Review of the Industrial Ethernet event 2025 in the Basilica in Veenendaal

On Wednesday 26 March the Industrial Ethernet event took place in the Basilica in Veenendaal. With twelve exhibitors, 120 visitors and an extensive seminar program the day was completely dedicated to network communication and collaboration.

At exactly 09:30 Roelof Kuipers, Industry Manager FHI Industrial Automation, opens the Industrial Ethernet event. Andries Burghgraaf, senior product manager at VodafoneZiggo, is ready in the large hall. He has prepared his opening presentation well and knows how to captivate the visitors immediately. His theme: 5G within industrial network communication.

From the introduction of smartphones in the 00s to today's self-driving cars and drones, Andries provides an overview of current developments and the potential role of private mobile networks. He sees a shift: companies are increasingly using mobile networks for business-critical data applications. He then goes into detail about the capacity demand and how we can distribute this capacity.

For Andries it is clear: we are at the beginning of the fourth industrial revolution. According to him, the impact of private mobile networks already tangible and now is the time to join. The scalability, flexibility and security are the major advantages of mobile networks. He also sees major opportunities in the combination of mobile networks with the public network. “The power lies mainly in the combination,” says Andries. He thinks that the possibilities will not be limited to a number of sectors. “The world is wide open,” he concludes enthusiastically.

Knowledge and inspiration

For network professionals, the Industrial Ethernet event is a true feast where experts meet and exchange ideas. The full seminar program offers visitors a wealth of information and new developments.

Bert van der Linden of Phoenix Contact gives a presentation on what a healthy OT network entails. With a sense of humor and passion for his field, he urges the audience to make demands on your network. He shows how the growth of a network influences performance and how companies can proactively respond to these challenges.

Expert talks

The highlight of the day is the Experttalks. In ten-minute sessions, small groups of attendees visit various exhibitors. Bart-Jan van Sluijs, project manager at FHI, asks for attention via the intercom. After a short explanation, the visitors shuffle across the exhibition floor in tightly orchestrated small groups. Full of interest and with the necessary dynamics and discussion, the visitors stand around the stands. Bringing together technicians and looking for solutions; the Experttalks bring passion and enthusiasm to the floor.

Johan Visser represents ATS Global and gives a quick overview of what they do. “A real challenge,” he admits afterwards, laughing, while quickly taking a sip of water, after which he welcomes the next group with open arms.

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is a major topic during the event. Marcel Tuit from Weidmüller presents his session: 'Prevent cyber hacks by improving your network design and security now'. He urges the listeners not to wait for the CRA or the new Machinery Regulation in 2027. Marcel presents the figures. He sees a huge increase in cyberattacks from 2020 onwards. Between 2023 and 2024 an increase of 25 percent. And with a sense of humor he says: "Ransomware is a very lucrative business. They even have a helpdesk and a technical service for support". He says it again - it is the persistence that wins: "You don't do cybersecurity alone. Start a conversation with your industry peers".

Marcel uses the metaphor of a medieval castle to illustrate network security. “Close your gates. Pull up the drawbridge,” he urges the audience. Step by step, he explains how to create a safer environment for the machines, for the factory, and for the network.

Conclusion and outlook

At the end of the day, Andy Boots of Tata Steel summarises it aptly: “I can recommend the Industrial Ethernet event to anyone in network communication”. Paul Loozen of Spie nods in agreement and adds: “an intensive day. And the Experttalks force you to visit the stands”.

It was a valuable day, full of knowledge and new contacts. With the focus on 2026, the Industrial Ethernet event remains a platform that brings together professionals, finds solutions and connects the industry.