The second edition of the ASM Student Festival on 16 May 2025 in Arnhem was a resounding success. With a record number of 12,550 student visitors – an increase of almost 39% compared to last year – the festival has proven itself to be a crucial event for the Arnhem-Nijmegen region. Equally impressive is the explosive growth of the ‘Student & Match’ programme, for which 3,575 students registered to be matched with regional companies – a rise of no less than 566 per cent.
The festival, an initiative that brings students and the regional business community together, fits perfectly within the Arnhem-Nijmegen region’s Human Capital Agreement. The aim is to inspire talent to pursue a career in the region and to attract them to the key sectors of Energy, Health and High-tech. The 2025 edition, featuring popular acts such as Bankzitters, Turfy Gang and STUK, demonstrates that this approach works.
The figures underline its success:
- 16,499 students registered for a ticket.
- 12,550 students actually attended the festival (compared to 9,035 in 2024).
- 3,575 students indicated they wanted to be linked to companies for internships or work.
- The Rabobank Business Lounge, the networking spot for students and businesses, attracted over 2,100 visitors.
These results demonstrate a clear need among students to connect with their future employers. The festival facilitates this connection in an accessible and effective way.
Strong regional cooperation
This success is the result of a strong partnership between The Economic Board, Arnhem City Council, Arnhem Studiestad and the higher education institutions Rijn IJssel, ArtEZ University of the Arts, Van Hall Larenstein and the Arnhem and Nijmegen University of Applied Sciences (HAN).
“The overwhelming growth of the ASM Student Festival, and in particular the success of the business matchmaking, proves that we have a winning formula,” said a spokesperson for The Economic Board. “This is exactly how we attract talent to our key sectors and strengthen the future of our regional economy. In doing so, we are investing directly in our human capital.”
It tastes like more
The organisation is already looking ahead and developing spin-off events such as 'ASM Student on Stage' to maintain the connection between students and business throughout the year. Preparations for a successful third edition have already started.
