Today, we would like to introduce Maria Blatkowska, Marketing & Communication Coordinator at Congrex Switzerland.
Hi Maria, please introduce yourself; who are you?
My name is Maria Blatkowska. I was born in Wroclaw, Poland, but my formative years were spent in both my home country and Germany.
Ten years ago, I made the decision to relocate to Switzerland to join the pharmaceutical company Roche. Since then, I have been fortunate enough to acquire valuable experience and expertise in the fields of operations and communications.
My thirst for knowledge led me to pursue further education in marketing, prompting me to step out of my comfort zone and explore new opportunities. It was during this journey that I discovered Congrex, and ever since joining the company, I have come to appreciate the diverse array of tasks I encounter in my daily work, as well as the collaborative spirit of my creative and hard-working colleagues.
On a personal level, I currently live in Basel with my two adopted cats. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time in nature, whether it’s exploring the mountains or observing the fascinating marine life beneath the water’s surface. Reading books, especially about psychology, the human body, nutrition, and well-being, also occupies a significant portion of my time.
What is your position at Congrex, and what does your daily routine look like?
At Congrex, I work as a marketing & communication coordinator. My role revolves around supporting the development and execution of marketing and communication strategies for our clients. It’s an exciting job, as no two days are ever the same.
I feel incredibly fortunate to have a role that challenges and excites me, allowing me to flex my creative muscles in brainstorming while crafting content for various platforms such as websites, social media, e-mail marketing, and promotional materials.
Data analysis is another interesting aspect of my work. I get to measure the performance of our marketing efforts using metrics such as conversion rates, click-through rates, and engagement levels. This data-driven approach helps us fine-tune our strategies and optimise outcomes for our clients.
In this role, it’s important to stay ahead of the curve and explore innovative tools and technologies that can enhance our clients’ visibility.
How do you tackle the dynamic and exciting challenges that arise while coordinating marketing and communication activities for conferences? Can you share some specific examples of how your strategic approach has contributed to the success of past events?
When it comes to preparing and coordinating marketing and communication campaigns for conferences, my approach is all about connecting with the right audience. I use different communication channels to spread the word, to get attendees excited well before an event starts, and to keep them engaged afterwards. Drawing insights from data is also an integral part of my strategy. This approach has consistently contributed to the success of past events, making them both educational and enjoyable experiences for everyone involved.
Tell us about the most exciting, fun or challenging experience you’ve had during your time at Congrex.
At the time of this interview, I had been with Congrex for three months. Some might consider this a relatively short period, but I joined during the busy conference season.
I was given the opportunity to assist two of our largest associations, which was incredibly exciting for me. However, it also meant facing a steep learning curve. I had to familiarise myself with the way associations operate, understand their specific target audiences, learn the applicable guidelines for each, and assess the current marketing efforts and existing strategies.
Adding to the challenge, just three weeks into my role, I attended my first conference in Munich. It turned out to be an incredibly positive experience. I was part of an amazingly creative team, and the work was highly focused and efficient.
At times, it feels overwhelming, but I consider myself fortunate to be able to support a diverse portfolio of clients. This role has compelled me to learn new tools and approaches, enabling me to introduce effective solutions that have already worked for other clients.
If you had to describe yourself in 3 words, what would they be?
Curious, bubbly, observant
