Why we’re sharing this: As a company building extended software development teams in Moldova for Dutch tech companies, staying connected to the people and businesses we work with matters a lot to us. TNW has been one of the ways we do that: by showing up, talking to people, and being part of the conversation. This article is our honest look back at what we’ve seen and felt over the last four years at the event.
2022: Our first time in the “spotlight”
2022 was our first TNW experience, and it felt like we’d stepped into something fresh. People were happy to be back at in-person events, and that energy was contagious. The open layout made it easy to walk up to someone and start a chat. We got to explain what we do: building dedicated software teams in Moldova for Dutch companies and it really clicked with people.
Our booth helped us stand out, but what mattered was the quality of conversations. There was curiosity, openness, and a sincere interest in collaboration.
2023: Familiar faces, new momentum
Coming back in 2023, something had shifted, in a good way, of course. People remembered us. They had questions ready. Some conversations picked up where we’d left off the year before.
That said, we also noticed the crowd was changing a bit. There were fewer decision-makers and more junior professionals or people browsing for inspiration. The vibe was still great, and we loved the energy, but the focus started to feel less business-heavy and more about building connections.
2024: Smoother, sharper, but a bit different
By 2024, everything felt more streamlined: the logistics, the setup, even the program flow. You could tell the organizers had improved things. The event leaned more into topics like AI and green tech, which made for engaging talks.
But again, we noticed fewer C-level participants. The crowd felt younger, more exploratory. Our conversations were still valuable, but they felt less urgent, more like planting seeds than closing deals. Still, we loved representing Moldova’s IT scene and showing people what long-term development teams can really do.
2025: Still colorful, but the focus has shifted
This year, TNW kept its charm: bright colors, casual seating, music in the background, lots of energy. The themes focused on innovation, climate action, and future work trends.
We had good chats at the booth, and it was nice seeing old and new faces. But we couldn’t ignore that the audience had shifted again: more startups, more students, fewer seasoned decision-makers. For brand visibility, it still made sense to be there. But for deeper business opportunities? That’s become less common.
What has been good for us?
- Being present each year helped people remember us
- The booth opened doors to honest, spontaneous conversations
- We’ve got to tell our story: about why extended teams in Moldova work so well for Dutch tech companies
What has changed over time?
- Fewer senior-level professionals in the crowd
- Talks became broader and less technical
- Less focus on business deals, more on community and discovery
A realistic takeaway
Four years in, we still think TNW is worth it, just for different reasons than in the beginning. It’s no longer the place we expect to find leads, but it’s still one of the best places to build long-term awareness and stay in touch with the tech scene.
For us, it’s about being present, approachable, and consistent. We’re proud of our teams and our story, and TNW gives us a space to share that with others, even if the conversations now feel more about connection than conversion.
Let’s see what 2026 brings. We’re still in.