CEO Bert Knuts reflects on the values and impact of the Special Olympics Opening Ceremony
November 15, 2023, marked a significant moment for Event Masters at the Belgian Event Awards ceremony. Set against the backdrop of the Antwerp Avenue, the creativity and commitment of our team were honoured with a BEA Award win for our role in organising the opening ceremony for the Special Olympics.
This award is a proud moment for the entire Event Masters team and an affirmation of our dedication to creating meaningful events that resonate emotionally and have a social impact. It bears witness to the hard work, creativity, and innovation that we always aim for in our event planning and execution.
In a heartfelt conversation with Bert Knuts, CEO of Event Masters, we gain insight into the importance of this award and how it reflects our values and vision.
Interview with Bert Knuts,
CEO of Event Masters
BEA Award and Special Olympics
Bert, congratulations with this important BEA award. Hosting the opening ceremony for the Special Olympics is not just any event. Can you share some highlights of the opening ceremony that made you most proud?
- Thank you! One of the proudest moments was undoubtedly seeing the joy and excitement on the athletes’ faces during the ceremony. The convergence of music, artists, and performance into a harmonious whole that touched everyone present was an unforgettable highlight. We succeeded in bringing together people with and without disabilities in every aspect of the show. This required a lot of organisation and empathy, but it made the event unique.
What challenges and unique aspects did organising an opening ceremony for the Special Olympics present compared to other events?
- The biggest challenge was creating an event that was both accessible and exciting for athletes with various needs and abilities. It required a deep understanding of inclusivity and careful planning to ensure that every athlete felt involved and valued.
What are some key lessons or insights your company has gained from this project that can be applied to future events?
- This project demonstrated the importance of empathy and creative adaptation in event planning. We learned that with the right approach, events can be a platform for both celebration and awareness, deeply touching the community.
As CEO, what would you like to say to the employees and partners who contributed to the success of the Special Olympics ceremony?
- I am incredibly grateful for the dedication and hard work of everyone involved. Your efforts and passion are the true drivers behind the success of this event. You all contributed to something very special. They were the games of the heart.
Diversity and Inclusion
Bert, the Special Olympics naturally align closely with themes like diversity and inclusion. As the CEO of Event Masters, what message do you want to convey about the importance of inclusion and the opportunities for people with disabilities?
- Inclusion is about recognizing and celebrating everyone’s unique contributions. It’s about creating space where everyone feels valued and has the opportunity to shine. This is an important sentiment for everyone.
Diversity and inclusion are also very important values for Event Masters. Can you describe how Event Masters’ values were reflected in the organisation of the Special Olympics opening ceremony?
- Our focus was on creating an event where everyone felt welcome and involved. This was achieved through close collaboration with various groups and by listening to their needs and desires, resulting in an inclusive celebration. From the moment we were asked to organize the opening ceremony, we were intrigued. We felt that this was a project that fit our company and something we absolutely wanted to go for. It was also very nice to hear from colleague agencies that they thought this event should be organized by Event Masters.
After the success of the Special Olympics, what are the next steps for Event Masters in terms of organising socially responsible events?
- We aim to continue innovating and committing to events that promote social responsibility. We will continue to create experiences that not only entertain but also inform and inspire positive change.
How will Event Masters continue to contribute to sustainable development and corporate social responsibility in the future?
- We will continually evaluate and improve our business activities and event planning to ensure sustainable practices. This includes everything from reducing our ecological footprint to supporting local communities and promoting diversity within our organisation. We have established an internal DEI team that will ensure to set the right accents and continue to motivate the team and management in this important issue.