Join Ronja Kjellander, who works at Berns Event, as she shares more about her role, what she believes makes a project manager truly great, and her best tips for creating a successful event.

Tell us, Ronja – what do you do?

I work as Head of Projects at Berns Event, where I am responsible for the project management team and for shaping the themes around our events while actively coaching and developing the team. A large part of my role involves introducing efficient working methods and ensuring a sustainable work environment while also making sure the department remains profitable.

Alongside that, I of course work on my own events, manage client relationships, and stay present during the operational phase when project managers execute their events. I believe it’s important not only to plan from a distance but also to be on site on the event day.

How long have you been at Berns?

Almost four years. I started as a project manager here right after the restrictions were lifted in spring 2022. As many remember, it was a restart for the entire industry and we essentially had to start from scratch. It has been intense, but above all exciting to be part of the entire journey and see how this department has grown and found its shape over the years.

What do you do on a day off?

I enjoy taking a walk around the city, wandering around, maybe stopping somewhere for something good to eat or drink. I also always try to spend time with family and friends whenever I can.

What did you do before Berns?

I have worked in various roles within restaurants, as well as events and catering, so I have been in the hospitality industry for quite a long time.

What has been the most educational part of that journey?

We probably don’t work as traditionally as many other event and conference venues. We constantly try to develop and improve. We have definitely made many mistakes along the way, but we have always learned from them. Now we’ve found a nice balance where we can start refining the details.

What makes a good project manager?

A good project manager has full control over the planning phase and maintains a helicopter perspective. No detail is too small and nothing can be overlooked. At the same time, you need to be solution-oriented and creative, because things can always change, especially during the event itself. Being able to delegate effectively is also crucial—no one can do everything alone.

Strong service skills are also very important, since much of our work involves meeting and interacting with people. Confidence and calmness are essential qualities as well. A project manager needs to be the steady rock during the storm.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

During high season it can be more demanding because so many things happen at once. We often have events in all nine of our venues, sometimes alongside a catering assignment. That makes it crucial that everything aligns and that everyone communicates well with each other.

Working in a house like Berns can also be challenging because we have many departments that all need to function together. At the same time, that’s also what makes Berns so exciting and what makes the house unique. With the right team, it always works.

Which type of event suits each venue best?

For more intimate gatherings, dinners, weddings, or smaller birthday celebrations, Spegelsalen and Röda Rummet are perfect. These rooms carry history in their walls, with memories of more than 160 years of celebrations. It’s wonderful to begin with a pre-dinner drink at the bar and let your eyes wander across the beautiful surroundings while listening to the buzz from the restaurant.

The Terrace is unbeatable during the summer. Few venues in Stockholm offer such a central location while still providing a scenic view like ours over Berzelii Park and Nybrokajen. It’s ideal for mingling and after-work gatherings. When the sun sets, the terrace comes alive and becomes the place where the evening truly begins.

The Ballroom is of course our grand stage. It hosts everything from conferences and concerts to dinners, galas, weddings, and TV productions. The room is impressive enough to stand on its own, and we often have days when the space is transformed several times—conference in the morning, seated dinner in the evening, and then a party into the late night hours. It clearly shows the possibilities the venue holds.

For conferences and lectures, Kammarsalen is often an overlooked gem. It is built for the speaker, with a small stage and distinctive wooden details that give the room character. Guests sit comfortably in the tiered seating, all with a clear view of the stage, and nearby spaces allow for coffee breaks and mingling.

Finally, I love Galleriet for after-parties. When you step inside, you’re greeted by concrete floors, an enormous DJ booth, and an energy that makes it impossible to stand still. Galleriet is all about rhythm, energy, and truly letting loose.

Why should someone book their event at Berns?

Berns offers venues for almost every type of event, and we have team members who can support you with everything along the way. Our project managers are experienced, knowledgeable, and innovative. Our in-house technical team is always on site to ensure everything runs smoothly.

We maintain a high level of service with professional staff, and our kitchen team is young, creative, and consistently delivers beyond expectations. In short, if you want an event with seamless service, great food, and beautiful venues, Berns is the place.

There is also added value in hosting an event here since we have a unique boutique hotel, a restaurant, a bar, and several nightclubs, allowing you to continue your stay long after the event has ended.

Your most memorable event?

That’s a difficult question! I have been involved in more than 400 events during my years here, and all of them have been memorable. I always get a little extra excited when an event is well planned, with thoughtful details and rooms that carry different concepts—when emotions are created and there is a clear thread running through the entire experience.

But the most memorable part is not only the events themselves. I have also had the opportunity to meet many talented people who have inspired me, and many of them I still carry with me today.

What would be your dream event?

Every event has its charm and can be “dreamlike” in different ways, but I especially appreciate occasions where the planning has been carefully thought through. I also love a well-composed stage program and impactful technical production.

I’m looking forward to 2026 because I know we already have bookings that will be fantastic. For example, Swedish Game Awards visited recently, which was very exciting to witness and gave me a glimpse into the gaming world. It would be fun to arrange an event where we transform the entire basement into a gaming hall. We have also hosted some incredible TV productions—it’s always fascinating to see the venue transform into different formats.

Quick Five

Red or white?
Red

Morning or evening?
Evening

Summer or winter?
Summer

Italian or Asian?
Asian

Film or series?
Series

Conference or gala?
Gala