At Event Management Group (EMG), they believe in the power of young, enterprising talent. A perfect example of this is Karin Kieszl, who, at the age of 25, was put in charge of De Groote Sociëteit on the Vrijthof in Maastricht two and a half years ago. Her story illustrates how EMG offers ambitious event professionals the opportunity to develop and play a key role within the organisation.
From Hotel School to Event Management Group
Karin, now 27, realised at an early age that her passion lay in the hospitality and events industry. After she turned 15e Although she started out with a part-time job at Van Der Valk in Maastricht, she gained experience in the years that followed at Different Hotels, Hotel Monastère and MECC. It was here that she met Danny Keppels, founder of Event Management Group. Although there was no suitable role available at the time, she applied immediately when the vacancy for venue manager at The Great Society went online. She hit it off straight away with Danny and his right-hand woman, Michelle, and within a month her new adventure began: setting up and developing a completely new events venue within EMG’s growing portfolio.
Freedom and responsibility
What appeals to Karin so much about EMG is the opportunity to put her own vision and approach into practice. “I can apply my own approach at my venue and take on events independently,” she says enthusiastically. She is also proud that, as a native of Maastricht, she can help promote De Groote Sociëteit and its rich history.
The move into this managerial role was a great opportunity for her. Although she already had experience in management, the role at De Groote Sociëteit involves much more: from licences and finances to staff management. “For me, this is the first step towards becoming an entrepreneur. Ultimately, I want to run my own business, and within EMG there is the opportunity to run a venue as a co-owner. That is my ultimate goal.”
Strengthening one another
A managerial role naturally also involves managing staff. Karin is given a great deal of freedom in this regard by EMG and the partners at the De Groote Sociëteit event venue: Danny, Xavier and Michelle. She does not see herself as a top-down boss who controls everything. “I prefer to work together with my team, listen to their input and give them the same freedom and trust that I myself have been given. The work must remain enjoyable and motivating, even during stressful moments at busy events. At such times, it doesn’t help anyone if, as a manager, you behave in an authoritarian manner.”
Within EMG, she receives a great deal of support, both because of the company’s reputation in the region and thanks to the shared back-end platform with other sites. “Not only do we help each other secure great opportunities to work on, but the monthly management meetings are also extremely valuable. We share information and learn from each other’s experiences. That’s how we strengthen one another.”
As well as her role as venue manager, Karin also holds a marketing position within Event Management Group. This involves her travelling regularly throughout Limburg, from venue to venue. Whilst this can sometimes be a challenge, it is precisely the broad perspective this gives her that she finds valuable. “I see what’s going on at different event venues, which gives me an even stronger connection to the organisation.”
André Rieu’s Vrijthof Concerts
One of the highlights of the year for Karin is the season of André Rieu’s Vrijthof concerts. De Groote Sociéteit offers unique terrace packages where guests can enjoy a magnificent view, delicious food and an atmospheric setting. “It’s a whole month of ‘partying together’, but fortunately we’ve built up extensive experience in organising events. This enables us to offer our guests high-quality service, an atmospheric ambience and refined catering whilst they enjoy the concerts.”
These events present a major logistical challenge, but Karin is fully in charge. From ticket sales and guest lists to staff deployment and liaising with the local council – all these tasks fall under Karin’s responsibility. “The first day is nerve-wracking, but after that you just go with the flow. The whole of July is all about Rieu. But it’s such fun to do, especially because of the brilliant atmosphere amongst both guests and staff.”
An inspiring message for young talent
For young people with the same ambitions as her, Karin has a clear message: “Have the courage to take the plunge and do what you really want to do. Look for work that gives you a sense of fulfilment. At an employer like Event Management Group, you’ll be given the chance to grow, but it’s up to you to seize and make the most of those opportunities.”
Within Event Management Group, she herself will continue to grow over the coming years and take her first steps towards entrepreneurship. “My ultimate goal is to become a co-owner of a venue within EMG. That would be the ultimate next step for me.”
