Frequently Asked Questions for Circular Hotspot Events

1. What are the differences between “Circular Hotspot Event,” “Circular Hotspot NXT Event,” and “Circular Hotspot B.V.”?

A Circular Hotspot Event is a global circular economy gathering hosted in a country for the first time, with the aim of showcasing the local ecosystem, building (international) connections, and accelerating circular initiatives.

A Circular Hotspot NXT Event is a follow-up edition of a Circular Hotspot Event, hosted in a country that has previously already organized a Circular Hotspot Event. It enables the local ecosystem to build on existing momentum, deepen impact, strengthen international relationships, and showcase progress achieved since the previous edition.

Circular Hotspot B.V. is the coordinating organization that provides event rights, framework, brand, and strategic guidance for both event types worldwide, with the aim of ensuring brand identity, quality, consistency, and global alignment across the network.

2. What is the relationship between “Holland Circular Hotspot” and “Circular Hotspot B.V.”?

The Circular Hotspot Event series originated in the Netherlands in 2016 and was expanded globally by a foundation Holland Circular Hotspot. To further scale its international impact, Circular Hotspot B.V. now stewards the global platform and event series. Holland Circular Hotspot will operate under the umbrella of Circular Hotspot B.V., contributing to its mission of accelerating the circular economy worldwide. The board of Circular Hotpot B.V. and foundation Holland Circular Hotspot is the same.

3. What do Circular Hotspot and Circular Hotspot NXT Event look like?

The framework behind both the Circular Hotspot and Circular Hotspot NXT Event is the same and is built on more than 10 years of experience and learnings from 17 Circular Hotspot Events worldwide. Each event follows a proven format designed to create impact, foster collaboration, and strengthen the circular economy locally. Typically spanning three days, the events bring together governments, businesses, knowledge institutes, investors, and change-making ecosystem to connect, exchange knowledge, and turn circular ambition into concrete action. It follows a circular-by-design approach and features action-oriented panels, local and international circular showcases, matchmaking and networking, workshops, site visits and curated local experiences. The event fosters inclusive and engaging participation and strong interaction between local and international stakeholders. Visit the Highlights page to explore photos and impressions from different session of previous Circular Hotspot Events.

Selected organizers will receive an event guideline with more detailed information on event formats, together with many creative ideas and interactive concepts that can be adapted and incorporated into their own event.

4. Who should apply as an official host of the Circular Hotspot event?

Entities and organizations with the capacity to organize, coordinate, and secure financing for a high-quality, multi-stakeholder event focused on the circular economy are encouraged to apply as official hosts of the Circular Hotspot Event.

Applicants can be local, regional, or national governments, as well as public or private organizations with strong networks and the ability to mobilize the right stakeholders, coordinate complex collaborations, and secure the resources needed to deliver an impactful event. Circular Hotspot Events can be organized by a single lead organizer or by multiple organizations working together in partnership.

Thus, ideal hosts are entities that can:

Bring together governments, businesses, academia, investors, NGOs, media, and citizens around concrete circular economy themes and opportunities

Create an impactful and internationally attractive programme with meaningful discussions, site visits, matchmaking, and collaboration opportunities

Mobilize strong local and international partners and stakeholders

Secure the organizational and financial capacity needed to successfully deliver the event

Create momentum, collaborations, and outcomes that continue well beyond the event itself

5. How can organizations become hosts of a Circular Hotspot and Circular Hotspot NXT Event?

Organizations can become official hosts of a Circular Hotspot Event by following a structured selection process. Interested candidates first submit an application outlining, among others, why their country or region should host the Circular Hotspot (NXT) Event, including their focus areas, intended impact, hosting capacity, and the stakeholders, partners, institutions, and networks they would collaborate with. Shortlisted applicants are then invited to pitch their proposal on Election Day*, which is usually organized one day before the Circular Hotspot Event taking place on the same continent. A jury is assembled to evaluate the pitches and proposals, after which the selected host is officially announced during a Circular Hotspot Event.

*Applicants for Circular Hotspot NXT Events do not go through the election process. They are still required to submit an application, which is reviewed by Circular Hotspot B.V. Based on this review, Circular Hotspot B.V. may grant the rights to the applicant to organize the event.

6. Who should participate in a Circular Hotspot (NXT) Event?

A strong Circular Hotspot Event brings together stakeholders who can actively shape and accelerate the transition — from policymakers and public institutions creating enabling frameworks, to businesses developing and scaling circular solutions, investors supporting circular innovation, as well as knowledge institutions, NGOs, media, and international stakeholders. The programme should encourage practical discussions and concrete topics that can lead to real actions, partnerships and collaboration, cross-pollination of knowledge and implementation beyond the event itself. Participants should be selected and invited in alignment with these ambitions.

Organizers are encouraged to ensure balanced representation across sectors and generations, including meaningful participation of women and young people.

7. Can we use our own event logo and artwork design in a Circular Hotspot (NXT) Event?

The name and visual identity of the event, including the logo, must be aligned with the established Circular Hotspot framework and its brand identity, ensuring consistency and recognizability across the global Hotspot community. All materials must follow the Circular Hotspot brand and communication manual provided by Circular Hotspot B.V. Local organizers also receive a comprehensive communication and design toolkit containing official logos, visual assets, and a wide range of ready-to-use templates. Any new materials outside the manual must be submitted to Circular Hotspot B.V. for approval. Required elements, including the Circular Hotspot B.V. logo and official boilerplate text, must be included in materials where requested.

