Age: 35
Works at SEAUTON since: September 2011
Function: Marketing Manager
Dream-destination: Melbourne, Australia
Likes: my friends and family, summer and of course: travelling
Dislikes: I’m not exactly fond of snow. That’s why I’m not a fan of skiing and snowboarding either; it’s just not my piece of cake.
What does a Marketing Manager at SEAUTON do?
“I am responsible for everything that is related to press, communication and marketing: the look and feel of the SEAUTON brand, the website, newsletters and presentations, and social media. Our goal is to strengthen the brand awareness through these channels and based on market research and in-depth competitive analyses. I am also a creative sparring partner for our sales team and I offer sales support with targeted marketing actions and business presentations. The development of a press strategy, press relations and press follow-up are also in my hands. Last but not least, I have and advisory role in mapping out the company’s future course.”
A job in the MICE industry takes you all around the world. Which places have you visited?
“As a Marketing Manager I don’t travel quite as often as my colleagues do, at least not for work. Our Project Team is always on the road, staying at the coolest hotels and experiencing the greatest things. I always tell people who have just started working here: “Once you have worked at SEAUTON, travelling will never be the same again.” For me the situation is somewhat different, though. I do sometimes attend international conferences or other events that inspire me, but most of the time I travel with my family, just because I love travelling. I have already visited many places, but there are still about a hundred destinations on my to-do list (laughing). This year, I am visiting Iceland, Valencia and southern France and I just got back from Lisbon and Curacao.”
Where do you find inspiration to give marketing projects that typical SEAUTON-touch?
“I am curious by nature, always looking for information about all kinds of things by talking to people, spending hours and hours reading books and magazines like Condé Nast Traveller, Monocle or Sabato, De Standaard Magazine, Goodbye, Feeling, … I find inspiration everywhere. You will often find me surfing the Internet, googling for information, tips, … Travelling is also a great way to find inspiration and you don’t even have to go very far. Every new environment – near or far – can help you to broaden your horizon.”
If you could give us one piece of advice about the organisation of meetings, what would it be?
“Don’t forget to take a break. The impact of a small rest break is enormous. It boosts productivity and it is a great opportunity to network. For many people networking is the most important reason for attending a meeting. So make sure you plan a break so they are able to talk to colleagues, have some face-time with vendors or get in touch with the office. That way, you have people’s full focus during the meeting, which will be a lot more productive.”
