The staff association is sixty this year, a milestone that was celebrated in style earlier this year. Marian van den Broek of Colleagues United recalls both the “fabulous” track and field competition held this past spring in which fifty teams from all departments and TU/e services participated, including TU/e staff of every nationality, and the accompanying party. “It was great to see people enjoying themselves and having the chance to mingle with colleagues from outside their own office - that's what it is all about.”

The Staff Festival on Sunday September 9th is aimed at both employees and their families. It should be “simply a fun day out” says Van den Broek, “at which people of all ages can enjoy themselves”. She is proud of the varied program that has been put together with an external events organizer. No theme, just varied entertainment is the aim - including the opportunity for the parents to relax at the outdoor bar, for instance, while “the children do their own thing”.

These children can amuse themselves all afternoon on such attractions as bouncy castles and a bucking bronco, in the kids' corner and with workshops. There will be performances for them by the boy band Fource and the girl duo Sarah and Julia. Adults meanwhile can try to figure out a route out of the escape room, or imagine being Max Verstappen in a race simulator. Music will be provided by rock ’n roll band Johnny & The Gangsters of Love, and drinks and snacks will be available.

Benefits

Of course, Colleagues United hopes to recruit some new members at the festival itself. Van den Broek points out the diverse range of activities for members that are held throughout the year  and to the financial benefits they regularly enjoy, such as discounts for day trips. In the New Year the staff association will be moving from the Paviljoen to Luna, where it plans to work more closely with the Hubble bar. “We hope we'll be more visible there.”

The Staff Festival is being held on and around the Flux-field. In the event of bad weather, the festival will move to the covered Forum at MetaForum. That the weather forecast can make or break an event is something Colleagues United learned at its previous festival five years ago. “A bad weather forecast was issued the day before and as a result while the day itself was really enjoyable, it was not very busy. Which everyone who attended felt was a real shame.”