Meet: Event Manager Nicole Acksteiner
The future director of Acksteiner Events is organising the Science City Adlershof’s first annual ball
Nicole Acksteiner has courage. She is not afraid of entering unknown terrain. The event manager is currently making a name for herself for among the people of Adlershof for hosting the Science City’s first annual ball, which will take place on 10th November. When she goes on vacation, she prefers it casual and spontaneous. As an event manager, on the other hand, she works hard to get every detail right. She has lived in Russia and South Africa. 10 years ago she completed an apprenticeship at a hotel as well as an university degree in business management and now she recently joined her parents’ events agency. She will take over management on 1st January.
We have the press ball, athlete’s ball, business ball – people who love to dress up and dance have a lot of choice in Berlin. What is the idea behind Adlershof’s annual ball?
I often hear people say, ‘there’s nothing to do in Adlershof in the evening.’ I also live in the new on-campus neighbourhood and I can confirm that. The site is growing, but there is a lack of cultural events. The community has too little options for after-work networking in a more relaxed setting, to mingle with co-workers, or to have a dance. That’s how my agency and the Adlershofer Unternehmernetzwerk, a network of Adlershof-based businesses, had the idea of hosting a ball for our local scientists and entrepreneurs. Other partners quickly came on board.
What can guests look forward to on 10th November at the Hangar in Ludwig-Boltzmann-Straße 1?
A traditional ball night with music ranging from waltz to boogie woogie. We’re pulling all the stops: a red carpet at the entrance, incredible food, a picture wall, a cocktail bar, a raffle, a casino area – the winnings are donated for a good cause -, a lounge for more intimate conversation, and many more surprises.
How much are the tickets?
Our ticket are 185 euros, including dinner and open bar. We also offer a promenade ticket for 95 euros. Capacity is limited to 250.
Are you planning more of these special events next year?
Besides the annual garden party and the annual ball, we are planning a charity gala with the Lions Club in spring 2019.
Who are the people behind the agency Acksteiner Events?
My parents Friedhelm and Sylvia Acksteiner, who both worked for East German television in Adlershof and founded the agency. I joined them in 2008. We work with two permanent employees and several project-based freelancers.
Which large-scale event are you particularly proud of?
The great thing about my job is that every event is different. The opening of the Federal Chancellery building in 2001 was our largest and most complex event. Three years ago, we organised the 250th anniversary of University of Resources Freiburg, which was also a great challenge that we mastered.
What’s your favourite spot in Adlershof?
The birch grove – a small oasis near the urban cemetery in Adlershof.
When was the last time you tried something new?
I went camping for the first time this summer to Italy and Croatia. I enjoyed it very much because it was so casual and relaxing.
What do you do in your spare time?
I spend most of my time with my 10-year-old son. We’re members and fans of the 1. FC Union football club, so we spend a lot of time at the stadium. We grow vegetables in our garden near Oderberg, where we go to relax. During my last holiday, I rediscovered my love for diving. And I would love to go back playing my guitar more, which has been sitting around for a few years now.
What are you afraid of?
The future of Germany. I am a political person and I believe we can change things if we get active. I’m currently thinking about ways how I could get more involved politically.
Do you have a wish that you want to come true?
I have a couple of small dreams: I would love to one day organise a whole music festival from beginning to end and I would like to go on a round-the-world trip with my son.
Interview by Sylvia Nitschke for Adlershof Journal