The Tulip Society
Help shape one of Europe’s fastest growing private societies
The Tulip Society is an international private society that brings together like minded people who share an appreciation for tradition, culture, hospitality and lasting friendships.
Founded in 2014 by Clemens van Steijn, the Society was established with the ambition of creating an elegant international community where people from different countries could meet through shared values and memorable experiences. What began with the creation of the internationally renowned Tulips Ball has since developed into a growing international network with around 800 members from more than 25 countries and active chapters across 16 countries and states throughout Europe and the United States.
As the community expanded, the need arose to bring members together more frequently than once a year. This led to the creation of two societies within the Tulip Society.
The Black Tulip Society (BTS) welcomes members between the ages of 18 and 30 and focuses on introducing younger generations to elegant social traditions in a contemporary way.
The Orange Tulip Society (OTS) welcomes members aged 30 and above, with a particular focus on young professionals up to approximately 45 years of age, while naturally welcoming members of every generation who share our values.
Together, both societies organise a wide variety of events throughout the year, including grand balls, black tie banquets, polo events, horseback drag hunts, sailing weekends, cultural excursions, private dinners, wine tastings and, on occasion, exclusive retreats in exceptional locations.
Our philosophy is simple. We believe traditions deserve a future. By combining timeless etiquette and hospitality with a modern international outlook, we create an environment where meaningful friendships can flourish across generations and borders.
The Tulip Society is a private society.
Membership is by application and intended for individuals who genuinely recognise themselves in our standards, values and way of life. Our aim is not to be exclusive for the sake of exclusivity, but to create an environment in which members feel at home among people with similar interests, ambitions and manners.
Respect, integrity, good conduct, curiosity, generosity and genuine hospitality form the foundation of everything we do.
As our international community continues to grow, we are looking for people who would like to help build the future of the Tulip Society.
Every chapter is established and developed by members who enjoy creating opportunities for others to meet. Together we organise elegant events, welcome new members, build local communities and strengthen our international network.
Serving on a board or committee is entirely voluntary and unpaid. It is an opportunity to contribute to a community you believe in, develop new skills and work alongside inspiring people from many different countries.
Board and committee members are expected to possess an impeccable reputation, excellent interpersonal skills, a broad interest in culture and society, and a genuine desire to bring people together.
Every chapter has the ambition to establish a monthly Waltz & Wine evening.
These informal evenings bring together members, prospective members and guests for a ballroom dance lesson followed by drinks in an elegant setting. Waltz & Wine evenings are often the starting point of new friendships and allow prospective members to experience the atmosphere of the Tulip Society.
Each chapter develops its own local programme while remaining connected to the wider international organisation.
All official events are organised exclusively through the Tulip Society website.
The Tulip Society is led by its Founder and Director, Clemens van Steijn, who continues to guide the international development and long term vision of the organisation.
Under his direction, the international expansion of the Black Tulip Society is coordinated by its President Vincent Baron von Preuschen von und zu Liebenstein, while the international expansion of the Orange Tulip Society is coordinated by its President Her Highness Princess Olimpia Colonna di Paliano. Together they support local boards, mentor new chapters and help safeguard the standards and values that define the Tulip Society.
Becoming part of the Tulip Society offers far more than helping organise events.
You will become part of an international network of friends across Europe and the United States.
You will have opportunities to visit remarkable private membership clubs, historic castles, country estates, palaces and other exceptional venues through the friendships and partnerships that exist within our international community.
You will develop practical leadership experience, learn how international events are organised from concept to execution, expand your professional network and work alongside dedicated people who share your enthusiasm for creating memorable experiences.
Every board member is encouraged to identify personal goals and areas for development. The international leadership actively supports volunteers through mentoring, guidance and practical experience, allowing every individual to continue growing both personally and professionally.
The ambitions of the Tulip Society continue to grow. We hope you will grow together with us.
Every chapter is unique, but we aim to build balanced boards with complementary backgrounds and an equal balance of men and women wherever possible.
A typical board consists of:
The President provides leadership to the local chapter and represents it within the international organisation.
The Secretary ensures smooth administration and distributes meeting minutes within 24 to 48 hours after each board meeting.
The Black Tulip Society and Orange Tulip Society each establish their own independent chapter boards. Where both societies are listed below, we are recruiting separate boards for both organisations.
Our Content and Design Committee is responsible for developing and maintaining the visual identity of the Tulip Society.
Committee members create invitations, brochures, event materials, social media content, reels, presentations and promotional campaigns. We are also looking for people with experience in Mailchimp and talented writers who can help launch our new monthly members newsletter.
The Corporate Acquisition Committee helps build long term partnerships that allow our events and international ambitions to continue growing.
Members assist in developing sponsorship proposals, preparing partnership presentations, approaching corporate partners, securing sponsors for events such as the Tulips Ball and the Tulips Polo Trophy and establishing relationships with leading international public relations agencies.
Do you believe you would be a valuable addition to the Tulip Society, even if there is currently no suitable vacancy in your region?
We warmly welcome open applications.
Please send your motivation together with your complete curriculum vitae to info@tulip-society.com.
We are always looking for people who enjoy bringing others together, appreciate tradition, value good manners and wish to help build an international community with ambitious plans for the future.
Join the Tulip Society and help shape the next chapter of our international story.