Join us on 20 March 2027 in Middelburg for the next edition of the GINI Impact Gala, a curated evening bringing together entrepreneurs, grassroots initiatives, non profit organisations, cultural organisers, investors and ecosystem builders working across diaspora communities.
The gathering explores how impact and value are created through entrepreneurship, culture and community leadership. By intentionally bridging for profit ventures with non profit and community rooted initiatives, the gala recognises that meaningful value is created across economy, culture and society, whether through businesses, foundations, collectives, informal networks or early stage ideas.
Through keynote reflections, moderated dialogue and an impact maker showcase featuring both entrepreneurs and initiatives, the evening creates space for honest exchange, visibility and connection.
Whether you are building a company, running a community initiative, developing an idea, allocating capital or shaping policy, this gathering offers a space to listen, connect and explore what sustainable, community rooted impact can look like in practice.
The GINI Impact Gala is a curated evening bringing together entrepreneurs, grassroots initiatives, cultural leaders and ecosystem builders working across diaspora communities.
This gathering centres on impact as value creation across culture, community and economy. By intentionally bridging for profit entrepreneurship with non profit and community rooted initiatives, the gala recognises that meaningful value can emerge through businesses, foundations, collectives, informal networks and emerging ideas.
Through keynote reflections, moderated dialogue and an impact maker showcase featuring both entrepreneurs and initiatives, the evening creates space for visibility, exchange and connection across sectors.
The atmosphere is intentionally conversational and grounded. Guests share food and drinks while engaging in honest conversations, meeting people across sectors and exploring how impact can be built in ways that are sustainable, dignified and community rooted.
This is not a showcase of finished success stories, but a moment to connect, listen and recognise work in progress.
The GINI Impact Gala unfolds as an evening of shared dinner, conversation and cultural exchange.
17:00 – 18:00 | Arrival and reception
Guests arrive, register and gather for welcome drinks. This first hour allows participants to meet one another and settle into the space before the programme begins.
18:00 – 19:30 | Shared dinner
Guests take their seats for a shared dinner experience. Dinner unfolds alongside opening reflections and a cultural intermezzo, creating a relaxed setting for conversation at the tables.
19:30 – 21:30 | Gala program
The main program begins with a short opening framing the theme of the evening: diaspora impact and value creation.
The program includes keynote reflections, moderated dialogue and the Diaspora Impact Maker Showcase, where entrepreneurs, initiatives and cultural voices share their work and perspectives.
During the evening the GINI Impact Awards recognise individuals and initiatives strengthening diaspora ecosystems.
21:30 – 23:00 | Celebration and networking
The evening continues with drinks, music and informal networking, allowing guests to connect across sectors and communities.
Program subject to light adjustments. Add-ons and stay-over available.
The GINI Impact Gala brings together people working across different parts of diaspora ecosystems.
Participants include entrepreneurs, grassroots initiatives, non profit organisations, cultural leaders, investors and ecosystem builders exploring how impact and value are created across community, culture and economy.
The gathering centres perspectives connected to African, Asian and Indigenous diasporas, including communities shaped by post colonial histories such as descendants of enslaved people, descendants of indentured and contract workers, and other migrant and diaspora communities connected to global trade and colonial routes.
At the same time, the gala welcomes committed allies, including policymakers, institutional partners, investors and cultural organisations who wish to engage thoughtfully with these conversations and contribute to more inclusive economic futures.
Whether you are running an organisation, building a business, developing an initiative or idea, allocating capital or shaping policy, the gala offers a space to connect with others working toward sustainable, community rooted impact.
Your ticket includes access to the full GINI Impact Gala evening program, bringing together entrepreneurs, initiatives, cultural voices and ecosystem builders exploring diaspora impact and value creation.
Guests are welcomed with a reception and drinks before taking their seats for a shared dinner experience. The evening continues with keynote reflections, moderated dialogue and the Impact Maker Showcase, where entrepreneurs and initiatives share their work and perspectives.
During the programme the GINI Impact Awards recognise inspiring individuals and initiatives contributing to diaspora ecosystems.
After the formal programme, the evening continues with drinks, music and informal networking, allowing guests to connect across sectors and communities.
Optional elements such as weekend experiences, accommodation or cultural activities are offered separately.
For guests travelling to Middelburg, several optional experiences are available to extend the gathering beyond the gala evening.
Friday arrival gathering
Guests arriving the evening before the gala may join an informal meet-up in Middelburg. This relaxed moment allows early arrivals to connect over drinks and settle into the weekend before the main event.
Accommodation
Guests may choose to book a one-night hotel stay in Middelburg following the gala evening. Accommodation includes breakfast and offers a comfortable way to enjoy the event without needing to travel late at night.
