each Other
The first day of the TPM was all about informal networking and introductions. After a relaxed lunch and coffee in the HMSL canteen, we kicked off the meeting with a series of partner presentations. Each partner institution shared a 15-minute PowerPoint presentation, outlining their role in the project, their experience, and the activities they will be involved in throughout the work packages. This was an invaluable opportunity to learn more about each partner and the strengths they bring to the project.
Later in the evening, we gathered for some informal networking at Bar Wannee, followed by a dinner in the city centre of Leeuwarden. This provided a chance to relax, connect, and get to know each other in a more casual setting, strengthening the partnership that will drive the project forward.
Day 2: Deep Diving into the Work Packages and Experiential Learning
Day 2 of the TPM was packed with productive discussions and collaborative planning. The morning sessions focused on WP2 (The Curriculum Work Plan & Methodology), led by TUS, and WP1 (Project Management), led by NHL Stenden. We also had a session on impacts led by Momentum, followed by a workshop on Logo and Brand Identity, also led by Momentum. These sessions helped us align our project goals, clarify the steps for the upcoming months, and ensure that everyone is on the same page when it comes to the project’s direction.
In the afternoon, we took a short minivan ride to De Palingfabriek in Rohel for a guided tour of the farm and hospitality facility. This was followed by an enjoyable beer tasting session at Gudzekop Brewery, where we sampled four different beers paired with local products. The experiential visit provided an excellent opportunity to explore local food and drink traditions, enriching our understanding of the cultural and sustainable practices that will influence our curriculum development.
After the visit, we returned to Leeuwarden for another delightful dinner in the city centre, where we continued building strong relationships in a relaxed atmosphere.
Day 3: Wrapping Up and Looking Forward
On the final day, we took some time to reflect on everything we had achieved during the meeting and look ahead to the exciting work to come. As we departed, everyone was energised and motivated, with a clear sense of purpose and a shared commitment to making the Food Eco-Culture Edu project a success.
Looking Ahead
This kick-off meeting has laid a solid foundation for the rest of the project. We are now ready to dive deeper into developing the Future of Food Report and the interdisciplinary curriculum, as well as setting up the Living Labs where students will engage in hands-on learning. With the commitment and collaboration of all our partners, we are confident that the Food Eco-Culture Edu project will lead to innovative solutions for the food and hospitality sectors, fostering sustainability and inclusion across Europe.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to progress in this exciting project:Bottom of Form
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By Kathryn O’Brien (EUEI)