The Future of Forecasting 2025
During the Future of Forecasting, we ask the question "What's next in the world of Forecasting?". Your role as an FP&A manager or business controller requires you to actively look for ways to respond to rapid, and unexpected changes within your industry. That's why this year's theme is the following: Simulate.
The duties of the modern Business Controller have become increasingly complex. In addition to more frequent forecasting throughout the year being a "must" due to market uncertainties, the cry for stronger deployment of AI within the organization is also growing. Where should you start focusing on in the coming years?
The focus for the forecast of the future
During The Future of Forecasting, we will give you the tools to balance between having to forecast more often and implementing AI/Future Tech. We'll show you how to use concrete strategies for future-oriented forecasting, the latest technological (AI) insights and effective scenario planning to not only anticipate changes, but also turn them into opportunities. As a result, you will walk away with a clear picture of how to make your organization agile. This way, you will no longer be behind the times, but instead determine the course yourself
We roll up our sleeves together
The Future of Forecasting thread is simple: tackle those challenges! You want to show ambitions clearly, but it's also important to keep forecasting as realistic as possible. We will talk about how you can quickly and simply take steps towards modern, future-proof planning processes within your organization. Of course in the way you expect from us: with clear stories from real experts, realistic customer stories that make you think, and plenty of time to spar with your colleagues.
A look at the Future of Forecasting 2024
Practical info
- Date: November 13, 2025
- Time: 13:30 - 17:30
- Location: Finext office, Delft
Doors Open
Welcome with coffee and tea
Word of thanks and opening
People from Finext and Quicksilver Consultancy welcome you to the 2025 edition of the Future of Forecasting
Keynote: Rudy van Buren
How simulation can transform your organization
Rudy van Buren demonstrates why simulation is essential for optimal performance and gaining a competitive edge. Drawing from his sim racing experience, he will kick off the day with an inspiring story.
Keynote: Erik Grim, former Unilever & IBP Expert
Why simulation is no longer a luxury, but a necessity
With years of experience at global food giant Unilever, Erik Grim knows better than anyone how to turn complex, global planning processes into an agile model. He will share his vision on why simulation is no longer a luxury but a necessity to prepare for external factors.
Pauze
Vendor Spotlight
Our sponsors, together with an expert of Finext, will show you how their solution solves the main theme of simulate to react
S&OP Focused Break out: The power of What-If - Embedding simulation into the S&OP mindset
Stephan de Wit of Quicksilver Consultancy and Maurice Stevens, Head of Supply Chain at Elho share the story of how you can bridge the gap between S&OP and the other departments of your organization. This session is packed with practical examples on integrating external drivers into your forecast.
Finance Focused Break out: The Power of Simplicity in Forecasting
At The Future of Forecasting, Gertjan Osinga, Finance Leader at Backbase, shares how his team transformed their FP&A approach. With guidance from Finext, forecasting evolved from a reporting exercise to a forward-looking, strategic capability.
Together with Finext, Backbase developed an integrated, driver-based forecasting model that directly links insights from sales, workforce planning, and operational expenses to the P&L. This created a dynamic, connected view of performance, enabling faster and more reliable decision-making.
For Gertjan, the essence of forecasting isn’t complexity—it’s clarity. His philosophy is simple yet powerful:
"A forecast should be easy to use and understand. Simplicity builds trust, ownership, and agility."
In his session, Gertjan shares his vision on how finance leaders can embrace simplicity as the foundation for smarter, future-proof planning. He demonstrates how organizations, with the right approach and guidance—like that provided by Finext—can confidently look ahead and adapt to change with agility. This is essential for staying relevant in a dynamic market and moving beyond traditional forecasting.
Wrap up
Drinks and Networking
.png)
Rudy van Buren
Red Bull Racing sim test & dev driver
Rudy van Buren knows exactly why simulation is so important to prepare for and perform in a race. His experience in sim racing gives him the insights and skills to perform at a top level, both for himself and others. Rudy will share not only his roadmap story from karting to Formula 1, but more importantly why simulation is an absolute must to gain competitive advantage when versions for strategy and tactics are available for different situations.

Erik Grim
IBP expert
With years of experience at global food giant Unilever, Erik Grim knows better than anyone how to turn complex, global planning processes into an agile model. He will share his vision on why simulation is no longer a luxury but a necessity to prepare for external factors.

Maurice Stevens
Head of Supply Chain at Elho
.jpeg)
Gertjan Osinga
VP Finance Business Partner
As a seasoned planning professional, Gertjan Osinga specializes in the key elements of strategic forecasting. He has led and transformed planning functions at Backbase, Liberty Global, and Vodafone.
Confirm your spot!




