Natalia’s cooking makes a big impression in Hanover

When the Preston-based Piccolo Group approached T.H.E for a chef for an exhibition they were attending, second year Events student Natalia Sliwinska was quick to grasp the opportunity. Although studying for a degree in Event Management, Natalia is an experienced and qualified chef so this was a good chance to combine her culinary skills with her Events studies.

Piccolo Group Director, Rachel Coleridge-Smith graduated from UCLan with an Event Management degree in 2011 and although she is very busy travelling the world to promote the company’ products she remains very supportive of UCLan Event Management, giving an annual guest lecture about Corporate Events and offering placement and job opportunities. Events graduate, Lauren Davies is currently working for the company part-time to gain more experience.

The Domotex Exhibition, which is held in Hanover, Germany each year, is the world’s leading trade fair for floor coverings with over 1300 exhibitors from 63 countries and 40,000 visitors and The Piccolo Group exhibits there every year. This year they hired a house for the 10 strong exhibition team to stay in, and Natalia’s job was to cook breakfast, make and deliver sandwiches for lunch and then cook an evening meal. In between she was able to visit the exhibition and really get a feel for this part of the Events industry. 

Natalia takes up the story: ‘I was surprised at how big and luxurious some of the exhibition stands were, they were like hotel lounges and some even had chefs making food for visitors and handing out glasses of prosecco.

"The whole experience was something completely new. This is my first time at an exhibition and it was interesting to see it through the exhibitors’ eyes and also as a customer. The cooking went well too; I am used to staying in the background in the kitchen but here I was more exposed, and I loved it!

Natalia certainly made an impression, being voted the Best Housemate and Most Valuable Person at Piccolo’s end of exhibition celebration, and her cooking even won her a marriage proposal!"