On 26 July 2012, The Queen
Elizabeth II Conference Centre (QEIICC) became Casa Italia, home to CONI
(the National Olympic Committee of Italy) and a showcase of all things Italian.
I have been
working with CONI since the start of the year to help them transform all six
floors of the venue.
The past few months have been an Italian
whirlwind! From dealing with Italian contractors (who had to be reminded of UK
health and safety policies) to trying out my own Italian (following our Italian
lessons to ensure we could communicate with our client); it has been an
eventful few months.
I started working with CONI earlier this year;
at first I was showing them and their army of contractors, agencies and
sponsors around the building. I was handling multiple show-rounds every day,
guiding them through what is possible in each of our event spaces, but also
what can and can’t be done in the UK. My knowledge of the venue, and of UK
restrictions was thoroughly tested.
As time went on, plans took shape and we have
helped CONI transform the venue. All of our six floors have been used to create
the perfect showcase of everything Italian – including an exhibition of Italian
photography, a stage for live Italian events and the Italian Experience –
giving visitors the chance to sample the best Italian food and wine. We have
even managed to secure a late license for CONI to entertain their VIP guests
into the early hours.
The QEIICC Lawn at the front of the venue will
also be transformed, and at night the centre will look stunning, as it is lit
with the colours of the Italian flag.
In typical event industry fashion, no two days
are ever the same and I hope that my varied experience has been an asset to
CONI and to The QEIICC. I have worked in the events industry since 2000,
following five years spent at catering college. I enjoyed college and during that
time I spent six months in Japan working for a French restaurant, but then came
back to the UK to finish my course. Since then I have worked in many different
hotels – from the Dolphin Square Hotel in Pimlico to the White House Hotel in
Regents Park. I even went over to the ‘other side’ for a while and worked at
Expotel – a hotel booking agency.
Now with only a few days to go, the centre is
looking amazing. Most of the exhibits and rooms have been dressed and set and
it is looking very different.
I’m looking forward to welcoming the public, the Italian Olympic team
and all the Italian dignitaries and VIPs to the Centre.
I will be writing another blog later this month and I will share my experiences of when Casa Italia goes live.
Any comments? Email conferencenews@mashmedia.net
