Rethinking Security: Preparing for the Unseen
On October 2, the 15th edition of the Flevum Seaside Dinner took place at Grand Hotel Huis ter Duin in Noordwijk. What started fifteen years ago as an intimate networking dinner by the sea has grown into Flevum’s annual flagship event, bringing together senior leaders from the public and private sectors to exchange perspectives and strengthen connections. This year, more than 200 guests gathered to reflect on one of today’s most urgent challenges: how to prepare for threats that are less visible, increasingly complex, and crossing digital, economic, and societal boundaries.
A Festive Welcome by the Sea
Upon arrival at Grand Hotel Huis ter Duin, guests were warmly welcomed with drinks and canapés, taking time to connect and network in a relaxed atmosphere. After this festive start, everyone was invited into the main hall, where moderator Roderik kicked off the program.
In his introduction, he set the tone by connecting the evening to the upcoming NATO Summit 2025: the era of invisible and cross-boundary threats demands new approaches to resilience. Security, he emphasized, is not solely a military matter but extends to digital safety, healthcare, logistics, finance, and food supply. “This is exactly where the strength of the Flevum network lies,” he noted, “sharing experiences across industries and strengthening resilience together.”
Flevum’s director, Robbert-Jan Baars, then welcomed the guests and reflected on the 15-year journey of the Seaside Dinner, thanking the network that makes this annual gathering possible. Stephan Stokkermans, Managing Director of Grand Hotel Huis ter Duin, spoke about the long-standing relationship between the hotel and Flevum, highlighting the unique setting that has shaped the event’s character over the years.
Keynote by Admiral (Ret.) Rob Bauer
After the starter, the keynote address was introduced: Admiral (Ret.) Rob Bauer, former Chair of the NATO Military Committee and one of Europe’s most influential military leaders of recent years.
Admiral (Ret.) Rob Bauer delivered a clear and urgent message: “We are not at war, but we are no longer at peace either.” He outlined the geopolitical landscape and sketched scenarios in which the Netherlands could directly feel the impact of conflict. His call to action was unmistakable: society’s resilience cannot rely on military strategy alone. Businesses, governments, and organizations share a collective responsibility to strengthen vital sectors such as healthcare, logistics, finance, and food supply.
Reflections from the Network
Following his keynote, Admiral (Ret.) Rob Bauer engaged in a short dialogue with moderator Roderik before turning to the audience with a question to spark discussion: What role can your sector play in strengthening resilience?
Two referents from the network provided reflections, each bringing a unique perspective from their professional field. One highlighted the importance of digital resilience as not only a technical challenge but also a societal one, raising the question of how cooperation between stakeholders could be accelerated. Another shared insight from the security industry, underlining the need to translate strategic concepts into concrete measures that organizations can implement today.
Scenario Thinking at the Dinner Table
Throughout the dinner, guests exchanged insights at their tables, reflecting on Bauer’s scenarios and sharing how their organizations are already taking steps toward collaboration and preparedness. Bauer returned to the stage to emphasize a key shift in perspective: it is not about how to act in the event of a crisis, but about recognizing the responsibility to act now, in peacetime.
Scenario thinking, he explained, is a mental exercise to prepare leaders for risks that may seem unthinkable today. His closing message was clear: take these insights back to your boardrooms, discuss them within your sector, and consider the concrete steps you can take now.
Networking
The evening concluded with coffee, tea, and a walking dessert, providing ample opportunity for guests to continue discussions and deepen connections. Conversations remained long after the formal program ended, as the network exchanged perspectives and forged new links for the future.
The 15th Seaside Dinner left its 200 guests with a powerful message: resilience is not built in times of crisis, but in times of peace. By sharing experiences and collaborating across industries today, we strengthen our collective ability to face the uncertainties of tomorrow.
