Get in touch
Afspraak maken

Meet The Insiders: Linde Heerdink, project manager

27 november 2024

From Organizing Travel to Traveling for The Inside

Linde’s Journey from the Travel Industry to Exhibition Project Management

Linde began her career in the travel industry, but her passion for organization and planning led her to The Inside. “I was looking for a job where I could fully use my organizational skills. When I found the project manager position at The Inside, I knew it was the perfect match. It’s a completely different world from the travel industry, but that’s exactly what I love—the variety of projects and tasks keeps it exciting.”

As a project manager, Linde ensures that what’s designed on paper becomes a reality at the exhibition. This involves everything from discussing client needs to managing materials and logistics. As she puts it: “No two weeks are ever the same!”

Earlier this year, Linde was invited to participate in the exchange program between D&M, Happy Projects, and The Inside. She didn’t hesitate for long and quickly responded with an enthusiastic “Yes!” In October, she packed her bags for an educational journey to the United States. "The trip started in Kentucky, where I had the opportunity to visit D&M, one of our American partners. They even arranged a great house for me with an electric bike, so I could commute to the office just like a true Dutchie!" Linde laughs. "At the office, I got a behind-the-scenes look at their workflows and processes. I attended meetings, observed a design pitch, visited the local expo hall, and had insightful conversations with colleagues. Everyone was so welcoming and eager to share their expertise, which helped me quickly gain a deeper understanding of the American exhibition industry—fascinating!"

Linde Heerdink

Las Vegas: The City That Never Sleeps

After Kentucky, Linde traveled with D&M to Las Vegas, which left a big impression on her. “The city itself is an experience—massive hotels with their own exhibition halls, everything is flashy and grand.”

She got a behind-the-scenes look at the setup for the Money2020  trade show and immediately noticed differences in logistics: “The way loading and unloading is organized is completely different from what I’m used to.”

To round off her journey, she flew to Chicago for the Pack Expo, where she not only explored the trade show but also observed how labor organizations operate. “The contrast couldn’t be bigger. In the Netherlands, we work with our own teams and builders, whereas in the U.S., labor organizations handle construction. This means you don’t always know who is working on your stand because everything is managed through unions. It took some getting used to, but it was a valuable learning experience.”

Sustainable Stand Construction

One of the biggest differences? The construction methods. In the U.S., modular stand construction is widely used, utilizing reusable aluminum frames. “This is incredibly sustainable,” Linde explains.

Another surprising discovery was how American clients are fascinated by European influences in stand design—such as seating areas, small bars, and a more hospitality-driven approach. “I had never really thought about it, but once I started paying attention, I realized these elements are much less common in American stands.”

An Experience to Remember

Back in the Netherlands, Linde reflects on her exchange with great enthusiasm. “It has broadened my perspective on stand construction. From sustainability to planning and execution, I’ve learned so much. It also gave me a better understanding of the differences between Europe and the U.S., and why certain choices are made.”

For anyone considering an exchange, Linde has one piece of advice: “Go for it! It’s an incredible experience. Talk to people, learn how they work, and discover the differences firsthand.”

With this international experience under her belt, Linde brings fresh ideas to The Inside—and who knows, you might just see them come to life on the exhibition floor in her next projects!

Excited to work at The Inside?

Check out our job openings and apply today!

Gerelateerde berichten

Meet The Insiders

Meet the Insiders: Tycho, workshop employee

Read more
Meet The Insiders

Meet the Insiders: Marlot, project manager

Read more
Meet The Insiders

Meet The Insiders: Stefan, sales manager

Read more

Get in touch for a no-obligation quote and explore our full-service custom solutions

Start project
  • Schedule an introduction

Contact us

Please fill out the form below and we will contact you as soon as possible.