Eesti
Charlotte Pärt
1) There are rumours that this year’s Golden Haba Gala has taken an even more powerful course. What does it focus on in 2018?
As always, the main focus is to acknowledge and thank the most remarkable and outstanding people of the university. As for Estonia, this year is especially important for EBS – the university is celebrating its 30th anniversary.
2) What to watch out for in the marketing of Golden Haba Gala? Is there anything exciting planned for the guests?
You should keep an eye on our social media accounts and the event page on Facebook. Some exciting competitions are coming up which will make the event even more special for the guests. In addition to that, you should gather up your friends and get the tickets, since there will be only 250 of them available.
3) Give three tips to those students who will be attending for the first time.
I believe that the Haba Galas have created unforgettable memories for all the attendees. This year will be no different. I think the best thing to do is to just come and see what a small university like ours is capable of.
4) What are you, the head organiser, looking forward to at this year’s gala?
To be honest, I’m mostly looking forward to the feeling of completing any big project. “Oh wow, I did it!” I’m pretty excited – organising an event like this puts a lot of pressure on me and I won’t probably be able to relax until I can let loose at the afterparty!
Victoria Tääker
1) What was for you as the organiser of the last year’s gala the most successful thing about the event?
For me, the biggest achievement – as well as surprise – was the immense ticket demand. We sold a little over 200 tickets, which a record in the Haba Gala history. It was twice as much as during the previous years, but it also meant we had to reconsider many aspects of the organizing since we had no idea the event would become so popular. The night went amazingly well thanks to the well-picked members of the Student Council, who all gave their best effort. The teamwork was fantastic!
2) HABA 2017 was sold out quite quickly. Was there any special marketing technique which helped?
Marketing was definitely the key element. The 2016/2017 EBS Student Council went through a lot of changes, especially regarding our branding, which made the event more popular. I believe that actively organising the student life made ebsters more trusting and interested in our doings. During the previous year, the reach wasn’t as wide and due to that last year’s gala really stood out both in social media and the school’s marketing channels.
Definitely, our amazing ticket sellers can’t be overlooked. We came up with a very active selling strategy, which eventually led to having almost every course represented at the event. It didn’t take long before they unfortunately had to tell people that the event had been sold out.
3) Is there something unforgettable that every Golden Haba attendee will experience?
The Golden Haba guest will have the chance to meet all the cool ebsters in a relaxed environment. Their network will naturally expand, since we will make sure that everyone will get to know as many new people as possible when making the seating charts. Everyone will be there – students from the daytime, evening and distance programs in bachelor’s, master’s and doctor’s studies, the alumni, the management, students from EBS Helsinki, EBS employees and lecturers. Who wouldn’t want to raise champagne glasses with Mr. K. Kroos and party until the early hours of the morning with their fellow students?
In addition to that, the event gives an overview of the greatest of EBS. The main theme of the party is recognising ebsters for their achievements, personality traits and teaching methods. Golden Haba is where everyone can experience the feeling you get when a small community, such as EBS, cheers each other on.
4) You’ve been involved with organising Golden Haba for your entire student life. What’s been the most fascinating thing about it?
As a true ebster, I enjoy this event a lot. Once a year, everyone come together and enjoy some quality time. Since the evening is so special, I’ve always tried to be a part of making it happen the best I can. I know that this year’s gala is in good hands and I’m looking forward to 21st April to sit at the table and enjoy the evening Charlotte and her team have put together.
Ken Põldis
1) You’ve been actively involved in the Student Council’s work since the first semester. What fascinates you the most about event organising?
I’ve always tried to invest in my activities as much as possible. I feel that by organizing new and interesting events I can further EBS school life and widen the network of our students. The most fascinating thing about it is to see the people who take part in these events happy and enjoying the moment.
2) Organising the Golden Haba Gala requires a lot of work. What has been the most challenging thing for you as the right hand of the head organiser?
Organising the gala is a major project, indeed, and it requires a lot of attention and punctuality. I think that the biggest challenge so far has been finding the right location that would be outstanding, different and suit our needs. Our plan and wish is to do the event differently from last year.
3) What are you looking forward to the most?
I’m mostly looking forward to it going well and for our vision to come true. On the other hand, I’m looking forward to the lessons thanks to which to improve the quality of the event in the upcoming years. Most importantly, I hope it will be an interesting and enjoyable evening that all the 270 guests of this year’s gala can experience.
4) Will we be seeing you as part of the organising team next year as well?
Absolutely. I could call event organising my hobby, which makes my eyes light up and keeps me motivated. Will I continue to be a part of the Student Council’s events team? I’m not sure but I’ll definitely help them out no matter my position/team – I always stay open to new challenges.
When talking about the Golden Haba, then definitely. This year my role is to help Charlotte but next year I plan to take on the challenge of being the head organiser.
Translated by Triin Tikk
Edited by Kärt Mättikas
Pictures by Krishan Chand