8. How can we secure funding for the event?

Local organizers are responsible for financing the event through, among others, a combination of sponsorships, partnerships, ticket sales, institutional support, and in-kind contributions. Circular Hotspot Events offer strong opportunities for attracting funding, as they bring together influential stakeholders from government, industry, academia, finance, and international networks around concrete circular economy themes and solutions.

While Circular Hotspot B.V. does not provide direct financial funding, it actively supports local organizers through strategic guidance and ongoing consultations. This includes sharing practical approaches and proven strategies on how to attract sponsors, structure partnership packages, create value propositions for stakeholders, generate revenue streams, and position the event to secure strong participation and visibility. Circular Hotspot B.V. can also provide an official recognition letter and may help attract international sponsors, partners, and visibility through its global network and communication channels.

9. What kind of support does Circular Hotspot B.V. provide?

Circular Hotspot B.V. provides extensive strategic, communication, and international support to local organizers throughout the preparation and delivery of the event. This includes:

A comprehensive branding and communication toolkit, including official logos, ready-to-use communication templates, presentation materials, visual assets, promotional materials, booth backdrop designs, and other adaptable design resources.

An event guidebook and hands-on guidance built on more than 10 years of experience and 17 Circular Hotspot Events organized worldwide, helping local organizers shape an impactful, engaging, and internationally connected event.

Regular consultation sessions and coordination meetings covering programme development, stakeholder engagement, speaker suggestions, international positioning, sponsorship and revenue strategies, matchmaking concepts, and overall event development.

International visibility and outreach through the communication channels of Circular Hotspot B.V. and its partners, helping strengthen promotion, credibility, and media exposure of the event.

Endorsement and recognition through the Circular Hotspot brand and network, connecting local organizers to an established international platform for circular economy collaboration.

10. What are the key success factors for organizing a high-impact Circular Hotspot Event?

A successful Circular Hotspot Event is built on strong collaboration and the ability to bring the right partners together around clear objectives. Equally important are strong stakeholder engagement and a programme that creates real connections, partnerships, and concrete outcomes through relevant and actionable topics. Effective matchmaking, deep-dive workshops, showcase sessions that open new opportunities, and the participation of both local and international stakeholders also play an important role in creating an impactful event.

Local organizers do not need to develop this entirely on their own. Circular Hotspot B.V. provides guidance throughout the process, including a comprehensive event guideline built on the experience and learnings from 17 Circular Hotspot Events organized over the past 10 years. Through regular consultations and coordination, organizers are supported in shaping an impactful, internationally connected, and well-structured event tailored to their local context and ambitions.

11. How much time and effort does it typically take to organize a Circular Hotspot Event?

Organizing a Circular Hotspot event typically requires up to 12 months, depending on how advanced the starting point is, capabilities of the organizer, and abilities to collaborate with the network which is strongly encouraged.

When beginning from scratch, the first 2 to 3 months focus on forming a core team, refining a concept, securing funding and resources, and confirming a suitable venue, often with sponsorship or in-kind support. The next 2 to 3 months are dedicated to building further partnerships and defining the programme themes and elements. From around month 5 onward, attention shifts to confirming speakers, engaging international partners, and launching communication efforts. The final 2 to 3 months involve detailed logistics, intensive promotion, and preparation for delivery, followed by post-event evaluation and continued stakeholder engagement.

The guidance provided by Circular Hotspot B.V. through regular meetings and consultations significantly reduces preparation time and helps organizers move faster with confidence. You will receive practical support on attracting sponsors and strategic partners, shaping engaging programme formats, selecting relevant topics, and executing the event effectively. In addition, organizers gain access to ready-to-use communication templates, international outreach support, and proven examples from previous Hotspot events — helping you build a strong, internationally connected event with greater ease and impact.

12. What kind of outcomes and impact can organizers expect from hosting the event?

Hosting a Circular Hotspot event positions your country, region or city on the international circular economy stage, bringing strong global visibility to local ambitions, leadership, and solutions.

For the main organizers, hosting a Circular Hotspot Event creates exceptional international visibility and positions them as leading drivers of the circular transition. It opens direct access to high-level international networks, strategic partnerships, investors, and collaboration opportunities that can lead to new projects, funding, trade relations, and long-term ecosystem growth. Organizers are not only recognized as hosts, but as trusted international connectors and leaders shaping circular economy progress. Beyond the event itself, the impact continues through expanded networks, strengthened reputation, and concrete opportunities for future collaboration and growth.

Companies gain international exposure, strengthen their sustainability positioning, and access new markets, partnerships, and investment opportunities. Governments enhance their global profile, exchange policy insights, and mobilize public and private stakeholders around shared circular economy goals. NGOs, academia, and research institutions showcase their work, expand networks, and attract collaboration and the possibility of new funding.

Beyond the event itself, the impact is lasting: new partnerships, strengthened ecosystems, tangible business and policy outcomes, and a clear milestone in advancing the circular transition.