"Verba volant"... In the Industria building (which is to be found at the very centre of Amsterdam, in the Dam Square opposite the Royal Palace), a lot of words have flowed since its opening in 1916. Prominent figures from politics, public administration, business, the arts or science have given speeches and engaged in conversation with their audiences.

At those gatherings, prime ministers, diplomants, politicians, entrepreneurs and business-leaders, professors and artists of repute have all addressed Club members and their guests. Some examples: head of government Ruud Lubbers, football legend Sjaak Swart, major industrialist Sydney van den Bergh and Euro commissioner Neelie Kroes.

The online Historical Speakers Archive shows who these hundreds of speakers were and what they spoke about. Well over 3,000 meetings have taken place over the years. Consulting the Archive quickly brings insight into a hundred years of spoken word at Dam 27. This heritage is of interest to anyone with an interest in the Club. And for (prospective) speakers, it can be an extra incentive to share - and be challenged upon - the illustrious company of the membership. For this the Royal IGC is most grateful, and we underline this with a presentation of the Certificate of Appreciation at the end of their talk.