The Connector
CONNECTING THE RIGHT CONTENT
WITH THE RIGHT PEOPLE
AT THE RIGHT TIME!
creator of meaningful collaborations • energizing, relevant, memorable and effective events • out-of-the-box thinking • intl. association management • fun chaser & artist…
Hi I’m Silke, an event and association pro with over 20 years’ international experience, working in many facets of marketing including sustainable-healthy production, exhibition management, corporate and PCO services. I’m always "looking beyond borders” incorporating speakers outside the traditional field or embracing a more "open" conference format, while also encouraging attendees and planners to think of the local and global impact of their activities. Ever since the start of my career I’ve been part of the association world and continuously improve their marketing, processes and management.
“All of our activities, including our events, should be meaningful and make a lasting impact. With any of the projects I’ve accompanied I hope to have contributed to a better understanding, inspiration, innovation and opportunities for everyone; the team, city, venue, partners, attendees... not just another project but something that mattered to the people involved.”
Specialities:
Are you looking for an objective thinking partner?
I’m curious and interested in many topics and a "do-it-all" who loves to empower people and set up (new) innovative initiatives and processes. Let’s shake up traditional learning formats and approaches!
Share your problems, bounce off your ideas and get thought, down-to-earth input!
Rely on me to work enthusiastically to analyze your ideas or problems and help you to find you the right partner(s). Together we will develop creative, innovative, workable solutions.
Expertise and interests:
event design to deliver sustainable, energizing and healthy meetings; experience creation; speaking; association management; international association & event management; organizational (association) culture; mentoring; analyze and quality checks of your current processes; advising on sourcing suppliers & bidding processes…
Clients come from a wide range of industries: semiconductors, energy, venues, hotels, communication agency, PCO…
“Your RfP is very well written, its a great vision!!”
Fun Facts
Most unusual job (so far) hand modelling
Have being introduced as “Mrs ‘Schnitzel’…”
Social Media
Languages:
German (mother tongue) | French (excellent) | English (excellent) | Dutch (can talk 😉)
Career:
Silke worked for several associations since 2000 and is currently employed with EPCA (January 2022). From 2011 - 2021 she held different positions (Communication, Events, Marketing, Operations, Growth) at Euroheat & Power, prior to that she worked as Conference Director for Colloquium Brussels (a Professional Congress Organiser). Silke worked for different associations such as SEMI, where she was in charge of the SEMICON Europe & Russia Trade Shows; the European Wind Energy Association, leading the events and marketing team; and UITP – Advancing Public Transport, the beginning.
Education, Awards and Activities:
Education:
Executive Master In International Association Management at Solvay Brussels School of Economics & Management - completed in January 2019 with highest honors. Thesis “Relationship between Association Culture and Performance”
HEC Paris: “Orgology - Understand Organizations, Act, and Build a Meaningful World” - Distinction - Grade: 97.6% in 2015
CEM – Certificate in Exhibition Management: Show Development - April 2007; Site Selection April – 2007; Operations Management - October 2006; Project Management - October 2006
Recognition & Awards:
Year 2021: Women Who Advance Associations
Year 2018: one of the 25 Most Influential People in the Meetings Industry 2018
Year 2019 & 2020: one of the 100 people who have greatly influenced the event industry
Activities:
Ambassador of Healthy Venues www.healthyvenues.org