Holland Circular Hotspot

Frequently Asked Questions for Circular Hotspot Events

General Questions

1. What is the difference between Circular Hotspot Events and Holland Circular Hotspot (HCH)?

  • Circular Hotspot Events and Holland Circular Hotspot are closely connected, but they are not the same thing.
  • Circular Hotspot Events are the events themselves: global, annual gatherings that take place in different countries and regions around the world. Each event is locally hosted and co-created with local partners, reflecting the specific context, priorities, and strengths of the host region.
  • Holland Circular Hotspot (HCH), on the other hand, is the organization behind the initiative. HCH is a Dutch-based organization with a public-private mission to accelerate the circular economy worldwide. Circular Hotspot Events are HCH’s signature events to achieve this, giving the circular economy wings wherever these events are organized. HCH is the initiator, curator, and international coordinator of the Circular Hotspot Event series.
  • HCH provides the overarching framework, quality standards, international positioning, and global visibility for all Circular Hotspot Events. While each event is hosted locally, it takes place under the Circular Hotspot umbrella, with guidance, knowledge sharing, and support from HCH to ensure consistency and impact across countries and continents.

2. Role of Holland Circular Hotspot

  • Circular Hotspot Events are organized by organizers under the strategic guidance of the Holland Circular Hotspot (HCH). HCH supports the organizers in developing the event format and content and provides the framework and branding. HCH also actively supports the promotion and outreach of the event and can provide other services on demand. Organizers secure the presence of at least two HCH members at the event. HCH will open the event, co-facilitate the election for the future event host, and announce the winner of the of the future Hotspot Event.

Application and Election Process

1. How does the application and selection process work?

  • Submit your application
    Interested candidates apply to host a Circular Hotspot Event by completing the official application form. The application outlines your local circular ambitions, proposed focus areas, and hosting capacity.
    (Link to application page)

  • Initial screening by Holland Circular Hotspot
    Holland Circular Hotspot reviews all applications to assess strategic fit, local momentum, and alignment with the Circular Hotspot framework and quality standards.

  • Shortlisted candidates pitch on Election Day
    Applicants that pass the initial screening are invited to present their proposal during the official Election Day. This pitch allows candidates to highlight their vision, local ecosystem, and ambitions for hosting a Circular Hotspot Event.

  • Selection and public announcement of the host
    Holland Circular Hotspot selects the winning host and announces the decision during a Circular Hotspot Event, ensuring immediate international visibility for the selected region.

  • First introduction of the winning host
    The selected host is invited to briefly present their planned Circular Hotspot Event—preferably in person, or online if needed—marking the official start of their journey as a Circular Hotspot host.


Election process at Dublin Circular economy hotspot with ten-member jury

Event Preparation

1. Will there be funding available?

  • The programme should fund itself independently. Typical sources are cities or regions or governments supplemented by private sponsors from frontrunning CE companies.
  • Potential support could come from international institutions or financial Institutions or leading knowledge institutes.
  • In kind support is likely from local CE Hubs, Universities, Embassies, EU, Civil Society, multinationals and SME’s.
  • Holland Circular Hotspot can involve sponsors who further enhance the mission and that should be integrated into the programme.

2. What does a CE Hotspot Event look like?

  • Including side visits, the event typically spans three days. Exceptions may be made in agreement with HCH. While Circular Hotspot Events offer a high degree of flexibility and dynamic programming, several core elements must be included. These elements have proven most effective in showcasing circularity, inclusivity, active participation, and most importantly, they have repeatedly proven their ability to multiply impact and extend results far beyond the event itself. They include thoughtful event design, an appropriate venue, impactful discussions, networking sessions, showcases of local businesses and initiatives, circular exhibitions, site visits, workshops, (business) matchmaking, receptions, local and traditional elements, broad societal engagement, and international participation.
  • You’ll be in good hands with Holland Circular Hotspot, who will guide you through the process and support you with any questions along the way. While our framework and experience from past Hotspot events will serve as a foundation, the character of the event should remain as local and context-specific as possible.
  • Programming is typically tailored to market segments where strong local momentum already exists—whether economic, environmental, or in terms of readiness for circular transition. These often include sectors such as construction, agri-food, plastics, manufacturing, and textiles. Broad, unfocused discussions that are unlikely to lead to progress are intentionally avoided; instead, bringing the right stakeholders together around well-defined topics is imperative. In addition, programmes address key cross-cutting themes such as leadership, metrics, policies and roadmaps, procurement, and design, while linking to broader priorities including resilience, competitiveness, climate action, the SDGs, and job creation—wherever countries identify clear drivers for advancing circularity. Programming is designed to be practical, actionable, and to catalyse concrete follow-up actions.
  • Many of these sectors and cross-cutting themes carry a significant international dimension, making global collaboration and internationally focused programming a highly valuable aspect of any Circular Economy Hotspot event.
  • The name and visual identity of the event, including the logo, are expected to align with the established Circular Economy Hotspot framework, ensuring consistency and recognizability across the global Hotspot community. Guidance on this will be provided by HCH to support a smooth integration with the broader branding.

3. Who should be part of a Circular Hotspot Event?

  • The event should centre around the circular economy and be shaped through a triple or quadruple helix approach — engaging stakeholders from the public and private sectors, knowledge institutions, and civil society. It is neither solely policy-driven nor limited to business showcases, but a collaborative platform where all perspectives are represented.

More questions?

Email us:  Vesna.Lavtizar@hollandcircularhotspot.nl