Behind the scenes of the Beurs with Event Manager Kelly
The Beurs van Berlage team consists of many different people, all with their own role and personality. For each event, they work together closely to make sure everything runs smoothly from start to finish. Who are these people behind the scenes of the Beurs? What makes them give all they have everyday, to make each gathering as successful as the last? Time to shine some light on our dedicated Beurs team. Today: a conversation with Event Manager Kelly Haakman.
Hi Kelly, can you tell us how you ended up at the Beurs van Berlage?
“My journey here began three years ago. I’d been working in the event industry for years and I was looking for a new challenge when an opening came up. I reached out and there was a real sense of connection from the very beginning. I started my new job three weeks later! I’ve enjoyed every moment here since that very beginning. It’s a real honour to work in such a beautiful, historic place every day.”
What are your responsibilities as an Event Manager?
“My job is to make everything run perfectly, from the start of the preparations to the event itself. The first point of contact for clients at the Beurs is our sales department, but my event management colleagues and I take over when the organisation part starts. During all the preparations I keep close contact with all suppliers, but also with the client. Of course I’m also present on the day of the event.”
How does a typical event day go for you at the Beurs?
“The execution of the event actually starts on the setup day, which is the day before the event. On the setup day, we want to have the event prepared as best as possible, before the client arrives, which means that we prepare the facilities and furnishings where we can.
Our goal is for clients to come in and feel assured that everything will work according to plan. And then on the day itself we install all the lighting and sound-systems, all the power for the buffets and we build the exhibition stands. And then there’s the registration that still has to be built, all the signing, stickers, etcetera. It can get quite hectic, but we always make it work.”
What do you enjoy most about your role as an event manager?
“What I truly love about being an Event Manager at the Beurs, is the variety and the challenge each new event brings. Many different types of events are organised at the Beurs van Berlage, and because of that no day is the same. A while ago we hosted a grand sit-down dinner for 700 guests, followed by a party. It was challenging because of the sheer scale of the event and the quick transitions in setup that were needed throughout the event. I truly enjoy the dynamic atmosphere and the satisfaction that comes from making everything happen within a limited timeframe.”
What kind of clients do you work for?
“We get clients from many different countries and organisations. We can be hosting a small medical conference one day and a large scale corporate event with 900 sales reps the next. Some of my favourite returning clients are Booking.com, Emerce and M&A, for whom we hosted their Christmas party for the tenth time last week!”
Are there specific events that you are especially enthusiastic about?
“I enjoy all types of events, but the ones that are most exciting to organise are the non-standard ones. A sit-down dinner for 700 people for example, followed by a party. A special event I planned recently was for a company that wanted an Amsterdam-themed party. There was a herring cart, everyone was dressed up according to the theme and there were authentic Amsterdam musicians performing.”
“It was a big spectacle, with commandos coming from the roof, a brass band and everything.”
Was that the most impressive event you’ve seen at the Beurs?
“That was definitely the Charity Lustrum Gala of the Prinses Máxima Foundation. I don’t think it will ever get better than that. Queen Máxima was there herself and they raised €4.523.645 for charity that night with an auction. It was a big spectacle, with commandos coming from the roof, a brass band and everything. It all came together perfectly that night. That was the coolest event I ever organised for sure!”
What are the biggest challenges you face in your role?
“The thrill of my job is that every day brings new challenges. There are always last-minute changes, or questions from clients which require creative solutions. It is at these moments that I value my colleagues at the Beurs the most, because I know that everybody is always open to help and to lend a hand when necessary.
During busy months, managing back-to-back events with tight turnaround times are always challenging. Visitors often don’t realise that we have to work through the night to have everything ready for their event in the morning. It’s a race against the clock! But we always make it work, thanks to great teamwork and our trusted suppliers.”
Does a successfully executed event still make you proud?
“Yes, definitely. I feel appreciated when a client asks me how in the world we managed to get everything ready and running smoothly every time. I always joke and point to the bags under my eyes. We just don’t sleep, haha! But don’t get me wrong, the adrenaline that comes with preparing an event on a tight schedule is exactly what I love about my job!”
Inspired by Kelly’s stories and keen to create your own memorable event at the Beurs van Berlage? Reach out to Kelly or contact our sales team to start planning today.