Aleksandra: Mari-Anne, it’s such a pleasure to meet and have this conversation with you! Thank you so much for taking the time to join me 😊
Can you briefly tell us about your background – how you ended up in your current role, and what your main responsibilities are?
Mari-Anne: My name is Mari-Anne Robberstad, and I’m the founder and managing director of Scenorama, an event company.
I’ve always worked with creating experiences – from welcoming international visitors to Norway and helping them experience the country “for real,” to designing events that gives joy and enthusiasm.
When I myself was leading a large organization, I learned firsthand that genuine, shared experiences are what drive motivation – and in the end, the bottom line. That’s the philosophy I’ve carried into Scenorama: creating authentic experiences that inspire enthusiasm, strengthen teams, and help businesses grow.
In short – I make sure every event we deliver touches the heart and creates lasting value for our clients. And we make them together – there is no I in TEAM…
Aleksandra: What makes Scenorama stand out – what do you believe truly sets your company apart from others in this field?
Mari-Anne: I’ve had the privilege of working on all sides of the table, in both large and small organizations. Running Scenorama is my passion – and my clients get all of my energy and my love for what I do.
I work with companies that recognize the value of human connection – leaders who know that results come through their people. Together, we turn company culture, goals, and values into experiences that build unity, enthusiasm, and growth.
I also work closely with a network of small, responsible suppliers who share the same values – people who deliver with honesty, precision, and passion.
The result? Events that both move and inspire.
Aleksandra: Sustainability is such a big topic today. How do you translate it into practice in your daily work?
Mari-Anne: For me, sustainability is about taking responsibility – environmentally, socially, and economically.
In practice, that means working with small, like-minded partners who care deeply about quality and genuine engagement.
I always look at my client’s own sustainability initiatives and find ways to bring them naturally into the event – whether it’s reusing materials, serving locally sourced food, or highlighting diversity and inclusion on stage.
Many companies already have hidden talents within their own teams – in entertainment, tech, food & beverage – and I love helping them bring those people forward.
That way, sustainability becomes not just a goal, but a natural part of the experience.
Aleksandra: From your perspective, what defines the Norwegian market – what should companies understand about it?
Mari-Anne: Yes – the Norwegian market is built on trust, relationships, and quality.
Honesty, local roots, and social responsibility are highly valued here. We also have a strong culture of collaboration, equality, and openness, which means customers and the organizations expect transparency and authenticity. That can be a challenge for more hierarchical organizations.
For me, it’s essential that every event – big or small – feels genuine and relevant to the people attending.
It’s in that meeting point between professionalism and warmth that I literally thrive.
Aleksandra: Every market has its challenges – what do you see as the main ones in Norway today?
Mari-Anne: If you follow me or Scenorama on LinkedIn, you’ll see I often talk about the importance of creating engaging, meaningful experiences for employees – all year round.
It worries me when I see founders who built their companies on heart-driven leadership, clear goals, and strong values being bought up by equity firms that only focus on quick returns. These new owners often forget what created the success in the first place – the people. And that makes me genuinely sad.
I’m also surprised by how many companies have solid sales and marketing strategies, yet no plan for how to include their people – how to make employees feel seen, heard, appreciated, and understood. And honestly, it doesn’t take much!
Luckily, I get to work with clients who truly see the value of what I do – whether they just need a sparring partner or someone to support them throughout the whole process: designing an annual event calendar, managing all event services, and ensuring smooth execution.
Because nothing frustrates me more than seeing an employee stuck running an entire event, unable to take part in it, with piles of extra work waiting afterwards.
And no, I’m not afraid of AI – because no technology will ever replace the value of genuine human connection.
Aleksandra: That’s a perfect cue to my next question about genuine human connection. What advice would you give to foreign companies planning to enter the Norwegian market?
Mari-Anne: I’d actually like to refer to this great article:
How to Navigate Business Culture in Norway – A Practical Guide (Part 3)
Aleksandra: Oh, thank you – I really appreciate being referenced to my own blog! 😊 And… If you had a “magic button,” what would you change in Norwegian business life with one click?
Mari-Anne: Be a little more generous.
See the people around you.
Give someone a compliment.
Aleksandra: And finally – how and when did you first get to know the author of this blog? 😊
Mari-Anne: I met Aleksandra through the BNI network. And I became a client.
She’s a whole-hearted person – genuine, without any hidden agenda, and with a true desire to lift others.
We share the same values around collaboration, authenticity, and helping others shine – so contributing to her blog feels both natural and inspiring.