Martica joined ISE in 2012. Her role involves taking care of all operational aspects for the special projects and events that take place during ISE, such as keynotes, conferences and networking events.
What is your favourite memory from a previous ISE show?
My favourite memory is definitely seeing the build-up of ISE for the first time.
Martica at ISE 2012 with fellow intern Kim Valk
Back in 2012 I started working at ISE as an intern and I had no idea what to expect. I remember walking around in the halls in the RAI Amsterdam in my steel-toe shoes and ISE helmet and I was so impressed to see how quickly all these huge stands were being built. There were people everywhere, some were building, others were painting, others installing screens and others driving with their forklifts up and down. It was amazing to see this perfect chaos in which everybody knew exactly what to do and where to go.
Then suddenly, as if someone had used a magic wand, on the Tuesday morning everything was ready for the big opening.
Where would we usually find you outside of work?
Most probably you will find me in the gym. I wake up every day around at 6:00 am to go to the gym. I work out from 7:00 to 8:30 and then go straight to the office (well in this case, straight to my home office). I also take kickboxing classes four times a week in the evenings.
Do you have any pets?
Panchita (left) and Pepito
I used to have two dogs, Pepito and Panchita. Unfortunately Pepito passed away in November due to a heart condition. It was a very difficult moment since I had had him for almost 10 years. Luckily I still have Panchita and I hope I will enjoy her company for a bit longer. I am an animal lover and I actually can’t imagine my life without a dog. When Panchita is no longer be in my life, I will definitely adopt a dog from a shelter.
If you could only have three apps on your smartphone, which three would you pick?
Spotify: because there is nothing like good music to keep me company.
Google Maps: I literally can’t get anywhere without it. So for me this is a must-have.
Buien alarm: If you live in Holland, this is an app you will need to survive. One minute the sun can be shining and one minute later it can rain waterfalls and thunderstorm. This app will warn you when rain is approaching, how much it will rain and for how long. Trust me, it never fails!
What are you currently watching?
The Social Dilemma, a documentary on Netflix about how social media can negatively influence our lives and control our choices. I think it is an interesting documentary which helps you become conscious about the way certain platforms can influence you when used on a daily basis.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that most people don’t know.
My dad used to have its own restaurant in Amsterdam and my mum is an excellent cook since she is Italian. However, I have trouble even baking an egg. It seems like they transmitted to me the passion for food when it comes to eating it (yes, I can eat a lot!), but when it comes to preparing a proper recipe, I just don’t know where to start. To make it even worse, I am very clumsy – so I am not the best person to have around fire, knives, boiling things and so on.
