THE EARLY YEARS
From Strasbourg to the Riviera
Born in Strasbourg to a German father and French mother, Sandrine's life changed at fourteen when she moved to the French Riviera with her mother and two brothers. She attended school in Valbonne and Nice, earning her Baccalaureate before discovering the place that would become her home forever — Monaco.
She enrolled at the International University of Monaco (IUM), graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. It was during this time that she fell deeply in love with the Principality — its energy, its people, its unique blend of tradition and ambition.
ORIGINS
Born
Strasbourg, France
Heritage
Franco-German
Education
IUM — BSc Business
Languages
FR · IT · EN
Monaco resident
Over 25 years
Children
Allan & Sophia
THE MEDIA YEARS
Lights, camera, Monaco
Fresh out of university, Sandrine stepped into the spotlight as a television presenter for Monte-Carlo SAT, Monaco's emerging satellite channel. The camera loved her and she loved the energy — but she wanted to create, not just present. In 1999, at just 25, she founded her own production company, 5 Stars Prod, producing television shows and building a reputation in Monaco's tightly-knit media world.
She became a consultant for Eurosport, interviewing racecar drivers at European circuits. She hosted the legendary Rallye Monte-Carlo, the Monte-Carlo Film Comedy Festival, and prestigious golf tournaments. Every event expanded her network; every stage built her confidence. She was learning the art of bringing people together — she just didn't know yet that it would become her life's work.
THE REINVENTION
From producer to creator of moments
In 2003, after her marriage, Sandrine made a bold decision. She stepped away from television production and reimagined her company as Five Stars Events — a full-service luxury event house. No more producing other people's shows. She would create her own.
The pivot wasn't easy. Monaco's event industry is fiercely competitive, dominated by established players with decades of relationships. But Sandrine brought something they didn't have — a media professional's understanding of storytelling, a mother's intuition for what makes moments matter, and an immigrant's hunger to prove herself in a place she had chosen as her own.
THE TURNING POINT
A mother's mission
In 2005, Sandrine became a mother when her son Allan was born — and in that same year, she did what most people would consider impossible — she launched the Bal de Noël.
Inspired by the Christmas markets of her childhood in Strasbourg and the elegance of her adopted home, she envisioned a winter charity gala that would become the third great ball of Monaco's season — after the Rose Ball and the Red Cross Ball. The first edition was held at the Hôtel de Paris, in the magnificent Salle Empire.
It was a gamble. A young mother, running her own company, daring to create a charity gala that would stand alongside Monaco's most storied traditions. But the gamble paid off — spectacularly.
20 EDITIONS & COUNTING
The Bal de Noël — a legacy in numbers
What started as one woman's vision has raised over €2 million for children's causes, earned the High Patronage of H.S.H. Princess Charlene of Monaco, and become one of the most anticipated events on Monaco's social calendar.
20
Editions since 2005
€2M+
Raised for charity
€451K
Record — 20th anniversary (2025)
€250K
Raised at 2023 edition
2005–2015
Under the Patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco
2016–PRESENT
High Patronage of H.S.H. Princess Charlene of Monaco
BENEFICIARY
Princess Charlene Foundation — drowning prevention & youth education
THE MISSION
“Women in Monaco should not feel isolated”
In 2011, Sandrine published Women of Monaco, a book celebrating the Principality's most remarkable women, with a preface by H.R.H. Princess Caroline of Hanover. It was published to support MAP (Monaco Aide et Présence), a children's charity.
A decade later, in 2021, the idea evolved into something bigger — the Women of Monaco Lunch series. Three gatherings per year (March, June, October), bringing together women from every background to celebrate achievements, raise funds, and build genuine connections.
In 2022 came the Women of Monaco Awards — eight categories spanning Culture, Fashion, Art, Health, Media, Entrepreneur, Philanthropy, and Sport. And in March 2023, launched on International Women's Day at the Yacht Club de Monaco, the Women of Monaco Club was born — an exclusive, invitation-only network for like-minded women.
In Sandrine's own words: “I believe it is essential that women in Monaco do not feel isolated, but are part of a community where they can learn, share, and grow together.”
BEYOND EVENTS
The creative soul
Sandrine is not just an event producer — she is a creative force. Around 2015, after studying at the Sotheby's Institute, she launched ArtSGK, an art consultancy promoting contemporary artists in Monaco. Through ArtSGK, she has championed emerging talents, blending her love of beauty with her talent for connecting people.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, when the world of events came to a standstill, Sandrine refused to disappear. She launched a YouTube channel — “Sandrine Knoell — Welcome to My World” — offering a window into her life, her passions, and the Monaco she loves. It was a reminder that the woman behind the galas is also someone who adapts, creates, and keeps going — no matter what.
IN HER WORDS
“I know every guest by name. I anticipate every need. I want every person who walks into one of my events to feel that this moment was created just for them.”
— Sandrine Knoell
WORK WITH SANDRINE
Let's create something unforgettable
Whether it's a private celebration, a charity gala, or a corporate event — Sandrine and her team bring the same passion, precision, and personal touch to every project.