I got into the events industry because it gave me the opportunity to offer amazing Italian experiences to guests from overseas.
I have worked here since 1999. I began my overseas career in 1990 as a representative for a UK tour operator based in Kavos, Corfu – a well-known hotspot for youngsters who danced and drank by night and hit beaches by day. Daily challenges included getting clients out of jail and gun-toting apartment owners. After seven seasons, I became a local guide in Italy, then finally created my own company.
I was attracted to this particular role because it gave me the opportunity to work with people and sell Italy and all that it offers. Not many people in the UK know how many amazing and unique experiences there are here for events. IC Bellagio now has exclusive access to properties run by FAI, the Italian arm of the National Trust, which includes gardens such as world-famous Villa Balbianello, recently featured in Monty Don’s BBC programme on Italian Gardens.
My worst experience at an event was when the 45 tuxedos we rented for a gala farewell at the client company’s president dinner were not all the correct size. Participants had not taken their measurements properly and one of the staff lost the mobile number of the tailor who was supposed to be on site to make last-minute alterations. She had left early of her own accord and we had five tuxedos that needed urgent attention. After calling half of Milan we were able to find her. She returned in time to the hotel to make the necessary alterations and ensured everyone was looking fabulous for the dinner.
If there’s one thing I’ve learnt it’s never give up and always believe that it is possible.
The best event I’ve been involved in was – there have been too many: from the small, intimate occasions for private clients, to the mega parties with fireworks, top celebrity bands and fireworks at Lake Como in our seven-bedroom villa.
If I could do it all over again I would believe more in myself and my abilities.
The one thing I can’t stand is lazy people who don’t want to do things to the best of their ability and go that extra mile, but do only what is necessary.
Outside of work I spend my time with my teenage son, travelling worldwide, with friends and enjoying sport, especially tennis.
If money were no object I would be sorely tempted by the Bulgari diamonds I was privileged to wear, for one night only, at an event we hosted last year at the jewellery company’s prestigious hotel in Milan. When I was told the price tag for my necklace was $40,000, it made me feel more like a million dollars.
The one event I will never miss is travel organisation Virtuoso’s Annual Travel Mart Meeting in Las Vegas in August every year.
The next 12 months will see me continuing to find new products and venues, make new contacts, participate in meetings/conferences which will help me and the company grow to a higher level, enabling us to provide an even higher level of service to our clients. I am also working on moving our entire team to a new office building, which I have recently purchased, by the end of the year.
If I could switch places with anyone else in the industry it would be with Danilo Zucchetti, the new CEO of Villa D’Este, the fabulous, historic five-star hotel on Lake Como, and recently voted the World’s Best Hotel by Forbes magazine in the USA. Then I would never have to leave the premises.
If I ruled the events industry I would invest more in education and training to make sure that universities, schools and colleges were sending as many students as possible into the field to get as much work experience as possible. I am passionate about this aspect of our industry’s future and recently set up an academy for work experience and internships for students worldwide who are seeking a cultural experience, as well as insight into the working environment, in Italy.
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