An unforgetable year

2022 has become, for me and for my business partner Susan, a year to remember in many ways. On 18 November 2021, the Netherlands went into another lockdown because of COVID-19. Fortunately, by February we could finally breathe again.

Infections dropped quickly and the event industry slowly came back to life. We could start planning events that had been postponed multiple times, for clients who were eager to meet their clients and employees in person again. Full speed ahead. It felt great to be back in a positive flow after almost 24 months of very limited activity in events.

And how rewarding it is when a major anniversary celebration finally takes place exactly as planned together with the client. For example, we had been working with Stichting Halt for 1,5 years on their 40 year anniversary. And again it proved that good preparation is key. At the Oude Luxor theatre, employees and relations were treated to an inspiring programme called “The many faces of Halt,” highlighting all aspects of the organisation’s work. The day was followed by a spectacular staff party where everyone was dancing on the tables by 20:30.

Other postponed events also took place again, such as the College Tour for Harvest House, the Better Food Festival for Albert Heijn and Vezet, an international congress for Grodan, and many other inspiring events and conferences.

In addition to event organisation, I am also regularly hired as a communications specialist. In the first half of 2022, I worked for GroentenFruit Huis, where I was also involved in various events at Floriade, in Berlin and Rotterdam, as well as an international congress about pears (yes, that really exists). It was quite busy.

That is why it was very valuable to take the entire month of July off and fully disconnect for a while. One of the advantages of being self employed. It was not only enjoyable but also necessary after such an intense period. And of course, I have been busy before, who is not these days. But the first half of the year was also intense in another way: Wout, the son of Susan and Bas, was very ill. And by very ill I mean life threateningly ill. Fortunately, a small miracle happened and he is doing well again now. A huge relief, because the people you love are what matters most in life, more than any job.

I wish everyone happy holidays and hope you can spend them with the people closest to you. And of course all the best for 2023.

Warm regards,
Pauline