Getting to know Laura Reddaway

Meet Laura Reddaway, the brand new Conference & Events Sales Manager for CENTREPIECE at Melbourne Park– an exciting new venue opening in 2021. She was interviewed and recruited for the role during lockdown and while she hasn’t met her colleagues in person yet, she’s excited about what they can achieve together. Join us as she shares her plans for supporting Melbourne and local suppliers get back on their feet and what she is most excited about post-lockdown.

1. Give us a snapshot of your career to date.

First and foremost, I feel very fortunate to have worked on some amazing world-class events throughout my career, as well as alongside some of the brightest minds in the industry.

Over the past decade, I’ve been a dedicated events specialist working across international trade shows, conferences and venues. I live and breathe events and would say I’m most passionate about creating meaningful connections and moments, which is why I’m so excited for my chapter at CENTREPIECE at Melbourne Park.

Los Angeles    |    New York    |    Atlanta

2. What does your new role at CENTREPIECE at Melbourne Park involve and what excites you the most about it?

My new role as Conference & Events Sales Manager is very much focused on bringing events to life for our clients – whether an intimate dinner or large-scale function – it’s all about that wow factor.

When it comes to what I’m most excited about, it’s being a part of something that truly celebrates the marvellous city of Melbourne. Our new venue represents the heart, culture and people of our city, and we cannot wait to open our doors for the first time to both Australia and the world in 2021.

3. What do you see being the biggest challenge for CENTREPIECE at Melbourne Park during these unusual times?

While CENTREPIECE is opening next year, our mission right now is very much focused on supporting our city and its return to form. We are also looking forward to helping local suppliers get back on track and return to their former glory when the state opens up – with some set to feature on our new menu, showcasing the outstanding produce and culinary creations that Victoria has on offer.

4. What has it been like accepting and starting a new role during isolation?

It’s been quite an experience – from dialing into my interview with an uncontrollable barking dog in the background, to working closely with colleagues having only met them virtually online.

Everyone has been so warm and welcoming, and it’s been amazing to see how creative we can be online. It also makes me only more excited about the magic we’ll create when we all see each other face to face.

5. What are you personally looking forward to most once you get out of iso?

For a while I had a long list of what I wanted to do when we left iso. However, now I’m most looking forward to spending time with my family and cooking a meal to enjoy with friends. I can’t deny I’m also counting down the days until the hairdresser reopens! Not long now!

6. Finally, some fun facts about what you got up to in isolation:

“In isolation I…
a. always had a shower and got dressed for the day ahead
b. binge watched…. The Sopranos
c. perfected this recipe…after attempting many recipes, I’ve found the perfect Indian chicken curry!
d. ordered… some amazing meals from Providoor, trying out new restaurants across Melbourne and ordering some favourites too.
c. secretly loved the slower pace AND craved getting back to working long hours at events. A big positive has been having the time to work on projects both at work and at home that I otherwise haven’t had time for. All of those “I’ll do it when I have a free day” tasks, it’s a great feeling ticking them off. Like most people though, I am missing the face-to-face interactions and creativity that comes with working in events.