Interview with Nigel Schijven: Event planner

What is your professional background?
'I have a background in European Studies and I’m currently finalising my studies. With a strong personalised focus on diplomacy, international/national security and strategic public policy, I’m preparing myself for my master’s in European Public Affairs.

Professionally, I’ve worked in government and public sector environments. There I developed a passion for noticing how institutions connect with citizens and (inter)national communities. Personally, I enjoy bridging these gaps and that works perfectly, especially in a cross-border region like Zuid-Limburg.'

What does your role entail?
'Through my role at WTMR, I actively support the expat centre in organising and developing various events. I provide hands-on assistance, offer advice, and contribute to the overall success of their initiatives. Currently, I’m involved in several pilot projects, and I’m already looking ahead to the strategic planning of events for 2026.'

What are your professional goals? What do you hope to achieve?
'Through my role at WTMR, I aim to support all partner organisations in the planning and execution of their events. Each organisation has its own unique needs, and I coordinate and oversee the process to ensure that all obligations and expectations are met. Drawing on 5 years of experience working at major international events such as Tomorrowland, I strive to offer practical, hands-on support tailored to each partner’s goals.

Looking ahead, I hope to contribute to long-term development projects particularly those that involve collaboration with municipalities, universities, and European Union-funded initiatives. My focus is on building sustainable partnerships that create lasting impact.'

What is the working atmosphere like? How did you experience those first weeks?
'Working here has been truly energising from the start. The first weeks were a whirlwind of meeting partners, diving into cross-border services, and gaining insight into the unique needs of the international community and the different organisations we support. Since each organisation operates differently, it’s been valuable to connect with a wide range of people to better understand their approaches. In the meantime, I’ve already started coordinating multiple pilot projects, so it’s been a fast-paced and engaging start. What stands out most is the collaborative spirit across all teams. It has encouraged me to take initiative from day 1. That sense of trust and shared purpose has made it clear how meaningful this work really is.'

What do you love most about the Maastricht Region?
'Its openness and cultural richness. As someone originally from the Netherlands who’s studied abroad in Helsinki (Finland) and returned to work in this region, I love how the Maastricht Region blends internationalism with a strong local identity. The tri-border setting adds a lot of character, and you’re always just a short trip away from a completely different experience whether it’s in Cologne, Brussels, or the Ardennes.'

Do you have some tips for new and prospective residents of the Maastricht Region?
Absolutely, get involved early! Attend local meetups, join community events, and don’t hesitate to network, even across language barriers. When I moved to Helsinki, I kept a strong emphasis on staying open-minded and connecting with as many people as possible.  You’d be surprised how willing others are to help if you just take the first step!

I recently came across a great fact: “The person you need is only 4 handshakes away”. That really stuck with me. So, with that in mind, be curious, start conversations, and put yourself out there. You never know who might be able to help or inspire you!'