Amsterdam, Netherlands | May 16-21, 2026
Maars Design Experience
What to Expect
An exclusive design and engineering experience in the Netherlands for a select group of industry partners. Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at how performance, craftsmanship, and innovation come together to create world-class architectural solutions.
This experience brings together a curated group of designers and construction leaders for a behind-the-scenes access to Maars. Gain firsthand insight into the people, process, and performance that define Maars.
Why Attend?
Explore the full product journey, from engineering and prototyping to fabrication and installation. Engage directly with the team who designs, tests, and builds each solution, deepening your understanding of how performance comes to life.
From Concept to Completion
Guests will enjoy access to Maars headquarters and factory, including a hands-on product assembly session and acoustic testing demonstration. Guided tours of installed projects across the Netherlands will further illustrate how Maars systems perform in real-world environments.
Experience Highlights
Connect with peers in an intimate, collaborative setting while enjoying curated cultural experiences and hosted dinners in the Netherlands.
Beyond the Factory
Your Hosts
Cathy Scheele-Tom brings over 20 years of experience in the furniture and workplace industry, managing complex projects from concept through installation. As an Account Manager at The Collective, she partners closely with clients and project teams to deliver solutions that balance design intent, budget, and execution. With a background in both dealership and interior design, Cathy is known for her collaborative approach and detail-oriented mindset, helping guide projects smoothly from vision to reality.
Senior Account ManagerThe Collective
Cathy Scheele-Tom
Thomas Schiess is Manager of Market Development – Architectural Products at The Collective, where he works closely with clients, designers, and industry partners to support the specification of innovative architectural solutions. With a focus on education and collaboration, Thomas helps teams navigate product capabilities and integrate high-performance systems into thoughtful workplace environments.
Manager, Market Development | Architectural ProductsThe Collective
Thomas Schiess
Chris Wenzel is Regional Manager for California and the Southwest at Maars Living Walls, where he partners with clients, designers, and dealers to support the integration of high-performance architectural wall systems. Chris works closely with project teams to guide product selection, technical coordination, and implementation across a range of workplace environments.
Regional Manager, California & Southwest USMaars Living Walls
Chris Wenzel
The program is designed to offer a balance of design insight, industry perspective, and time to experience the Netherlands. Guests will spend time with the leadership, design, and engineering teams at Maars Living Walls, gain an inside look at their manufacturing process, and see how their systems perform in real-world applications.
Alongside these professional insights, the experience includes opportunities to explore the architecture, culture, and design heritage of the Netherlands, creating space for meaningful conversations and connections throughout the week.
