VOICE FROM THE TOP

An interview with Nina Erneker, Head of Bratislava Convention Bureau

Q:Have you always wanted to work in the meeting industry?

Yes! It’s strange…it’s like you know what you want, even if you have no idea what its like.

Q: Why is your destination/country the best in the world?

We are a small country with big ideas. I definitely believe that as the knowledge hub of Slovakia, Bratislava has many interesting things to say and to show, and working in and with business meetings I think that delegates will travel the world for good content…

Q: What would be the first thing you would show every visitor to your country?

I would take them to the city centre of Bratislava and leave them alone for 1 hour to absorb the atmosphere. They will find themselves in a lively and vibrant city with great accessibility to all the major sights and with many nice places to eat and drink. And I would have no worries to do so, because the city is safe for anybody.

Q: What has been your star moment so far and your favourite project with which you would best praise yourself?

My star moment no. 1 belongs to my private life – it was 5 years ago, when I gave birth to my son. As for the favourite projects, I have already organised “my” dream business event for a client. I was in our Bratislava Botanical Garden at the end of June, outdoor on the grass, with teak furniture, roses in bloom, exquisite catering, lovely wine, a funky DJ, a fine arts exhibition and the stars above…nothing else needed.

Q: What motivates you the most at work?

When I see that I matter.

Q: In what way do you deal with stress?

I try many things, because none of them work for each and every type of stress. But my most favourite things are sleep, to wine & dine with my loved ones and chi-kung, so ideally any combination of those mentioned.

Q: What will be new in your business in 2017?

We will set up a 3-year strategy for each letter of MICE in Bratislava and continue focusing on good content.

Q: Where will you spend this year’s holiday and why?

Greece, definitely – I am a Greekoholic J.  I love their baklavas, briam, shrimp saganaki, melitzanosalata, spinakopites…well, I could go on for hours about the food. And yes, I love their way of life too.

Q: If there would be no time or financial constraints, where would you go?

On a Greek Island Odyssey. J And when I would have satisfied my addiction after a couple of months I would start to explore the rest of the Mediterranean, from Montenegro to Spain.

Q: What would be the title of your autobiography?

“I told you so” 😉