Fleur Sikkes (26) is an Account Manager at SugarFactory. With her enthusiasm and entrepreneurial attitude, she has already supported many clients during the intensive period leading up to an event. Of course, she is also there for them on the day itself.
How did you end up at SugarFactory?
"A business acquaintance told me that SugarFactory was looking for an Account Manager. I was familiar with the location from the recordings of The Voice of Holland, but at the time I didn't know how extensive the possibilities were for all kinds of events. When I walked into the factory for the first time, I was very impressed. The well-preserved elements from the time when the building housed a sugar factory give every event a special atmosphere. For example, in de Middenfabriek, you will find giant rust-colored boilers as decor, and in de Pulppersloods, there are meter-high pillars. I have been working here since May, and it is always special to see the gratitude and pride of clients during and after an event.
What exactly do you do in your role as Account Manager at SugarFactory?
"As an Account Manager, I am responsible for handling requests. We receive a wide variety of requests, for example for photo shoots or corporate events. This makes the work very varied. And once we've reached an agreement with the client, I also guide them through the process from start to finish. That's what I like most about this job. Sometimes clients know little about the history of the former sugar factory, so I really enjoy telling them the story."
What does your working day look like?
"I start my morning around nine o'clock with a cup of tea, then I start up the system we work with. Every day, I create actions in this system, such as calling (potential) clients to ask whether they have received all the information and whether everything is clear. Or making appointments for site visits. A site visit takes about an hour and a half, because we think it's important to take the time for this. We show them the floor plan of the location over a cup of coffee and give them ideas about the ultimate customer journey. We then take the customer into the factory and try to link their wishes directly to the possibilities per space, so that they get a good idea of the possibilities. We also use photos of events that have already taken place, which we show on an iPad. Every event is custom-made. Once the customer has seen all the possibilities, we're about 1.5 hours down the line! At the end of the day, I assess the extent to which we have succeeded in implementing the actions or what the follow-up should be."
What makes SugarFactory unique in your eyes?
"When you walk into the location, it becomes immediately clear. The high ceilings, old elements… de Middenfabriek, our largest event space, is particularly impressive. The story behind the different spaces makes this a unique location. When the sugar factory was still in full swing, for example, the beets were washed in de Bietenwasruimte at the start of the sugar process. The possibilities are endless. The development of the site on which the factory is located is also special to experience. These developments will create exciting new opportunities in the future."
Can you tell us about your most exciting event at SugarFactory?
"Last fall, I was responsible for my first major event. The client spent no less than two weeks on location for this event. It was a product launch for a car brand, which was attended by a lot of press. An international top model was also present for the presentation. The client had prepared the location for this evening in a very creative way. For example, an LED light floor was installed for the cars to drive over to demonstrate their features. In addition, the industrial elements in de Binnenstraat were beautifully highlighted by the use of lighting. I was really amazed; the location never ceases to surprise me. Every client gives it their own twist."
How do you see the future of SugarFactory?
"I think that in the coming years, clients will pay more attention to no-waste at events. Clients also find it important that an event location takes the environment into account. SugarFactory is already well on its way in that regard. In addition, I think that developments in the SugarFactory area, where the opening of a hotel, restaurants, and 'Amsterdam The Style Outlets' are planned, will further increase the number of bookings and visits. We are certainly ready for it!"
Would you like to get in touch with Fleur or receive more information about the possibilities at SugarFactory? You can call 020 369 01 13 or send an email to info@www.sugarfactory.nl!
