Kristy Mitten, deputy director, conference & banquesting, Landmark London
No event can do without...
A good Excel spreadsheet and great organisation
Most surprising celebration
We once had a client who didn’t confirm the final numbers for their dinner and then sent us the floor plan the day prior… with an increase of 50 guests. We found a solution but there was a slight moment of frenzy.
Earliest celebration memory
As a young child, I had a passion for Barbie dolls and my mum made me a birthday cake with one; it had an impressive
ballgown as the cake part and was iced in pink and white. There was also a bouncy castle.
Favourite event moment
I love the planning of an event; it’s like being in front of a blank canvas and having to create
something amazing from start to finish. It’s also such a great feeling when the team comes together to deliver the perfect event for our clients.
One of my favourite events was a barmitzvah here at The Landmark London. During the evening, the whole family got up on stage and all sang together — the atmosphere was absolutely incredible.Such moments stay with you and remind you why you are passionate about this job.
Celeb/VIP for whom you would most like to hold an event
HM Queen Elizabeth II
Champagne or nice cup of tea?
I like tea but I would never say no to a glass of bubbles…
No event can do without...
A great guest list
Most surprising celebration
For a film première, the client wanted to bring in live penguins, which we were thrilled about — however the venue, which has floor-to-ceiling glass windows, would have been too crowded and too warm for them, so we had to decline.
Earliest celebration memory
My sixth birthday — my parents put together a train set using Matchmakers for the tracks and chocolate Swiss roll for the engine and the carriages. Needless to say that made me one of the most popular six-year-olds in town.
Favourite event moment
Food tastings
Celeb/VIP for whom you would most like to hold an event
Jake Gyllenhaal
Champagne or nice cup of tea?
Neither. I’m Italian, so I would always choose Prosecco.
Mare Wessels, director of catering, The Langham
No event can do without...
Food and drink
Most surprising celebration
There have been too many over the years — the best part of my job is you always have an interesting story to tell your friends.
Earliest celebration memory
Not the first, but the most recent celebration I attended was my friend’s wedding in Sydney,
Australia. Having worked on many impressive weddings over the years, this one left even me seriously impressed — the venue, the view, the food, the attention to detail, it was just perfect.
Favourite event moment
Seeing it all come together on the day after several months of hard work
Celeb/VIP for whom you would most like to hold an event
I would like to organise the
wedding reception of Prince Harry.
Champagne or nice cup of tea?
Definitely champagne
Dina Cohen, kosher senior events manager, Sheraton Grand London Park Lane
No event can do without...
Dedication and attention to detail
Most surprising celebration
A funfair-themed barmitzvah where the ballroom included an ice-skating rink, dodgems and stalls such as hook a duck.
Earliest celebration memory
My batmitzvah. I went to the
catering and production
meetings with my parents and planned the running order. Being a foodie, I insisted there was every type of cuisine available for my guests. I also have a memory of organising my 10th birthday party — you can never go wrong with a bouncy castle and candyfloss.
Favourite event moment
The initial meeting — I like to
create a great trusting
relationship with clients so I can ensure their event is everything they wish for (and more). Also, that thrilled feeling I get once the ballroom is completely set up and awaiting the guests’ arrival.
Celeb/VIP for whom you would most like to hold an event
I would have said the Queen of England but I’m lucky enough to have already catered an event for her. I’ve fortunately also had the opportunity of meeting both
Theresa May and David Cameron. This job does have a lot of perks.
Champagne or nice cup of tea?
During working hours, nothing is better than tea to help me stay fresh and focused. However, once the event has kicked off, we can all do with a glass of champagne to celebrate all our hard work.
