In our latest article, we catch up with Martine Rietkerk, Event Operations Manager at Interclean to find out more about her experience, her role and what she loves about Interclean!
I have been working for RAI Amsterdam for 14 years now. I started in the Exhibitor Services department, then moved on to the RAI Exhibitions department. I organised various trade shows, both nationally and internationally, such as Safety & Security, Building Holland, GreenTech, Aquatech and Amsterdam Drone Week.
Choosing Interclean
I began to work for Interclean to set myself a new challenge. Having worked for several other shows in several sectors for the RAI, I was keen to work on such a well-respected show. I felt I was ready for a new challenge and a new sector, namely cleaning and hygiene!
Interclean is a large trade show, in actual size and in reach, drawing in cleaning and hygiene exhibitors and enthusiasts from all over the world. As an Event Operations Manager I can use a lot of creativity for that!
Getting ready for the show
The Interclean show in 2022 will be the first edition of Interclean Amsterdam for me on a profesional level. However, I have visited Interclean many times before and explored what it has to offer.
Organizers had to cancel the show last year, so our first time back at the RAI in Amsterdam since the pandemic will be in 2022. People are working so hard on it and it’s going to be a great show, with new exhibitors and innovations aplenty!
My favourite subject at Interclean is window cleaning, which is demonstrated outside of the building. In general, I really like the area outside of the building, where exhibitors give demonstrations. It is a really fun and informative part of the show.
An integral role
In my role as the Event Operations Manager for Interclean I cover many things. I am in contact with the exhibitors to advise them on realising optimal exhibition participation. I also liaise with the internal department to coordinate catering, parking, logistics and operational matters.
I work together with external suppliers when it comes to building stands, pavilions, theatres, network terraces and innovation labs. I am also responsible for the organisation of the opening of the show, exhibitor drinks and speaker’s management. So, a very varied workload, as you can see!
Job satisfaction
For months prior to a show I am in contact with the exhibitors. I work with 2D floor plans and visuals to plan their stands. During construction of the show everything comes together brilliantly. I can reveal that the most beautiful stands are being realised by exhibitors and stand builders for Interclean 2022.
So much care and love are being put into the stands for the up and coming Interclean show in Amsterdam next May. This gives me great job satisfaction, knowing that I have worked with exhibitors to realise their vision for their stands. My compliments to the exhibitors of Interclean!
Varied skillset
I would say that my strongest trait or ability is calmness. I work well within an organised environment, bringing order to a situation in a measured way. When you think of Martine, you think of calmness and the ability to provide a structured overview of a project.
Within my role as Event Operations Manager at Interclean Amsterdam, I really enjoy developing new exhibition concepts and coming up with creative solutions for operational issues. With my input and creativity, I want Interclean 2022 to be the best show yet!
Part of a team
The Interclean team is very steady and strong. Interclean has a large agent network and the amount of contact with exhibitors is intense. There is a lot of market knowledge available within the team however, so we all support each other.
The Interclean team are very pleasant to be amongst. We really enjoy working together and we also go out together outside of work. Fun activities are regularly organized, such as dinners.
Outside interests
Out of work I have several hobbies. I really enjoy styling houses. In addition to my work at RAI Amsterdam, I am a real estate stylist. I am currently doing a real estate photography course, I can really express my creativity through this!
In terms of other hobbies, I also enjoy sport and travel. I am an active person and swimming is my favourite sport. I also enjoy attending music festivals and going on trips in our camper van.
