3X3 Leaders Learn All About Event Production

27 February, 2026

What does the production of an event involve? In February, over 20 3X3 Leaders received the answer at the Paper Dome during the first “event production” workshop of the 3X3 Unites Academy. Through a mix of theory and practical assignments, they became familiar with the basic principles of setting up an event. The second “event production” workshop will take place in March.

“With 3X3 Unites, we are producing more and more events. That’s why we are working on setting up an event team within 3X3 Unites,” says Femke Akerboom, Event Manager at 3X3 Unites. “So we thought it would be a good idea to organize an ‘event production’ workshop and teach our own 3X3 Leaders what is involved in producing an event, so that in the future they can help or independently set up an event.”

The workshop fit perfectly within the program of the 3X3 Unites Academy, in which young people who have completed the 3X3 Leader Course can follow an advanced trajectory. The aim of the academy is to keep young people involved in the 3X3 Unites community and to offer them even more perspective and opportunities for growth, both personally and professionally.

3X3 Unites does this through an inspiring and educational program developed in collaboration with multiple partners. Throughout the year, various workshops are organized. “Event production” is one of these workshops and was led by Femke Akerboom and Daud Bwefar. Daud is Project Manager and Event Producer at 3X3 Unites. “The energy was really good and everyone was enthusiastic,” says Femke.

Together with Daud, she welcomed 3X3 Leaders in the Paper Dome from Assen, Groningen, Amsterdam, Heerhugowaard, Haarlem, and Utrecht, among others, who participated in the workshop. “Not all Leaders knew each other, so it was great to see everyone immediately introducing themselves and new connections being formed right away.”

Juraj Palkovic was one of the 3X3 Leaders who participated in the workshop. “I enjoy organizing events, but I didn’t really know where to start,” he says. He also saw the workshop as an ideal opportunity to meet new people and expand his network. “I moved from Groningen to Amsterdam and want to build new contacts here.”

Femke and Daud started the workshop with a theoretical introduction to the basic principles of an event. Many aspects were covered, from the different tasks within an event team to installing a court, and from setting up a tent and banners to wearing safety shoes. “It all sounds very simple, but it is important to know which basic principles are involved in the production of an event,” says Femke.

Juraj agrees. “The court consists of many separate components, all of which must be placed in a specific position. Otherwise, the lines on the court won’t match,” he says. He also learned that it is essential to work well together. “We had to set up a tent. But you really can’t do that alone or with just two people. The tent is far too big for that.”

During the workshop, participants had the opportunity to immediately put the theory into practice. “It was good to apply it directly in practice. If you don’t try it, you won’t learn it quickly,” says Juraj. “In the end, we set up the tent with seven or eight participants. When building an event, you have strict deadlines and time pressure, so you really need to be able to work well together.”

In between, participants were also able to play some basketball themselves, and they took part in a game in which cooperation was crucial to complete the assignment. “The mix of theory, practice, and relaxation was perfect,” says Juraj. “I’m a big basketball fan, so I really enjoyed shooting some hoops myself.”

At the end of March, the second “event production” workshop is scheduled. The workshop is intended for the 3X3 Leaders who also participated in the first “event production” workshop. “In the second workshop, we will take a step further and look at topics such as how to apply for a permit, how to lead a team, and how to ensure good energy within the team,” says Femke.

Juraj will definitely be there, he says. “I want to complete the workshop and I’m already looking forward to helping during the World Tour and Women’s Series in June. I’ve heard many great stories about it and want to experience what it’s like to work there myself. I think it’s really cool that I can develop myself within 3X3 Unites and get the opportunity to contribute to such a big event.”