A Night at the Museum: B Corps in Europe Celebrate 10 Years of Making a Difference Together
The 12th of May, 2023 was an evening to remember! B Corps from all across Europe and the globe, and friends of the B Corp movement gathered at an iconic venue in Amsterdam – the NEMO Science Museum – to celebrate an extraordinary milestone: 10 years of B Lab Europe and the European B Corp movement.
In the words of former Executive Director of B Lab Europe, Katie Hill: “My toast goes to the present movers and shakers, coordinators and community makers of our European community. With you, everything seems possible, positive, and pleasurable. if you want to change the world, you have to throw a better party than those who want to keep it as it is. And this is certainly the party to be at!”
Members of the B Corp movement celebrating 10 years of impact (Photo: Leandro Bistolfi)
A Decade of Impact
Gathering at the NEMO Science Museum in Amsterdam, we celebrated 10 years of demonstrating there’s a better way to do business. 10 years of championing the spirit of interdependence across the continent. 10 years of collaborations big and small, from partnerships to coalitions. 10 years of advocating for stakeholder governance, and three countries across Europe who now recognize benefit corporations. 10 years of building a community of over 100,000 people using business as a force for good.
Overview of the B Corp community in Europe (Date: May 2023)
Beyond the Exhibit
A special milestone calls for a special celebration. Therefore, Amsterdam’s Science Museum opened its doors to the B Corp community and friends of the movement exclusively after-hours for an unforgettable evening full of highlights:
- We listened to the change-makers and leaders that brought the B Corp movement to where it is today, reflecting on a decade of impact. And we shared our vision for the next 10 years in the time capsule installation provided by Certified B Corp Lighthouse.
- Of course, all drinks and snacks were supplied by B Corps and companies that are committed to making a positive impact.
- The celebration was filled with interactive installations, live music, an audiovisual show by artist Vincent Rang and DJ Cobahn, and more. Imagine5 joined the celebration with a curated selection of WaterBear films exploring some of the key issues inspiring action, and some of the B Corps working to address them. Missed the program during the celebration? Loved it and want to watch the films again? Here is your chance!
- But ultimately, a movement is strengthened and defined by the people behind it, so the real deal of the night was the new connections made with fellow B Corps and change-makers. Through networking and collaborating, we were able to share ideas, discuss new partnerships that benefit people and the planet, and plant seeds for more impact in the future. As a symbol of our growing movement and impact, event attendees had the chance to win and plant a tree or even an entire forest from Certified B Corp Treedom.
Looking Ahead
Over the last decade, the B Corp movement in Europe has been leading the way in showing how companies can look beyond profits to benefit people and the planet. In the future, businesses will continue to have a pivotal role to play in addressing the world’s most pressing challenges and have both the opportunity and the responsibility to use business as a force for good. The B Corp movement is committed to leading this change.
At the event’s ‘Impact Corner’ provided by Certified B Corp Pixelis, we asked leaders and changemakers of B Corps from all across Europe how they envision the next ten years:
“I see a lot of businesses, and bigger businesses joining the movement. Everyone needs to start somewhere and get on with the journey of understanding how they can make an impact. My prediction of the next ten years is that the B Corp movement is going to be so big that it’s going to be perceived as the standard that every company should follow.”
– Lina Ruiz, Director of Social Responsibility at WeTransfer
“For the next 10 years, I expect for sure stricter rules and regulations when it comes to sustainability and this has been one of the things the movement has been pushing for as well. So, companies that are not intrinsically motivated [to do better] can no longer get away with harmful impact and harmful practices.”
– Janneke Wagner, Head of Sustainability at Swapfiets
“I expect a lot of growth from the B Corp community. I hope that more companies are aware of the importance of our movement and want to join us to have a more sustainable and equitable planet. And that we can work together to make the world a better place.”
– Catarina Maltez, Senior Risk, Incentives and Sustainability Associate at Code For All
Hear more B Corp voices from our mini-interview series at the event’s impact corner:
Thanks to our Event Partners
As with business and our mission to transform the economic system for the better, celebrations are not possible without amazing partners. Meet the incredible B Corps and friend organizations that supported us at the B Corp Festival and made bringing together B Corps and change-makers from all across Europe possible! B for Good Leaders, SKANDINAVISK, Lighthouse, Made with Maude, Imagine5, Strong Roots, Treedom, Misteli, Tony’s Chocolonely, Willicroft, Bonduelle, Reflect Studio, Pixelis, Avallen Spirits, Ramborn Cider Co., Moyee Coffee, BOSKA Food Tools, Merchery, CrowdFarming, Creatives for Climate
Receive good news in your inbox by signing up for the Imagine5 Newsletter here & join a community of changemakers by becoming a member of Creatives for Climate!
Check out our partners in action!
