People often form their first impressions of unfamiliar cities through symbolic images—such as landmarks, foods, or cultural icons—yet these representations are frequently shaped by official narratives and may differ from everyday local experience. Drawing on case studies, this talk explores how such symbols are constructed, why they sometimes feel distant to residents, and how this gap reflects broader tensions between city branding and lived reality. It argues that urban symbols are not fixed, but continu ...

Nightlife gave Freek Wallagh belonging, creativity, and a voice growing up in Amsterdam. Now, as Night Mayor, he shows how clubs, bars, and after-hours culture are more than entertainment, they are incubators of freedom, resilience, and community. This talk reveals how nightlife can save not just individuals, but entire cities. Freek Wallagh is a poet, nightlife organiser and community strategist. He began his career as a young teenager in Amsterdam's club scene and Red Light District. He first started perf ...