I'm not used to anything else from EventZ

At what location do you allow sixteen hundred guests of a more than 170-year-old Rotterdam port company to experience an unforgettable staff party? Then only one place comes to mind: floating, historic and imposing ... the ss Rotterdam. Sabine, communications officer for the logistics company, engaged EventZ. She looks back: "Thanks to the perfect preparation it became a top party that people are still talking about."‍

The logistics company's employees are used to something; over the years, a tradition of grand staff parties has grown. Sabine: "It's our way of showing appreciation to our people. Day in and day out, we expect a lot from them, such as a flexible attitude to keep up with rapid changes. That should be rewarded."

Staff Liaison

Those people are the thousand, mostly male, employees, most of whom load and unload cargoes from ships and trucks at the various terminals. Sabine: "Our people are always out and don't come into the office much. So how do we keep them 'on board'? In that sense, staff retention is an absolute challenge for us. We try to strengthen this bond through targeted communication, for example narrowcasting: news via screens at the terminals. But they are not readers! Rotterdammers, don't bullshit, but clean up!"

Judging by the average length of service, there is no cause for concern. "Every year we celebrate many 12.5-, 25- and even 40-year anniversaries. A sign that we are a good employer. And a nice party in due course is part of that."

Save-the-date

And a party is only a top party if it is an unforgettable one. It was, no doubt. Of course, this was preceded by meticulous preparation. Starting with ... the date. Sabine: "Exactly one year before the party date we sent the 'Save-the-date' announcement to all employees and their partners. Because, of course, we want the highest possible turnout. People always look forward to our parties and even adjust their vacation planning accordingly. In the end, attendance was almost ninety percent, exceptionally high!"

Rotterdam's pride

Once the date was set, EventZ was able to start looking for a suitable party venue. "Especially with such a large group, you have to start that early. Our biggest wish was to sail, with 1,600 people in Rotterdam. That's not nothing. A tour of all the shipping companies made it clear that it was logistically impossible to empty a ship for two days. What should we do now? Then René from EventZ came up with the bright idea of approaching Rotterdam's pride, the ss Rotterdam. And that was bingo! The organization of the ss Rotterdam was even willing to rent the ship to us as a whole for one party night. That is truly unique, because normally multiple events and activities take place on the boat."

To perfection

Date: check. Location: check. The interpretation of the program could begin, leaving no square meter on the ship unused. So many halls, restaurants, casinos and terraces, that screams for varied entertainment. Also special: there were 250 hotel rooms available for guests to stay overnight for a small additional fee. The rooms were fully booked within a day! Sabine: "The closer we got to the date, the more all the puzzle pieces fell together. The event was taking shape, and everything was thought out to perfection. Truly a monster job."

Extra dimension

If everything has been thought of and no expense has been spared, all that remains is to keep your fingers crossed for good weather. Sabine: "The party took place in late Indian summer, and in the Netherlands you never know. Fortunately, the weather was fantastic and provided an extra dimension on the outside deck until the late hours." But of course it all started on the quay that day, where guests were welcomed by colorful hostesses. Only to fall from one surprise into another. "The atmosphere was just top notch. All areas and entertainment were neatly indicated on signs and in special program booklets. That way you didn't have to miss anything from the shows, discos, performances, casinos and restaurants."

Abundance

Of course, the inner man should not lack anything during such an event. "Believe me," Sabine continues, "you fell from one culinary surprise to another. So much variety and themes in the different restaurants. Food and drinks were plentiful, with everyone thought of. But I'm not used to anything else from EventZ!"