Featured Member Interview- September 2009

This month, Phillip Jones sits down with Marietta, who was there at the the very first Schmooze and is a founding member.

Marietta rudolf, marketing manager, national press club

1. Tell us something of your role at the National Press Club
As Marketing Manager I am responsible for corporate sponsorship, membership and business development. I also manage the brand and look after our advertising and public relations. I run our major events and our award programs. However being a small team we all pitch in so I will answer the phone or deliver a restaurant meal if required!
 
2. The Press Club Addresses are naturally famous for their importance and prestige, but what other events does the Club host?

Yes,our press club address speakers program is our ‘major product’ and what we are best known for. We also host a variety of political and media events such as journalism awards.

Alongside the address we are also highly regarded for our award-winning restaurant, our newly refurbished Club Lounge is becoming a real social and business hub – in particular for schmooze groups, and we are proud of our prestigious and elegant functions, conferences and events that we execute without the ‘prestigious’ price tag. In particular we are a superb venue for weddings and commitment ceremonies.

3. Is there such a thing as a typical day at work for you?

No such luck! While I attempt to plan my days and of course have my to do lists – the nature of media and politics is that it can often be highly reactionary and you just have to be ready to respond. Flexibility and a sense of humour are key.

4. The Club has gone through a substantial period of enhancement- tell us a little about that and any future plans.

We are really proud of how far we have come in the past few years. Renovating, re-decorating, improving our services and facilities all very positive stuff! Our Club Lounge on the first floor has provided many more options for our members and we now offer dedicated disabled parking, a lift and bathrooms which we sadly lacked.

Next is the updating of the Boardroom and the gorgeous balcony area and our offices are almost complete! Apart from the ‘cosmetics’ we always look at how to develop our services and facilities for members. The introduction of our limited Social Membership category is an example.

5. What’s the thing you love most about your role?

Well, the variety comes to mind but the real treat is the incredible opportunity of meeting and working with so many influential and interesting people – whatever sphere they are in. They may be in politics, media, diplomatic corp, military, business, bureaucrats but regardless they are often the ‘cream’ of their profession and I am regularly humbled to have the level of access that I enjoy.

6. Canberra’s always been about who you know- how does the National Press Club play its part in bring people together?

Oh, this is another thing I love about the job! Witnessing the amazing networking that occurs quite organically due to the nature of the place but also being able to facilitate meaningful introductions and watch the results blossom. We aim to help achieve this by providing an atmosphere conducive to business and social interaction with great service and products where our members and their guests feel welcome.

7. People sometimes think the Press Club is just for jornos’s – but that’s not true is it?

Not at all. Our membership is incredibly varied and everyone is welcome. We offer a variety of membership options and work toward being inclusive. The main difference is that only media members can vote in the board elections. Depending on your interests and location there will be a membership option to suit! The amazing reciprocal rights our members enjoy around the world is a big draw card in itself!

8. You were at the birth of first Schmooze: what can you remember about that first meeting?

I still remember that afternoon fondly! If memory serves me it was a Thursday on our balcony with about 10 or so of us. We chatted, shared ideas and contacts just as you do at a schmooze event today.

I am so proud of the growth that schmooze has achieved and look forward to remaining a part of schmooze well into the future! Schmooze and the Press Club have a truly symbiotic relationship and we love to be a “home of schmooze” whether it is for a small group on the balcony brainstorming or a soiree for hundreds!