Getting to know Sophie Pring

Meet Sophie Pring. Currently the Senior Events Manager at Arts Centre Melbourne Sophie is a recent Melbourne acquisition, hailing from New Zealand. She loves food, wine, music, theming and fashion and has a passion for events. She also knows how Barack Obama takes his tea. Join us as we get to know another fabulous event pro, Sophie Pring…

Give us a snap shot of your career to date.

It started as a dream to become a wedding planner… I look back on it now and it couldn’t be more different. I am corporate through and through!
I am originally from Auckland NZ where I studied Hospitality Management in Queenstown. The majority of my earlier career has been within hotels – gaining skill across all departments.
I spent two years in the UK which was amazing. I worked within the largest conference hotel as an event manager, working on a vast quantity of events!
I moved back to Auckland in 2015 and began working in ‘venues’ with a company who manages 9 venues within Auckland. This was my first opportunity at managing a team of event planners and also my first non-hotel position!  I have recently moved across the ditch and I am now 5 months into being a Senior Event Manager at Arts Centre Melbourne.  I am absolutely loving it here. ACM is amazing and it’s been the smoothest transition.

The most memorable event you have worked on and why?

I was a part of the event management team at the Celtic Manor Resort in the UK and we hosted the NATO Summit in 2014…due to accreditation, I was given the opportunity to serve tea & coffee to Barack Obama and David Cameron!

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

Sometimes you can’t control everything and everyone!

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

Maintaining the passion
The ability to be flexible and resilient
Manage your time efficiently

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

Take hold of all opportunities that come to you. Get as much experience across all departments and teams as this will pay off in the long run.

If you could plan an event anywhere in the world where would it be and why?

My wedding in Italy – I can’t decide on an exact location yet..

Favourite type of food?

Anything Asian.. But I love all food so it’s continuously changing

How do you unwind after a big event?

A shower and a glass of wine

Where do you go for creative inspiration?

I love Instagram. It’s so inspiring but maybe too addictive?!

Favourite restaurant?

For brunch – Top Paddock or Abacus. We are so lucky with choice in Melbourne.

When entertaining at home what do you cook?

I can assemble a great platter!

Best event you’ve been to as a guest?

All my best friends’ weddings

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

Sit down dinner/lunch. More conversational and if it’s my event, then I love theming a table

What is your ideal holiday destination?

Europe – Anywhere where I can swim, eat and drink!

What’s your drink of choice at an event?

My favourite is Rose. Espresso Martini would also be bonus!

It’s event day – heels or flats?

Flats for set up and when you are on the go. Heels for guest arrival and throughout the live event.

Why do you love your job?

It’s creative, inspiring and also challenging.
It also involves food, wine, music, theming, fashion – all of which are my favourite things

If you weren’t working in events what would you do?

I would consider becoming an EA – Like Donna off “Suits”