What are you looking forward to at SPACE?

At SPACE, we have an opportunity to showcase ourselves again and again. My goal is not simply to attract as many visitors as possible, but high-quality visitors. I want people to visit us because we are experts in hoof health and hygiene, not because we hand out promotional items. That is why I worked earlier on an email campaign to get into the customer's mind who we are and what we stand for. My dream is for people to come to us and say: ‘I saw your solution somewhere and I have a problem. Can we talk about it?’ AND this year we have a new stand, because I wanted something innovative, not a standard set-up. I visited some trade fairs and then found my idea: a garden party. Grass on the floor, pergolas and lots of space for the products. I'm very proud of it!

Is SPACE the only fair you participate in? 

I am responsible for all events within Schippers France, including national, local and open door events. For national events, there are two big ones: one close to our office in Rennes, which is SPACE, and the other, Sommet, in central France. These events attract two distinct types of customers.At Sommet, people take the time to engage in extensive discussions, discover new ideas and seek solutions. At SPACE, the atmosphere is different. Visitors are often already familiar with the solutions and suppliers, especially as in the west of France many vendors regularly drop by to present their products. Livestock farmers come to SPACE to catch up with their suppliers and discuss issues they have already thought about, rather than to discover new products. This makes it harder to start conversations, although we still achieve our goals and it challenges us. So both events require a completely different approach.

How do you feel the day before SPACE?

Relaxed, because I can't do more than I've already done. Just like taking an exam. When you put your pen on your desk, it's done, you've done your best and you don't have to stress anymore. The day after on the other hand is stressful. That's because Sommet is two weeks after and we have to evaluate, rebuild and check everything.

What makes Schippers such a great place to work that you still stayed on after four years?

I was hired by the then manager, who was strongly committed to ensuring that all his employees would develop and learn a lot. Since I like doing new things, I learnt a lot there and started in the marketing department without any specific study background. I am now responsible for marketing and e-commerce for France together with two colleagues. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to learn and for the room to grow as a Marketer at Schippers.

Are you also curious about growing within Schippers? Check our vacancy site!