Strong Parasols for Professionals
Biography Pierre Christiaens
Pierre Christiaens is the owner and CEO of Symo Parasols. Previously he worked as a Sales Promoter at Nestlé, then as Sales Manager and General Manager at Mommaerts. Pierre helped to negotiate the sale of Mommaerts to Heywood Williams, listed on the London Stock Exchange.
He wrote the book 'Pick the right Parasol (and your terrace will be packed)'. Pierre also regularly blogs about his passions: parasols, catering, marketing, positive psychology.
The City of Rome awarded Pierre Christiaens the honorary title 'Maestro dell'Artigianato' because at Symo Parasols he keeps alive the centuries-old craft of umbrella and parasol makers. In 2007 Unizo nominated him as Creative Entrepreneur.
Pierre studied Latin & Science at the Sint-Lodewijks college in Bruges (Belgium). He holds a Master's degree in Political Science and graduated with great distinction from the University of Ghent (now Vlerick Business School) with a special degree in Marketing.
He is happily married and father of 3 children.
In his spare time Pierre reads several books every month, mainly about positive psychology and marketing. He travels passionately and supports the local football team Club Brugge.
The hospitality industry’s relationship with the outdoors has been quietly but fundamentally rewritten over the past few years. What was once treated as an optional extra – an attractive terrace for sunny days or a few café tables on the pavement – has become one of the most important assets a venue can have. As we move into 2026, outdoor space is no longer peripheral to the guest experience; it is central to how hospitality businesses operate, differentiate themselves and…
5 Strategic Choices Hospitality Professionals Should Make Now For many hospitality professionals, January is a quieter month. Yet this is exactly when the best decisions are made. Preparing your restaurant terrace now helps you avoid springtime stress and build a profitable outdoor season.Today, a restaurant parasol is no longer a minor detail. It is a critical element of comfort, safety, and revenue. Below are five strategic choices that professional hospitality operators should already be making. 1. Treat your terrace as…
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Pick the right parasol (and your terrace will be packed)
25 years of experience of Pierre Christiaens bundled in 50 valuable parasol tips for the hospitality industry.
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