Head Chef turned Event Manager, Belinda Gertig takes home an industry accolade

So Belinda, tell us about your career in hospitality

I started my career as a chef and spent 20 years in the culinary field, always passionate about cooking and the idea that food brings people together — I was often told that people could taste the love in my food. However, after years of experience, I wanted to use my brain in a different way while still leveraging my hospitality skills, so I decided to pursue a diploma in event management.

During my studies, I secured a workplace placement at the Tradewinds Hotel and shortly following my placement, I was offered a job as an events coordinator within the Prendiville Group at Samphire Rottnest. Then, a year later, I accepted a role at Tradewinds Hotel as Event Manager and have been working here ever since!

‍And what does a day in the life of an Event Manager look like?

Every day is different, which is why I always start the morning with a nice, strong cup of coffee! We host a range of events at the Tradewinds, from weddings and birthday parties to conferences and corporate gatherings, so you need to be able to be flexible to understand each client’s vision and create the perfect event that delivers.

It’s important to note that as an event Manager, my role is very diverse. For me the best part is working in a small boutique hotel where everyone collaborates as a team.

‍What is it about your role that you love?

I love the interaction with people that event management brings — working with people to deliver on their event vision is a very proud moment when it’s all come to life. Especially with weddings, where we get to know the clients a bit more and help them with their big day that will be cherished as a lifelong memory!

Personally, I also love that the Prendiville Group is a family-run business, where we work directly with the directors and have our voices heard. It's wonderful to receive such acknowledgment, recognition, and reward, which is very fulfilling.

‍Being dubbed the winner of the Conference & Events Manager Award at the 2024 AHA Accommodation Awards for Excellence — how did you feel?

Sylvester, our General Manager at The Tradewinds, actually put my name forward for the awards. I was shortlisted as a finalist in the events and conferences category and was in absolute shock to be awarded, especially given the calibre of large hotels we were up against.

But for me, it wasn't just about winning the award personally; it was a great moment for us as a team to gain recognition for the hard work we put in every day.

‍What would you recommend to someone looking at a career as an event manager?

Have the right attitude and a passion for what you do. We have this saying at the Tradewind: Go above and beyond what's reasonable to deliver something special. Yes, it's sometimes long hours, but that rewarding feeling seeing an event come to life is something you can’t buy.