True to her motto “Cultural interaction leads to positive change and uplifting knowledge transfer”, Céline Laukemann, Senior Sales Manager, EMEA at Ungerboeck has already seen a lot of the world: After obtaining her MSc degrees in Economics and Education at the University of Constance, Germany, she started out in Africa for 5 years (although she had originally planned to stay only 6 months) where she worked in various industries and even initiated a couple of vocational education initiatives to sustainably generate local jobs. And now, 17 years and a couple of enriching cultural life stations later, she still hasn’t returned to Germany. “Where do you come from?” is definitely not an easy questions for her to answer.

But if asked which industry she feels at home in, she’d reply: the exhibition and event industry! Exhibitions and events have always played a big part in Céline’s life and working for the well-known event software provider Ungerboeck has rekindled her love for SaaS and digitization. Many years of public speaking experience make Céline a seasoned and sought-after speaker at international conferences and congresses always eager to share her knowledge with her audiences. With her extensive background in Finance, Foreign Direct Investments, and Sales focusing on market entry strategies for European companies, Céline is an expert in crossing cultures and enabling knowledge transfer between different industries and countries. One of her most recent speaking engagements was at SCLForum 2019 in Barcelona where she addressed the topic of “Navigating Africa’s Supply Chain Challenges”.

Fun fact about Céline Laukemann: Sometime in the future she would like to fulfil her dream of driving from Europe to Africa – in a Landrover with a rooftop tent, of course – and find a place to build a school!

“I’ve seen a lot, tried a lot, and travelled a lot”, that’s what Thorsten Hilber, Director of Business Development, EMEA, at Ungerboeck, says about himself. Looking at his widely varied background, it soon becomes evident that this is not just a “slogan”: Following his studies of German and art history at the University of Heidelberg, he went on to work in various industries such as radio broadcasting, tourism, real estate, and now event software. After exploring many paths, Thorsten has finally arrived at his true passion: working for a leader in event technology and supporting the meeting and exhibition industry.

Thorsten believes in the power of face-to-face meetings; he lives and loves communication and masters the art of storytelling and actively engaging with his audience. As a founding member of the Exhibition Think Tank Club he’s been a featured speaker on the topic of constant learning and its benefits for both individuals and exhibition companies. Thorsten’s extensive knowledge of the event and exhibition industry combined with his keen sense of humor also make him a sought-after speaker at international industry congresses and conferences.

Shaun leads the team at Manchester Central in its purpose to connect people, ideas and
business through meaningful experiences at live events and in the new virtual and hybrid
space.
Shaun is passionate about the contribution that Manchester Central makes to the city’s
economy and works to ensure the venue sits at the heart of the local business community
whilst maintaining its standing as a leading international convention centre.
As Vice Chair of the Association of Event Venues (AEV) and Board Member of the Events
Industry Alliance (EIA) Shaun lobbies for greater recognition for the UK events industry and
the role that it plays in underpinning national economic performance.
Prior to joining Manchester Central, Shaun led international operations at BridgeStreet
Global Hospitality and has more than 25 years’ experience working across hospitality,
property and business service sectors.

Max’s career at the Business Design Centre began in 1998 as catering supervisor for Sodexho. The BDC soon became aware of Max’s ability and he was asked to join to support the launch of the new Gallery Hall conference space in 2000. Max immediately made an impact and it quickly became clear he had a talent for selling.

Max is recognised as playing a pivotal role in the development of the BDC’s fastest growing area within the business and was inducted to the Board in 2012. Now celebrating his 20th year at the BDC, he is responsible for all venue sales throughout the venue. Max has a prominent presence in the events industry and lectures on Sales for the Event Academy and is the current Chairman of the Association of Event Venues (AEV)