Every month we put one of our partners and his or her organisation ‘in the spotlight’. This month it is Lianne Schuuring, commercial manager of Sint Janskerk Maastricht.
1. Why did you choose the position you have now?
Sint Janskerk is a beautiful, old building at the most amazing location in the Maastricht city center. It has been in use as a protestant church since the 17th century. This beautiful church needs continuous maintenance, which is not easy nor cheap for a monument like this. The protestant church community struggles to find the funds for the maintenance, which is why it has been decided to lease the building to raise money.
I am a member of the protestant community and I find it very rewarding to contribute to the conservation of this building. I also enjoy offering assistance for events and meeting a lot of interesting people through this position.
2. What are the most recent developments within your company?
Several years ago, the church was outfitted with professional facilities and equipment such as lighting and sound installation. At the moment, we are looking into a new heating system – possibly through city heating – to reduce the costs for heating the church. We are also planning to streamline the interior and create a place for a small exposition as well as a meeting room. Besides all the facility investments, we are also looking to expand our number of volunteers who help the parish clerk to assist events and activities.
3. Which challenges are you facing?
Sint Janskerk is increasingly popular as a location for certain events, such as weddings or concerts. We are now trying to expand our client base for business events and host product presentations, yearly meetings, or receptions. We are working other organisations to be able to offer certain services.
4. What have you achieved, of which you are most proud?
I have been working for Sint Janskerk for one year now. We have a small team of only two part time employees and I am very proud of the results that we have reached together and the cooperation with new clients. We will keep working on professionalising the organisation.
5. What do you do when you are not working?
I only work part time for the church, so that leaves me time for other activities. I am a city guide in Maastricht and the caves, which I very much enjoy. I am a board member of Meet Maastricht , a foundation that organises activities for international students and expats to meet Maastricht and get to know the city better.
6. What does the Maastricht Convention Bureau mean to you?
We have become a member of Maastricht Convention Bureau because we want to participate in the network over conference and event organisers. We are happy to be a member of the regional conference community.
