Mojca Gobina

Bernardin introduces meetings and events at the Slovenian coast

Interview with Mojca Gobina, MICE Department Manager at Bernardin Group Resorts & Hotels

Q: Have you always wanted to work in the meeting industry?
In fact, my entry in the meetings industry is associated with the “analytical interview”, which consisted of an in-depth analysis of professional knowledge, skills, character and emotional characteristics and personal attitude towards identification and approach to challenges. And its fundamental characteristic is addiction – once you enter this world you hardly leave it. Over the years of operation in this industry I tried to find the balance between business and private world. Impossible – you simply became addicted as it shapes and identifies you. The secret of success is in our own creativity, vision and synergetic integration of all involved parties which is also the philosophy of life. Meetings industry is art and lifestyle.

Q: Why is your destination/country the best in the world?Portorož/Piran – two beautiful towns that offers to every visitor a truly authentic inspiration: a Mediterranean Pearl influenced by the Northern Mediterranean, small towns with a wide variety festivals, cultural remix of inspiring modernity and fascinating history, cross-road of culture and culinary arts, ranked as among the top 10 wine destination by the Wine Enthusiasts 2015.

Q: What would be the first thing you would show every visitor of your country?
The inspiring beauty of the nature and its heritage in every destination of Slovenia, starting in the Alpine region with the lake Bled to Ljubljana, continuing to the reach underground world of the Karst Region to the little fishermen’s town of Piran. Slovenia is an incentive itself – once you know it you simply love it.

Q: What has been your star moment so far and what is your favourite project with which you would prise yourself?
My star moments related to my role in the meetings industry were definitely two big projects with huge economic impact: 86th Congress and Exhibition of the European Orthodontic Society (EOS) 2010 for its complexity, Campus Crusade for Christ International CCCI 2011 for the fact that this event was closed for the month of January.

I would prise myself in reaching the company strategic goal – place again Bernardin on the top 10 list in SEE Europe.

Q: What motivates you the most at work?
The motivation lies in the responsibility of myself – I am aware that how I feel is mainly depending on me. At work my motivators are new projects and related challenges, feedback from clients, seeing my team implementing the agreed strategies or novelties.

Q: How do you deal with stress?
Lots of assignments to work on, upcoming deadline means good pressure that helps me to stay motivated and productive. The art is in balancing multiple projects and meeting deadlines. Under pressure my creativity runs. All I need is my daily to do list with set priorities and goals. On the other hand balance needs energy, energy needs to be charged. My chargers are sport (especially running), cooking, inspirational books and pop jazz music.

Q: When were you last angry/disappointed and why?
Last Wednesday – lack of communication within operational sectors. Effective communication within the sectors is crucial to get projects running effectively and to avoid potential risks. Assignments and timing must be clear and the flow of information must be consistent.

Q: What will be new in your business in 2015 / 2016?
The year 2015 is crucial for Hotels Bernardin in the pursuit of reaching the set targets – in the year 2016 we want, in addition to the 40th anniversary propose to the market also novelties concerning the investment cycle and rebranding. Details will be announced by the end of the year. In terms of operational procedure an even bigger orientation on the internationalisation of business, finding synergetic development strategies with business partners, increase the percentage of closed deals by proactive marketing approach, connecting with the local environment and upgrade partnership in friendship.

Q: What did you learn to do last week?
It’s related to energy for balance and my culinary arts. I learned to do the fresh kiwi and lime cake.

Q: Where did you spent this year’s holiday and why?
Due to the intense business rhythm and lifestyle I entered “short breaks” in my life. In regards to time, commitment and the nature of my love-life these are days lived on its maximum at home or exploring the beauty of England. My last holiday was a week road-trip that included Pisa, Cinque-Terre and Nice. A perfect holiday which included sport activities, culture, heritage, culinary arts and hospitality of local people. I recommend this holiday to everybody as it enriches all five senses.

Q: If there were no time and financial constraints, where would you go?
I would stay and merge all the untapped potential of Slovenia. We are aware of it but we cannot say the same for the policy and the economy.

Q: What would be the title or your autobiography?
Responsibility to myself: acceptance and change

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