Getting to know Edyta Banasiak

Meet Edyta Banasiak. Currently the Sales Manager at Cruise Bar she works with an amazing team to run events involving anything from glamping to staff wearing their PJs. She has years of experience up her sleeve and accommodates last minute client requests with grace and style. This Event Pro gets it right with her attention to detail for each event and she enjoys every minute of it. Join us as we meet another fabulous event pro, Edyta Banasiak….

Give us a snap shot of your career to date.

After studying events management, I secured a role at one of the largest hotels in Sydney as an Events Coordinator. Although it was a very challenging role and period at the venue I certainly learnt a lot about the industry and myself during that time. From there I progressed onto other hotels and even a football club which gave me great exposure to a wider variety of events.
I did a short stint in London at a phenomenal hotel where I worked with a number of fabulous clients including a top Football Club and was even given the opportunity to attend the female’s finals at Wimbledon.
After returning to Australia I worked at a hotel group for 5 years and then moved to Cruise Bar.

The most memorable event you have worked on and why?

I couldn’t pinpoint just one client event however I find the product launches have been most memorable and exciting. There are a number of extra elements and logistics to get right for each of the events and ensuring the space is immaculate for those all-important photo opportunities.
Internally we recently held a PR event and had some very privileged guests stay overnight in a Glamping tent on our Roof Top venue.

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

Not to take things personally! Clients are under immense pressure in the lead up to an event and sometimes this can lead to last minute changes and requirements. Simply ensure you can accommodate where possible, and if it’s not possible always offer an alternative.

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

Check everything! Highest level of attention to detail is crucial. Honesty – if something has been promised to the client, ensure this is delivered. A sense of humour – be serious and professional where necessary but also have the ability to laugh as it can get stressful at times.

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

Everyone knows everyone – so behave!

What song always gets you on the dance floor?

Macklemore and Ryan Lewis – And We Danced

Favourite type of food?

I can never say no to chocolate, Grill’d burgers and pizza!

Words to live by?

Enjoy life, enjoy the food you eat, enjoy the work you do, enjoy the people around you and if you’re not enjoying it, move…. you’re not a tree!

What is your biggest challenge at the moment?

Monitoring my carbohydrate intake! No one wants to do that.

Where do you go for creative inspiration?

A simple walk can do it or seeing something might spring inspiration. Always have a piece of paper and pen in easy reach.

Favourite restaurant?

Sala de Despiece in Madrid, Spain.

What is your ideal holiday destination?

Anywhere overseas with a cultural difference. I enjoy being out of routine and away from the usual things you can do at home. Throw in a volcano climb as well and I’m in a happy place.

What’s your drink of choice at an event?

You can never go wrong with a Malbec however if the bar is open, definitely something with vodka.

It’s event day – heels or flats?

As much as I love my heels, it’s flats all the way for a long event day.

What is the craziest request you have ever had when planning an event?

There’s no such thing as a crazy request. We’ve accommodated live animals at events, bespoke menus and cocktail creations, staff to wear certain uniforms (not just a branded apron or top, but even pyjamas), changes at the last minute, there’s nothing you can’t manage.

Why do you love your job?

I enjoy the variety of events I work on and the clients I work with. I’ve also been quite fortunate to have a great team and great colleagues at my jobs.

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

Something in travel or design.