Can you tell a bit more about yourself and what you do?

I am the owner and manager of De Hovre PR, a PR agency in Antwerp founded in 2011. Our team handles press relations for fashion and lifestyle brands and we try to put our brands and clients in the picture as much as possible.

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You've discovered the app. And we're really curious how Cocom could help you in your personal and professional life?

In my spare time, I would call myself an "amateur" influencer for the brands and clients represented in my agency. And I also like to organise parties and dinners. So I definitely see myself using the app for a fun photoshoot or a cool venue like a dinner party or apéro. Business wise, Cocom is exactly what I am looking for. My PR agency organizes large or small events for clients: lunches, dinners, press presentations, workshops,... For example, on the same app I can find a nice loft for an afterwork event, but also a kitchen and restaurant that I can rent for workshops. That's really amazing!

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What type of spaces are you particularly looking for in the context of your business?

In order to trigger press and influencers and to encourage them to attend our client's events, it's important to have an 'Instagrammable' location. The location has to be aesthetically pleasing, special, original, and where no one has been before. Nobody wants to go for a fourth time to the same restaurant that has been widely covered on Instagram already. So I'm mainly looking for original angles, beautiful light, nice details that can be photographed. It might be an old railway station with tropical interior, or a bright, industrial photo studio for a more minimalist client. I'm looking for all kinds of styles, everything depends on my client, the brand and so on.

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What criteria should a space/space meet for you (in the context of your work)?

Originality. Aesthetics. Good lighting. Flexible hours (also the ability to rent by the hour is important). Budget. Every brand has its own budget, but through the app you can rent nice spaces at prices that are not too high.

Have you already booked a space?

I have my eye on two spaces that I want to book: the Pink restaurant for my birthday party with girlfriends and I've also found a very nice bistro where I want to organize a workshop for a food brand.

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How do you find using the app (user-friendly or clear or...)?

Very visual! You immediately see what you like, including pictures and price. Exactly what you need. It's quick, efficient and immediately see whether it's something for you or not.

Would you recommend the app? Especially to whom?

I already did (laughs)! I recommend it to everyone who organizes events and is constantly looking for venues for marketing, press events, content creation etc...

Would you rent spaces through the app yourself (e.g. your showroom or a space at home)?

I would definitely, but the problem is that I use my property (both home and my office) every day. I would have to be on leave for a few weeks and close my office. But I would definitely consider it.

What's your opinion about space sharing? Does it appeal to you in your personal and professional life?

I find the concept of sharing in general fantastic. It's a way of life I have been doing for more than 10 years. For fashion, handbags, cars, spaces... Sometimes you barely use your own stuff: your car, your bicycle, your beautiful gala dress you've only worn once... I'm still impatiently waiting for an app to share my clothes and handbags. Or lend them out! Years ago there was a boutique where you could rent Haute Couture for an evening - I just loved it! Another weekend or party, another outfit. So yes, space sharing is definitely an added value. So many empty spaces and cool venues could be put into use.

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Find Isabelle on Instagram and dehovre-pr.com. Curious to see Isabelle's top 5 picks of boutique events spaces? Go to our Instagram and discover them this week! And for those already convinced, find the Pink restaurant and all the info to book here.

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