Inspiration as a driving force for change. On Thursday afternoon, the Innovation Café will focus on perspective and imagination. Before we present the circular PROVADA Award for the 5th time to one of the three nominated candidates, we treat the audience to an inspiring story by a man with a mission: Don Ritzen of Shift.
Keynote speaker Don Ritzen shares his vision on social transitions and the power of new systems. According to Don Ritzen, founder of Shift, his project fits into a long tradition of landmarks that reflect the ambitions of their time. “Where pyramids, cathedrals and skyscrapers symbolised power, religion and innovation, this landmark should offer inspiration for a better way of living.”
PROVADA Inspiration Award 2026
Next comes the presentation of the Inspiration Award. Innovators from the sector are recognised for their courage, vision and the ability to turn ideas into tangible change. Everyone is invited to be part of this celebratory presentation. Presentation by Annemarie Bruning & Suze Gehem.
Keynote Don Ritzen: Shift Landmark
Based on the insight that social change often begins with a personal turning point, Don Ritzen works with Shift to create precisely the kind of personal transformation moments that make this possible. In this presentation, he shows how the Shift app and the future Shift Landmark in Rotterdam – a place where art, architecture and immersive experiences come together – can inspire people to change their everyday choices. By creating millions of such moments of insight, Shift aims to contribute to a movement in which personal inspiration can grow into broader social change.
In doing so, Don explains why the climate crisis is not only a technological problem, but above all a question of behaviour. The solutions to address climate change already largely exist, but are still not being applied sufficiently in everyday life. Many people are concerned about the climate, but do not know where to start. According to transition thinker Jan Rotmans, real social transitions occur precisely when such individual insights multiply and ultimately lead to collective change.
Moderators
PROVADA winner Michel Baars: 'MOOS will become the ASML of housing construction'
Not a man of one company, but a man of movements. His strength? Not shouting from the sidelines, but starting new companies himself that set the market in motion and challenge existing systems. That's how the jury of the PROVADA Inspiration Award 2026 describes winner Michel Baars. 'Michel gives direction to our entire construction and real estate sector.'
PROVADA 2026: It's a wrap!
For three days, the real estate sector stood shoulder to shoulder at RAI Amsterdam. With a record number of visitors, a packed programme and plenty of energy, PROVADA 2026 was an edition to remember. Below, we look back at the highlights — and at the end you'll find the photos and aftermovie to relive it all.
PROVADA Inspiration Award 2026 for Michel Baars
At PROVADA 2026, the PROVADA Inspiration Award 2026 was presented to Michel Baars. The award is presented annually to an individual who realises sustainable change within the built environment through vision, courage and decisiveness. This year's presentation marks the award's fifth edition.