We are excited to present this exclusive interview with Rahel Wittlin, the recently promoted Senior Registration Manager and Team Leader of the Registration Team at Congrex Switzerland. With over 11 years of dedicated employment with Congrex, Rahel brings a wealth of experience and a passion for teamwork to her new role. Discover her journey, proudest moments, and aspirations as she shares insights into her responsibilities, goals, and the Congrex values that resonate with her. Don’t miss the chance to explore the dynamic world of event management through her perspective. Read more to be inspired by her commitment to progress, caring approach, and the exciting challenges that lie ahead.
1. How long have you been part of the Congrex Switzerland team, and what experiences have you gained during your time here, that will help you in your new role as Team Leader?
I’ve been with Congrex for 11 years and have had the opportunity to work on many exciting and challenging projects. I have been involved in both small and large projects, with my largest congress, where I was responsible for registration, having 23,000 participants. I enjoy working on both big and small projects as it is always gratifying to see how information, noted in an Excel sheet, etc., comes to life. Small congresses usually have a very familiar environment; you see the participants and exhibitors every year, and it sometimes happens that they register for another congress on the spot because they know that I am also in charge of the other project. I have been involved in some projects for many years, and it’s great to see how ideas have been developed and realised over the years. I have gained a lot of experience in problem-solving, decision-making, communication, project and time management, as well as teamwork.
2. Can you tell us about any achievements or projects from your time at Congrex Switzerland that you are particularly proud of?
I am mainly proud of the great team effort we put in at every event. I have been working with many colleagues for several years, and we often have long and stressful days on-site. We can rely on each other, support each other, and always have a lot of fun. While the congress is taking place and we are on-site, we are the first point of contact for the participants and constantly in contact with them. Different languages, cultures, and expectations collide, and we also hear a lot of personal stories, such as lost suitcases and posters, missed planes, participants who can’t find their way back to the hotel after a running session, lost wedding bands, etc. It’s always great to hear when we can help solve these problems.
I’m also very proud of our apprentices, whom I have been able to accompany over the past years as they take their first steps into professional life. I am also the supervisor for the apprentices in our company. During their apprenticeship of three years, they get an insight into various departments and support the teams in their daily tasks. Three former apprentices are currently employed in our company, which shows me that they had a positive apprenticeship in our company and are now well-equipped for their first career steps.
3. What kind of responsibilities do you have in your new role?
Besides my usual tasks, I am now also involved in staff management, development and improvement of our services and processes.
4. What are your goals in your new position, what would you like to accomplish?
I would like to settle in quickly and support my head of department as much as possible. I love bringing in new ideas, developing processes further, and ensuring that our team will be as successful as possible.
5. With which Congrex value can you identify best within your new role as a team leader and why?
I would say it’s caring and progress spirit – working with new technologies and tools, as well as collaborating with people from different cultures and backgrounds, ensuring that participants experience an easy and efficient registration process.
6. Describe your best qualities as a team leader in three words.
I guess you should ask our team 😊 I would say I’m open-minded, empathetic, and good at coaching.
