From a course in beauty and wellness to being in charge of an entire events venue: Rolina Cleuskens’ (28) career path illustrates just how varied the routes into Event Management Group can be. Having joined the company as an intern during the coronavirus pandemic, she has been at the helm as venue manager since this month, De Grote Hegge Manor Farm in Thorn.
The start of something bigger
After finishing secondary school, Rolina was certain: she wanted to go into the wedding industry. But which course would suit her? As she couldn’t find a suitable higher professional education programme at the time, she initially opted for the Beauty & Wellness course. “I wanted to work with people in a positive way. For my final-year project, I focused on developing relaxation days for bridal couples at a wellness resort. That way, I could still work on my favourite theme.” She later went on to study Business Economics and Leisure Management at Fontys, where her focus increasingly shifted to the leisure sector.
Whilst looking for an internship, she ended up at Event Management Group. “I’d actually been planning to do an internship abroad, but the introductory interview with Michelle (owner Danny Keppels” right-hand woman, ed.) felt right straight away. EMG was the first organisation that really appealed to me, and once I joined, I never left.”
An internship during the coronavirus pandemic
Rolina began her work placement at a time when the events industry had largely ground to a halt due to the global coronavirus pandemic. Nevertheless, she quickly found her feet. She played an active role in the development of Pietersheim Castle in Lanaken, with the aim of bringing the venue up to the same standard as De Grote Hegge Castle in terms of its image and bookings. “It was an unusual time, but I was able to develop my skills to the full. When everything was allowed to reopen, I led site visits, drew up quotations and organised events in every possible format. That flexible approach was essential at the time, and I’m still reaping the benefits of it today.”
From trainee to manager
During her work placement, her enthusiasm for the role and the organisation grew. She soon realised she wanted to stay at EMG. During her second work placement, she moved to the De Grote Hegge site, where she initially started as an events assistant. After her work placement, a position became available for her straight away: in 2021, she became Event Manager there. “The venue was growing rapidly and needed more staff. I was given more and more tasks and responsibility, and co-owner Jeroen entrusted me with an increasing number of matters. As Kasteelhoeve De Grote Hegge is also one of the most popular wedding venues in the Netherlands, I was able to make my mark in that area of interest too.”
That dedication did not go unnoticed. In October 2025, Rolina was told that she could officially progress to the role of site manager. “I didn’t hesitate for a second. In fact, I’d been wanting to progress for a while and was secretly hoping that the takeover of the site Oolderhof in Herten ”Thanks to Danny, Jeroen and Tom, new opportunities were also set to arise within De Grote Hegge. The fact that it actually came to pass – and that, as a surprise, I was even given a company car – made it all the more special.”
Growing through trust
Over the past few years, Rolina has not only seen her range of responsibilities grow, but, above all, she has grown as a person. “At first, I found presenting and client meetings nerve-wracking, but now it all comes naturally. Event Management Group has given me the space to learn by doing. The support I receive from Danny and Jeroen is truly invaluable. In the space of five years, I’ve gone from being a somewhat insecure student to a confident woman.”
According to her, success at Event Management Group is all about dedication and commitment. “You have to be passionate about what you do. Everyone is given opportunities, but you have to show that you’re committed to it. Going the extra mile – that’s what makes the difference here.”
Working at De Grote Hegge
As a venue manager, she enjoys the variety of her work every day. “No two days are the same. One day I’m doing planning and viewings, the next I’m out with the team at an event. I love keeping everything running smoothly and seeing how satisfied our guests are.”
“I also really enjoy being part of the wider EMG network. The team is close-knit, not just at our event venue, but also with colleagues from other branches. It just feels right.”
A dream come true
What makes her most proud? “That I was able to fulfil my dream straight after graduating: working at a wedding venue. And that I was given that opportunity at EMG. I’ve really found my place here.”
