Every month we put one of our partners and his or her organisation ‘in the spotlight’. This month it is Leon Thommassen, managing director of De Maaspoort Theater & Events.
1. Why did you choose the position you have now?
At the Maaspoort Theater & Events I have found an all- round employment at a beautiful company. The congress and events industry is amazing and very challenging. My motivators are passion, speed, challenge, vitality and winning and I find all of them in my current position.
2. What are the most recent developments within your company?
I started at the Maaspoort in 2011 and since then we have renovated and expanded the existing building with café-restaurant Luif. In 2013 we added a new theatre hall, restaurant Cabillaud, and beautiful rooftop terrace Scheuten. In 2017 we further expanded with the inhouse theatre hotel that co-operates intensively with De Maaspoort.
Besides all these expansions, the organisation was substantially streamlined into a hospitable and result oriented organisation that has accomplished an increase in customer satisfaction from 7 to 8,4, an increase of 60% of the number of visitors and a revenue increase of 50%. What a top team!
3. Which challenges are you facing?
We find the biggest challenge to be the increased competition in the leisure market, specifically because of on demand devices that people own. Additionally, more and more facilities and spaces that offer catering are becoming available. High quality and hospitality are the “magic words” to face these challenges head on and stay on top.
4. What have you achieved, of which you are most proud?
The developments of the last 7 years: growing from a theatre with two halls to a multi-functional theatre with three theatre halls, 4 conference rooms, a bar-restaurant, a restaurant and one of the most beautiful roof top terraces of the Netherlands, with very high customer satisfaction rates for the theatre as well as the other facilities, hospitality, events and hotel make me very proud.
5. What do you do when you are not working?
I contemplate the challenges at work, I read, ski, run, hike and love relaxing in a sauna.
6. What does the Maastricht Convention Bureau mean to you?
They are the perfect partner for our continuing ambition to become the essential partner for congresses and events in North and Middle Limburg.
