We're delighted to introduce you to Maria Astals Serés (@maria_astals), a Senior Events Project Manager in JMP User Enablement.
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On the job
Maria is the driving force behind many of our customer-focused events. "I do anything and everything related to customer events," Maria explained. "My day involves working with European sales teams to plan JMP Inspire events, meeting with Steering Committee Members from User Groups in EMEA to coordinate efforts, and handling logistics to ensure everything runs smoothly. In the afternoons, I normally have meetings with other teams in the US."
Her passion for events and marketing stems from a deep interest in human behavior. "I studied Business Administration with a focus on Marketing," Maria said. "As a kid, I loved watching the ad breaks on TV, and I still enjoy seeing the different types of ads in each country; they are all so unique. Marketing is all about understanding people's behaviors and needs, which I find quite fascinating."
Among her favorite projects at JMP, Maria highlights the live events and user-focused initiatives. "You get immediate feedback on the outcome of an event just by looking around the room,” she said. “Now that my focus is on user events, I'm amazed at how 'just a 
Maria with Michael Schmidt, Michael Osinibi, and Nina Chan at EMEA Kickoff 2023.Maria with Michael Schmidt, Michael Osinibi, and Nina Chan at EMEA Kickoff 2023.Maria with Michael Schmidt, Michael Osinibi, and Nina Chan at EMEA Kickoff 2023.Maria with Michael Schmidt, Michael Osinibi, and Nina Chan at EMEA Kickoff 2023.Maria with Michael Schmidt, Michael Osinibi, and Nina Chan at EMEA Kickoff 2023.Maria with Michael Schmidt, Michael Osinibi, and Nina Chan at EMEA Kickoff 2023.Maria with Michael Schmidt, Michael Osinibi, and Nina Chan at EMEA Kickoff 2023.Maria with Michael Schmidt, Michael Osinibi, and Nina Chan at EMEA Kickoff 2023.Maria with Michael Schmidt, Michael Osinibi, and Nina Chan at EMEA Kickoff 2023.software' can bring so much joy to users and how happy they are to share best practices with others. Discovery Summit is the perfect example—being able to work on organizing these events brings me a lot of joy."
What Maria cherishes most about working at JMP is the global collaboration. "Have a look at the attached pictures... my favorite thing is definitely being able to work with so many different people around the world!" she said.
For those starting in event management, Maria offers valuable advice: "My advice for someone just starting out in this field is to always keep the customer at the center of everything you do. Understand who they are, what their pain points are, and how you can provide solutions to help them."
When it comes to representing JMP’s brand, Maria embodies the spirit of approachability. "Approachable: both, within colleagues and customers," she said. "I'm always glad to answer a call and look for answers together."
On the side
Outside of work, Maria's passions center around family and local experiences. "We often go hiking together and enjoy participating 
Carla Pacquet, Maria, John Mosier, and Amy Bullock at Discovery Americas 2015Carla Pacquet, Maria, John Mosier, and Amy Bullock at Discovery Americas 2015Carla Pacquet, Maria, John Mosier, and Amy Bullock at Discovery Americas 2015Carla Pacquet, Maria, John Mosier, and Amy Bullock at Discovery Americas 2015Carla Pacquet, Maria, John Mosier, and Amy Bullock at Discovery Americas 2015Carla Pacquet, Maria, John Mosier, and Amy Bullock at Discovery Americas 2015Carla Pacquet, Maria, John Mosier, and Amy Bullock at Discovery Americas 2015Carla Pacquet, Maria, John Mosier, and Amy Bullock at Discovery Americas 2015Carla Pacquet, Maria, John Mosier, and Amy Bullock at Discovery Americas 2015in various local events, especially wine festivals (Weinfest, anyone?) around our area."
A fun fact that many know, but is still a great story, is her journey with the German language. "When I first went to Germany to study, I wasn't interested in learning German since I would only be there for 10 months," she revealed. "Now, I've been living in Mannheim for 15 years, and my two boys (ages 5 and 7) speak to me in German!"
After a long day, Maria unwinds with a mix of lighthearted entertainment and a desire to delve into literature. "I wish I could say it’s long walks and meditation... but it's fun videos on Instagram!" she said. "I do want to read more this year, so if you have any suggestions for a fun book, please share!"
Maria's dedication to creating exceptional event experiences and her approachable nature make her an asset to the JMP team. We're so grateful to have her!
Connect with on LinkedIn!
Maria with colleagues at the Benelux User Group in 2023.Maria with colleagues at the Benelux User Group in 2023.Maria with colleagues at the Benelux User Group in 2023.Maria with colleagues at the Benelux User Group in 2023.Maria with colleagues at the Benelux User Group in 2023.Maria with colleagues at the Benelux User Group in 2023.Maria with colleagues at the Benelux User Group in 2023.Maria with colleagues at the Benelux User Group in 2023.Maria with colleagues at the Benelux User Group in 2023.
I'm really glad to know Maria, both as a colleague and as a friend.
I remember this photo on the boat. This Discovery Summit in San Diego, and the weekend right before, were truly memorable
As a former customer, I'd say Maria is, indeed, excellent at keeping the customer at the center and putting them at ease. As a colleague, I'd say... the same.
