We speak with Carin Kindbom, president and chief executive of the Swedish Exhibition and Congress Centre Group about increasing business competition, overseeing the venue’s largest investment programme and meeting Desmond Tutu.
How long have you been in your role?
I started as president and chief executive of the Swedish Exhibition and Congress Centre in 2010. It was a very exciting time when I entered, with expectations of a much expansive growth. Between 2011 and 2014, we invested SEK 1.2 billion (US$145m) in the development of our venue, focusing on new concepts within content and experiences. We have also set high goals regarding profitable growth and adopted the vision of being Europe’s most attractive venue by offering the best total experience.
How did you get into the events industry?
I got in touch with the industry in 2007 when I became president and chief executive of an international travel company. By that time I sold travel experiences to many destinations around the world. Today I have changed focus and in my present role I sell experiences that all takes place at one destination - Gothenburg.
What was your first paid job?
My very first job was as a sales person in a sports store. It was really valuable to meet customers, and understand the sales process. I continued in sales after my years at the university, as sales manager on a software company. I find sales very stimulating and use my sales skills everyday as a leader, whether it is about client contacts, establishing a new partnerships or setting new goals and visions.
What do you love most about your work?
Having the privilege of working with a global venue where people from all over the world meet, get inspired, share experiences and do business.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing the events industry in Sweden?
The increasing competition we meet from new destinations and venues globally, together with shifting consumption patterns. Change is constant in our world and we need to keep developing new business ideas and our venue to stay on top. I think it is only when we compare us to the best competitors and the most attractive destinations that we can strengthen our market position further.
Can you tell us about your your proudest career achievement?
Being part of making the largest investment in the venue’s history, and doing it profitably. We invested in a third hotel tower with 450 rooms, meeting spaces and banquet halls, and added eight floors at our second tower where we created a five-star hotel with fine dining and spa. We also added a new show arena of international standards, an art gallery and developed several new restaurant concepts. This was done while having 1.5 million visitors a year on a city centre location.
And can you please share your most memorable work moment?
My best and most memorable moments have been from meetings with people with strong personalities who describe their lives. Our Book Fair, one of Europe’s largest, attracts many interesting people. I would like to highlight the meetings with Ingrid Betancourt who talked about her fight for human dignity and Desmond Tutu, visiting the Book Fair in 2014, talking about forgiveness. Their commitment, courage and warmness made an incredible impression on me.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve received?
To dare try new and challenging roles, and to do your best with what you have. Another one is to set your own goals, and to realise that nothing comes for free.
What is your favourite way to spend free time?
I love to travel, exercise and spend time by the ocean. I prefer outdoor activities, and like to discover the surroundings of where I am when possible.
And could you please share your best business travel hack?
Ask for help when needed and discover how valuable it is to sometimes add a new perspective.
