This month is busy with events for the Dutch derivative market participants. Of course there’s the annual poker tournament next week, which is a nice mix between playing Texas Hold’em and raising serious money for charity – all the cash will be donated to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The former open outcry traders are welcome this friday in the Escape for meeting with familiar faces from the old days in the pit.

This week however, there’s another event and a special one too. The FOW events is hosting the European Equity Options Trading conference in Amsterdam in the Okura Hotel on April 7th and 8th. The subjects range from volatility trading to the impact of new trading venues. Delta one trading, high frequency trading, market regulations – you name it they got it. To be honest, the name of the conference is slightly misleading, as “equity” and “options” doesn’t cover all of the content. It’s definitely in Europe, though. Confirmed speakers, panellists and moderators are well known and respected market participants. If you want to broaden your view and haven’t registered yet – you can do so until 17:00 CET this wednesday. If you wish to wait for the closing bell at Wallstreet before deciding whether you can be missed at your trading desk you can sign in thursday morning in the Okura.

By the way,  Johannes van Dam reviewed the brand new brasserie “Serre” in the Okura and gave it a 10- this weekend. Sounds like a great spot for a lunch to combine it with the conference. When in doubt, order the Tiefenbrunner Gewürztraminer.

• Official program for the conference (pdf alert).