Sunday cultural program
On Sunday, guests can join an optional cultural programme including a shared lunch and a guided historical walk through Middelburg. The walk explores Zeeland’s role in global trade routes and invites reflection on how these histories connect to contemporary diaspora communities and economic futures.
GINI Impact Weekend
Guests may also choose the full GINI Impact Weekend experience, which combines several elements:
- Friday arrival drinks
- The full GINI Impact Gala evening program
- A hotel stay in Middelburg
- Sunday lunch and cultural tour
Further details and booking options are shared with guests in advance.
Across diaspora communities, important work is happening every day through businesses, grassroots initiatives, cultural organisations and informal networks. Yet these efforts often remain fragmented, with limited opportunities to meet across sectors and exchange perspectives.
The GINI Impact Gala was created to offer a shared space where entrepreneurs, community leaders, cultural practitioners and institutional actors can connect and reflect on how impact and value are created across community, culture and economy.
By bringing these voices together in one room, the gathering creates space for honest conversations about impact, visibility for initiatives that are often overlooked and new connections between people shaping more inclusive and community rooted economic futures.
Rooted in the Netherlands and connected to global diaspora networks, the gala also invites reflection on how historical trade routes and post-colonial histories continue to shape present day economic systems and opportunities for the future.
Saturday 20th March
- Middelburg - Netherlands
- Entrepreneurship and grassroots
- Money & access dialogue
- Diaspora Impact Maker Showcase
From historic colonial trade routes to diaspora futures
Middelburg
The GINI Impact Gala in Middelburg is an annual gathering bringing together entrepreneurs, grassroots initiatives, cultural leaders, investors and institutional partners exploring diaspora impact and value creation.
Hosted in the historic city of Middelburg, the gala connects contemporary conversations around entrepreneurship, community initiatives and access to opportunity with the wider historical context of Zeeland and its role in global trade routes. The setting invites reflection on how post-colonial histories and diaspora networks continue to shape cultural and economic ecosystems today.
The programme combines keynote reflections, moderated dialogue, the Impact Maker Showcase and the GINI Impact Awards, recognising individuals and initiatives contributing to community rooted impact.
The gathering welcomes founders, organisers, policymakers, investors and committed allies interested in building more inclusive economic futures across diaspora communities.
Organisations, foundations and partners interested in contributing to the gathering or supporting the platform are warmly invited to connect with the GINI team at info@gini.travel.
Connecting people across cultures
GINI experience
GINI believes that travel should remember, restore and reconnect us to stories that matter.
It should be a way to engage deeply with place, honour the past, and support a more just and inclusive future, especially by helping to rewrite the narratives that have long been distorted or erased.
That’s why we offer journeys and experiences that go beyond the surface, rooted in community, shaped by lived histories and carried by the power of decolonial travel & storytelling.
All our experiences are built on three pillars:
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Leave an impact – Every journey and experience invites conscious participation, awareness and cultural respect
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Support local economies – A portion of profits supports grassroots foundations local businesses and community-led initiatives.
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Cultural remembrance – We create space for truth, healing and intergenerational that honours what came before.
This approach shows up across our journeys, local experiences and events, including the GINI Impact Gala.
This is what GINI stands for: travel as a force for truth!
What is the GINI Impact Gala?
The GINI Impact Gala is an annual event in Amsterdam that celebrates diversity, inclusion, and social impact. It features inspiring lightning talks, bicultural food, and stories from social impact companies, aiming to spotlight overlooked communities and foster meaningful connections.
Is the event open to everyone?
Yes, the gala is intersectional and welcomes everyone to join in celebrating identity and community
What does my ticket include?
The ticket includes entry to the event, small bites and drinks, access to all talks and activities throughout the evening. Additionally, your ticket supports GINI’s mission to empower overlooked communities and create impactful travel and events.
Can I attend alone?
Absolutely! Many attendees come alone, and the gala is designed to create connections in an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere.
Where is the event located?
The GINI Impact Gala takes place at A Beautiful Mess in Amsterdam, conveniently located next to Amsterdam Central Station. This venue embodies the belief that being a refugee is a temporary status and actively contributes to social impact by providing job opportunities and skills training for refugees.
How can I get to the venue, and is parking available?
The venue is easily accessible by public transport, just a short walk from Amsterdam Central Station. For those driving, parking is available at Parking Centrum Amsterdam Oosterdok. More affordable options are available at Kattenburgerstraat, which involves a scenic walk through the Marineterrein to reach the venue.
Is the venue accessible for individuals with disabilities?
The location is accessibility-friendly to a certain extent. While the main areas are accessible, the event space for talks and the auction may present some challenges. We have on-site support available and can reserve suitable spots for those who need assistance.
What considerations are there for attendees observing Ramadan?
We acknowledge that the gala falls during Ramadan and are mindful of this in our planning. If you have specific needs or requests related to observing Ramadan, please let us know, and we will do our best to accommodate them.