Every month we put one of our partners and his or her organisation ‘in the spotlight’. This month it is Lidwine Goessens, Co-Owner at Event office TreaT.
1. Why did you choose the position you have now?
For years, I worked as a European Marketing Manager in the medical industry. I found out that I knew the European congress cities and location better that my own region: Zuid-Limburg. During that time I also realised that networking, teambuilding and getting to know your colleagues in a different setting during training days, congresses and meetings are very important. In 2002, my partner had started Event offi
ce Treat by then and in 2007 I joined him, leaving the medical sector for the world of events. I really enjoy contributing to the success of several national and international organisations by organising business events.
2. What are the most recent developments within your company?
Our company is now 16 years old and we continue to develop and innovate our activities. Our methods however, have barely changed during these years: our personal approach, close relationships with regional hotels and partners, our creativity and passion to help our clients and guests to make the most of their day are our strengths.
In addition we have started a new label “CityGoose” city games, which offers an innovative way to discover cities (www.citygoose.nl). This is a perfect addition to the trends of gamification, story telling and to the development that people want to plan their own day and activities. CityGoose games offer an independent way to discover cities without guides. Guests makes their own plan and keep their own pace. We are now planning to include international cities to our CityGoose portfolio.
3. Which challenges are you facing?
It is a well known fact that most events, business outings and office parties take place in a relatively short time frame. We keep a close eye at our calendar and know well ahead of time which weekends will be very busy. Availability of locations and of good staff will always be a challenge.
4. What have you achieved, of which you are most proud?
One of our highlights has been organising the A2 tunnel dinner in 2015. It was a gala dinner for 500 guests in the tunnel that was still under construction. It was a goose bump moment when 500 night lights lit up the dark tunnel. We were able to present €85.000,- in sponsoring for the Ronald McDonald houses in Limburg.
5. What do you do when you are not working?
The beauty of our job is the ‘mandatory’ exploring of the region, hotels, restaurants, best routes and locations. Additionally I love good food, tennis, yoga and games!
6. What does the Maastricht Convention Bureau mean to you?
The Maastricht Convention Bureau gives us the opportunity to increase our target market from meetings and incentives to conference visitors and exhibitors. We have organised among others an early morning run and bike for visitors of a medical conference, a 70s disco and drinks for exhibitors and several parties for conference visitors.
