Maastricht Convention Bureau

In the spotlight

In the spotlight: Bob van Herpen

Each month, we aim our spotlight at one of our regional partners. What are the developments within their company? What are the challenges? In short: you will not only get to know the person better, but also the company where he or she works. This month’s In the spotlight guest Bob van Herpen, new General Manager of Amrâth Grand Hotel de l’Empereur:

1. Why did you choose the position you have now?

“The position of General manager van Amrâth Grand Hotel de l’Empereur fits my career in the hotel industry. After my graduation at the Hotel Management School Maastricht, I worked in various positions in the hospitality branch all over the world. As General Manager of this beautiful company, I can combine and use this experience very well. I am proud that I can work for this beautiful company.”

2. What are the most recent developments within your company? (HR/renovation plans etc.)

“Last year, all 149 rooms, including our junior suites and presidential suites, were completely renovated Our multi functional hall complex is fully equipped with the latest resources for conferences, meetings and events. At Grand Hotel de L’Empereur we aim to offer a total package for our guests.”

3. Which challenges are you facing?

“Not so much a challenge as a chance is to offer a unique personal hospitality experience for our guests. In particular, the experience of our guests is central to us and must be taken care of and top-notch. Our guests must be really taken care of. Whether you are here for a weekend in Maastricht, a holiday, wedding or congress, we strive at Grand Hotel de l’Empereur for that unique experience. The challenge while doing this is to stay ahead of hospitality providers.”

4. What have you achieved, of which you are most proud?

“Together with our motivated and professional team, we offer our guests a wonderful experience every day and every stay. One of that we may all be proud. Certainly when you regularly hear from satisfied guests.”

5. What does the Maastricht Convention Bureau mean to you?

“The Maastricht Convention Bureau is an important partner for promoting Maastricht at international trade shows. They are doing their utmost to acquire conferences for Maastricht and are ambassador for our beautiful city of Maastricht. Obviously, all these people need a place to sleep and that is where we come in. We also cooperate in our hall complex for both meetings and dinners.”

Earlier editions of this feature

New style:

“Old” style:

In the spotlight: Camille Oostwegel jr.

Now that we have a new feature A word from the expert, our feature In the spotlight slightly changed. As of today, we aim our spotlight at one of our regional partners. What are the developments within their company? What are the challenges? In short: you will not only get to know the person better, but also the company where he or she works. Our first In the spotlight guest “new style” is Camille Oostwegel jr., Director Business Development of the Oostwegel Collection:

1. Why did you choose the position you have now?

Camille Oostwegel jr. Photo credit: Clea Betlem

“The position of Director Business Development is a position I have since July 2015 and which fits the experiences I have from working abroad. The plan is that eventually, within the next three years, I take over the family business from my father.”

2. What are the most recent developments within your company? (HR/renovation plans etc.)

“Since the beginning of January, the St. Gerlach Pavilion & Castle farm at St. Gerlach are open. At the St. Gerlach Pavilion, 3 multi functional meeting rooms can be used, seperately or combined (850m2). This means that a large variety of meetings and events up to 750 guests become possible. As an addition to the pavilion, there are 6 break-out rooms at the castle farm and at Burgemeester Quicx, Coffee & More.”

3. Which challenges are you facing?

“The challenge for our company is the way we explain our location and accessibility to foreign guests. We often notice that guests find it strange to hear they can best fly to an international airport in Germany or Belgium whilst their end destination is the Netherlands.”

4. What have you achieved, of which you are most proud?

“I am most proud of the staff members who create new memories for themselves and our guests every day. This is something that lasts and which is very important for the complete and positive experience of the working place as well as a place to stay for our guestst.”

5. What does the Maastricht Convention Bureau mean to you?

“The Maastricht Convention Bureau is an important drive, bringing large conferences to Maastricht. The whole region profits from the hard work Jurgen Moors and his team put into the acquisition of conferences. After all, all conference delegates need a place to stay and a place to eat.”

 

Earlier editions of this feature (“old style”):

In the spotlight: Lars Flinkerbusch

Each month, we aim our spotlight at someone dedicated to the Maastricht region, a beautiful conference destination. This month, that someone is Lars Flinkerbusch, Director of Maastricht Marketing. Each In the spotlight participant will be asked the same five questions. This is the response of Lars Flinkerbusch:

1. Why do you love the Maastricht region?

“When in Maastricht, it feels as if one is abroad,not in the Netherlands. A city with an international university with a magnificent culinary and cultural offer, shops and fashion, where old and new meet in an ubelievable exciting way. That is why I love Maastricht. From a drink at Café Sjiek, the Struys or the Bobbel to reading a newspaper at the Dominicanenkerk (Dominicum Church) or strolling along the river Meuse or in the hilly surroundings”

2. What is your most favourite memory?

“It is always enjoyable in Maastricht, but during events such as TEFAF, the André Rieu Concerts or het Preuvenemint, Maastricht is at its best.”

3. What is your “hidden treasure” and why?

“There are many; time and time again, I discover new beautiful spots in the Maastricht region. Like recently, when I participated the first Urban Trial Maastricht. It was a course through unique streets and historic buildings you normally would not go through.”

4. Why should any conference organiser or association organise their conference in the Maastricht region at least once in their lifetime?

“Maastricht is a unique congress destination. No where else you will find a city which is as compact and good-natured with such an atmospehere and hospitality. A congress is a business event but the scenery and entouragde give the congress an extra dimension. Good hotels, professional suppliers, luxurious transportation and in inernational congress center complete it all.”

5. What does the Maastricht Convention Bureau mean to you?

“As former founder of the Noordwijk Regional Convention Bureau (Noordwijk Marketing) I am committed to the congress industry. The Maastricht Convention Bureau is the authority in the field of congress acquisition for Maastricht and, together with Maastricht Marketing, puts the city on the map.”

 

Earlier editions of this feature: