Marvelous Miek

Update July 8, 2021 Today we have just learned that Miek has been senselessly taken from us, and their son Federico lies in a coma after their car was hit by a truck. This is a loss personally of a heart-friend and to our industry of one of our true quiet leaders, lighting the way forward be example in word and deed every day. She will be missed. We send all our healing energy to Federico and for Merono and Catharina to know there is a world of love here for them.

Posted in 2020: While traveling in 2019 for work, I had a week where it made more sense to stay in Europe, so when Miek said, “Come to Monaco”, of course I did. I have known Miek through shared work on designing more sustainable events, and through hallway conversations with mutual friends at IMEX, and have always admired her ability to smile in many languages.

One of the wonders of travel is to learn how people live, and gain their perspective on their communities and see how and where they work. The pattern of the days were simple. Take the bus, boat and our feet to work, because in Monaco this makes sense – it is small, and public transport is frequent, safe and convenient. We would work companiably for a time in the InspireME office, then explore Miek’s Monaco, have a meal somewhere delicious and not pretentious, and return to work more. The sun sparkled off the water, the yachts parked everywhere remind you that you are in a place of privilege, and the spectator infrastructure springing up for the Formula 1 race adds to this mystique.

To stay in friend’s homes and get to know their families is a special treat, and I was very happy to meet teenagers who are as curious and delightful as Miek’s are. While homes in Monaco are small in size, their’s is huge in heart, and I am honoured to have spent time here.

Like all DMCs around the world, the rapid shuttering of all events has had a significant negative impact on business into the near future. Through all of this, Miek has maintained a positive attitude, practiced the self care we all need to, taken care of her family and protected fiercely the optimism that makes her so special. I look forward to our next visit, always.