Martin A.J. van Keken, Jr. is the founder and CEO of MVKA, a Vancouver-based consulting firm specializing in experiential event design, creative content development, and venue atmospherics.
Operating internationally, MVKA directly advises public and private sector companies, providing effective branding concepts, location expertise, and program strategies designed to engage colleagues and clients.
Formerly the full-service production company MVKA Productions (est. 1989), the firm became one of North America’s most successful event specialists, producing events in Europe, Asia, The Middle East, and across the Americas. Under Martin’s leadership, MVKA Productions remained committed to providing creative, inspiring, and professionally managed event experiences enjoyed by hundreds of clients and literally hundreds of thousands of guests. The company developed new production methods, embraced the latest advances in event technology, and established a new standard of award-winning excellence.
MVKA offers over three decades of international experience in event design and production, construction consultation, public speaking, and program development. A fresh, new focus on advisory services provides an integrated, client-facing perspective with the flexibility and expertise to consult globally.
Services include:
- Advising and educating senior level hospitality managers and executives on developing and managing physical infrastructure elements in pre and post-facility construction, i.e. optimizing long-term efficiency strategies for event and production elements in hotel ballrooms, conference centers, public event arenas, outdoor venues, private residences, etc.
- Event program development, from conceptual phase to realization, including ongoing evaluation, element and supplier procurement, implementation, proactive management, and final production.
- Inter and intra-organizational planning across private, civic, and corporate spheres; specifically, helping cross-functional teams and brands combine strengths, share expertise, and operate effectively.
- Lectures and educational presentations, and mentoring
About Martin van Keken
Martin A.J. van Keken, Jr. is an award-winning special event producer and influential speaker whose numerous contributions to the global event industry, and reputation for excellence and innovation are recognized internationally. Born and educated in the Netherlands, Martin is a third-generation hospitality and event professional. He is a founding member of the International Special Events Society (ISES) and the past President of its Pacific Northwest Chapter. Martin was also the first Canadian-based International President of ISES and spearheaded the incorporation of the organization’s “Code of Ethics”.
Throughout his career Martin has shared his experience and expertise, appearing as a keynote speaker at numerous international industry conventions and seminars for the Society of Incentive and Travel Executives (SITE), The Special Event, Meeting Professional International (MPI), ISES, and the Canadian Special Event & Meetings Expo. He has been featured on Singapore television, BC television, UK and Dutch television, in several newspaper articles, and in industry publications.
Martin’s compelling lectures and presentations continue to influence seasoned experts while providing key information and creative inspiration to a new generation of industry professionals.
Martin enjoys contributing to and volunteering for a number of BC-based charity and fundraising organizations. These include the BC Children’s Hospital and The Canuck Place Children’s Hospice, a palliative care facility in for children with life-limiting illnesses; Martin also sits on the board of Canuck Place.
