Getting to know Josi Schreiber

Meet Josi Schreiber. Currently the Event Coordinator at Beta Bar and Gallery in Sydney, she has always wanted to work in events. After studying in The Netherlands she worked at Mercedes Benz in Germany and now calls Australia home. She is hardworking, persistent and has a great guest list for who she would invite to a dinner party.

So join us as we get to know another Event Pro, Josi Schreiber…

Give us a snap shot of your career to date.

My event career started in The Netherlands, where I studied Event Management at NHTV Breda. I always knew I wanted to become an Event Manager. Straight out of University, I was lucky enough to work within the internal events team of Mercedes Benz, Germany. This is where I fell in love with working on corporate events. After moving to Australia, I landed a job at Beta Bar and Gallery Sydney, where I’m responsible for coordinating corporate events.

The most memorable event you have worked on and why?

I organised so many great events with great clients here at Beta. However, I’ll have to say my most memorable event was when I assisted with the opening of the Mercedes Benz Technology Center in Germany. The event was to show the factory to the families of the employees- it was a very special day. Amongst others, opening the doors to the Mercedes Design building where only a very limited amount of people have access to was unforgettable.

What did you ‘learn the hard way’ when planning an event?

That communication is key for everything you do. A lot of issues can be prevented with great communication.

What are three personality traits that are required to succeed in the events industry?

Energetic, Hardworking, Flexible

If you could share one piece of advice to those starting out in the industry what would it be?

Really work towards the type of events you want to manage and keep persevering.

Describe yourself in two words?

Honest and Hardworking.

How do you unwind after a big event?

The best thing is to get home and have your dog greet you as if he hasn’t seen you for a year (even though it was only a day). I’m relaxed straight away.

Words to live by?

Persist, push, hang on, keep going, never give up. Persistence – it’s a cliché, but it happens to work.

Where do you go for creative inspiration?

On a nice nature walk either along the coast or through the forest.

When entertaining at home what do you cook?

I must be one of the luckiest women in the world with a chef as partner. He cooks and I’ll bake brownies or cheesecake for dessert.

What do you prefer, cocktail party or sit-down dinner?

Cocktail Party! The dynamics are much better and everybody has better networking opportunities.

Best fashion tip?

Stylish but comfortable is the best mix. On event day, I’m always making sure I’m extra comfortable.

What’s your drink of choice at an event?

Always water and of course a glass of bubbles!

It’s event day – heels or flats?

Flats 100%

Who would you love to invite to dinner (past or present)?

Michelle and Barack Obama – Just reading her book and I’m even more impressed with both of them now. Not only have they achieved so much, but they are also great people on top of this.

Best event styling tip?

Florals, never skimp on florals. They always make such a difference and work in so many different ways.

Why do you love your job?

I love the role I’m in because it can be so challenging, it pushes me to work harder and do the best I can. There’s nothing better than creating a great event with happy clients and guests, it can be very rewarding.