SugarFactory is a catering-free venue. Nevertheless, our account managers are happy to advise customers on catering, technology, and decor for all kinds of events. You can get to know some of our partners on our blog. Maaike Drukker, account manager at MPS | food & design, kicks things off. As befits an account manager, she talks about her work with passion and enthusiasm.
Maaike, what exactly do you do?
"MPS | food & design, formerly Martinair Party Service, creates event catering that appeals to the imagination. We always start by coming up with a concept. The central question here is: what experience do we want to create? We are also known for our flexibility, our creative approach to catering concepts, and our tight organization of logistics for large and complex events."
What are the most important trends in your field?
“Circular catering is the trend of the moment. Food waste is no longer acceptable. We take our environment and future generations into account by using less and less meat and fish in our dishes, purchasing our products from local suppliers, and looking at how we can reduce waste. In addition, presentation is becoming increasingly important. I think this is partly due to Instagram and the many cooking programs.
How do you distinguish yourselves?
"Details are incredibly important at an event; they create the wow factor. That's why we create a customized plan for each event, so that the result seamlessly matches the specific wishes of our clients. We also distinguish ourselves through our own pool of employees. Since 2018, we have MPS | people, a pool of service staff and hostesses with whom we collaborate. We train everyone ourselves, because we believe it is important that everyone who works for us embodies our DNA."
What do you like most about your work?
"Our company is buzzing with energy. I love that; positive energy takes everything to a higher level. As an account manager, no two days are the same. I meet new people every day, it's a dynamic job, and I can use my creativity. I also contribute ideas on a strategic level. I've had the opportunity to organize wonderful events for many different clients and have built special relationships as a result. And my relationships continue to surprise me, which gives me energy."
Food and drink bring people together, and I always enjoy seeing that.
How did you come into contact with SugarFactory?
"We were asked to provide the catering for one of the first events ever held at SugarFactory, which was the introduction of the Twitter Netherlands Team. I remember how surprised I was by the location. It was so impressive. The industrial atmosphere has been well preserved and, although it's a raw setting, the authentic elements make it extremely atmospheric. I quickly noticed that this group of enthusiasts really enjoy their work. They are flexible, able to switch gears quickly, and go the extra mile. They have the same attitude as we do, which is why I think we're such a good match."
What is the most special thing you have experienced?
"The event for Google. MOVE, now known as The Oval Office, organized the plenary session complete with a real LED tunnel. Our employees, in turn, handed out bites on Oxboards. It was quite an experience for the guests, but also for our employees! Another memorable event was the annual presentation of SBS Broadcasting, where the program The Island was presented, among other things. We came up with a culinary 'Tarzan & Jane' concept: a tasting of insects and unusual plants."
And do you have any special plans for the future?
"We are in the process of launching a new label, with which we want to support clients at more 'low-key' events. Of course, good quality is still central, but the service level is somewhat lower and we are opting for more grab & go items. We are also continuously improving circular catering options in our concepts. With these future plans, we believe we will be able to respond even better to the wishes and needs of our clients."
Want more information about MPS | food & design? Visit the website
! We will be introducing more partners on our blog soon. Can't wait? Then get in touch
with the SugarFactory team. We are happy to advise you.
