She coordinates events, liaises with suppliers, ensures nothing is left to chance and that everything is alright on the night. Basically, Magda makes the magic happen…

Have long have you worked at 116? 

Just over 10 years.  I like this place too much to leave!

What do you enjoy most about your job and about working at 116?

First of all, the building is stunning. It is a pleasure to have a Grade 1 listed Georgian building as your place of work. The people here also make it a great place to work. 

There are so many employees across 116 and the Institute of Directors that every time you leave the office you will bump into a colleague that you may have not seen for a couple of days and enjoy a brief chat.

We all do different jobs here and come from all walks of life. As for my role, I like the fact that in any given week I can be looking after a booking for a small meeting room, a conference for 250 guests, a surprise birthday party dinner, a fashion show or a film crew shooting a scene for a TV scene. 

Tell us about a typical working day, if there is such a thing

My day starts at 8.30am with a coffee at my desk. Usually the first task is to have a catch up with operations team on any events that I worked on which took place on the previous evening to make sure everything went to plan. Alternatively, I might meet with a client that has just arrived for their event.

Within the sales team we have a 9am catch up to briefly run through today’s events and any tasks that we need to do. Throughout the day I can be responding to new emails and phone enquiries, chasing existing enquiries and provisional bookings, coordinating upcoming events or conducting client site visits. Occasionally, meeting clients can involve menu tasting, which is a nice perk of the job!

What is your favourite event that has been held at 116 and why?

Ooh, that’s a tricky question. I have so many to choose from. One of them is an annual charity fundraising Christmas lunch for Macmillan Cancer Support. We accommodate over 200 guests in Nash Room. Each year this event raises more funds for charity. In 2018, they raised over £30,000.  The lunch is organised by the Asset Finance Professionals Association and they are wonderful people to work with. I feel very lucky to know them.

Why is it such a special and unique venue?

The variety of event spaces. We have beautiful traditional rooms and modern ones with the most up to date facilities. So, you may be having a training course in a super modern room within the Business Centre and Academy on the third floor. But to get there, you can walk up the stunning grand staircase, see the huge chandelier that hangs above it and admire the amazing works of art. Plus, there is so much history here!

What is the tightest deadline you've ever had to make an event happen and how did you get it done in time?

I remember on one occasion getting a phone call just seconds before I was due to leave for the day, with an enquiry to hold a meeting for a group of 25 the next morning that would be followed by a sit-down, three-course lunch. We managed to sort out the room, we briefed and organised the staff and we arranged the space in our onsite restaurant for them to dine. The catering and operations team here are flexible and always very supportive. Without them, any last-minute requests would not be possible.

And finally, describe your job in three words...

Will it fit?

This is the most commonly asked question within the sales team - figuring out room capacities becomes second nature when you work in events.

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BOOK YOUR EVENT AT 116 PALL MALL

One of the most prestigious addresses in London, 116 Pall Mall is situated in the heart of the West End and offers a range of flexible spaces across five floors, perfect for any kind of event for up to 1,500 people. 

You can even hire our whole building exclusively on weekends. 

Make an enquiry for more information.