I am 54 years old and live with my wife Patricia (married for 23 years) and two children,
Finn (23 y/o boy) and Merle (18y/o girl) in Amsterdam. I am a seasoned and very
successful event marketeer with over 20 years of experience in the international events
business, having been involved in launching and organizing events in a great variety of
industries and also having been recognized as an AEO-award winner for the best launch
event in 2013. My life suddenly changed at 48 when I was struck by a cerebral haemorrhage,
not only affecting me (also having a huge impact on my family), causing a half sided
paralysis of the left side of my body, making me wheelchair dependent for longer distances
and draining my energy. To make the best of this disruption I decided to combine my career
long experience in organizing events and my new experience as a person with reduced
mobility going forward. I therefor founded the Global Accessibility and Inclusivity Network
(GAIN), which is in the middle of developing all kinds of initiatives to make this world a more
accessible and inclusive place for those that suffer from a physical handicap. Currently
involved in advising Jaarbeurs Utrecht about the accessibility of the whole venue (halls,
conference rooms, offices and Beatrix theatre)
