Donna Owens – Event Sales Manager, Sandalford Wines, Western Australia
In this interview, Donna Owens, Events and Sales Manager at Sandalford Wines, tells about her journey in the industry and a little about what the job entails.
What do you do?
I lead the Functions Department at Sandalford Wines, where I’m dedicated to crafting unforgettable experiences. My role revolves around driving sales, and supporting my team in the meticulous planning, and flawless coordination of every event hosted at our stunning venue. My goal is to exceed client expectations, deliver seamless, memorable and unique events that not only delight our guests but also elevate the already impeccable reputation of Sandalford Estate. Every event is a chance to create magic, and I’m passionate about making each one exceptional!
How did you get into the industry?
Quite by chance, actually! Originally from New Zealand, I went on my OE (Overseas Experience) — a rite of passage for every Kiwi just out of high school. London was calling, and I couldn’t resist! What started as an adventure turned into an incredible five-year journey. I worked for a company that launched an event division, and I had the opportunity to work alongside seasoned event professionals, organizing events in some of the city’s most prestigious venues. It was a great learning experience. Following that, I moved to Australia, where I have worked in events at an amazing variety of venues over the past 20 years, ultimately leading me to where I am today.
Share a story from behind the scenes.
During my time in London, I had the absolute honour of working on a prestigious charity gala dinner. In the lead-up, we were informed a member of the British Royal Family would be attending. Suddenly, we found ourselves learning the proper way to curtsy and bow and were even given a stipend to purchase evening dresses and suits for the occasion. The build-up was intense. In the end, it was all for a brief 10-second walk-by from Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh. It was an unforgettable experience, and my curtsy was immaculate!
What food memory from your childhood or travels stands out?
During my time in Europe, I found myself immersed in scenes straight out of the movies – sipping red wine and eating tapas in a cozy, dimly lit Spanish tavern, or sitting on a Parisian sidewalk, completely captivated by the impeccable service and mouthwatering pastries while people-watching.
What’s the best/ worst part of your job?
The best part of my job is seeing incredible people – both at Sandalford and our fantastic local suppliers – work together to bring our client’s visions to life in the most amazing ways.
The worst part is that sales can be time-consuming and demanding, and when you miss out on a bid, it can be discouraging. But when those wins come through, they make every ounce of effort feel absolutely worth it!
What’s one of the most outrageous things you’ve seen behind the scenes?
An Elvis-style music festival over 10 nights. It was wild – the back-of-house areas were flooded with Elvis impersonators, and we had fans screaming in the crowd every night. Going to breakfast in the restaurant was an eye-opening experience, to say the least, and then there were the bras being thrown on stage during performances!
The perfect day off would be…
A road trip to any one of our stunning Western Australian beaches, a pub lunch and a walk on the beach – the perfect way to unwind.
A day in the life of an Event Sales Manager is …
Emails, emails, emails – with a mix of meetings, challenges, and a bit of fun thrown in! It’s a balancing act, but it keeps things interesting and ensures no two days are ever the same.
What does Donna Owens do for fun?
I love spending time with family and friends, even if they’re far away – thank goodness for technology that keeps us connected! I also enjoy diving into the latest mystery novel or catching a good movie. It’s the perfect way to relax.
What would you like guests to know about Sandalford Wines?
It’s 185 years old this year! We are much more than you expect – our property, event spaces and unmatched flexibility will exceed anyones expectations. We’re committed to delivering a world-class experience for all our guests, clients, and visitors. And our wine is beautiful!
How have you grown in your profession? What have you learned from your start in the industry until now? Are there any misconceptions?
I’ve grown by embracing each new challenge and learning from every experience along the way. Flexibility and adaptability are truly essential, and it’s important to have a team and management support who also understand that.
There’s always the misconception that the event industry is all glamour and excitement – and while it certainly has its moments, it’s also a lot of hard work. The attention to detail required often surprises people, but it’s that dedication behind the scenes that makes every event successful.
What’s your view on the events scene in Perth?
The events scene in Perth is thriving and constantly evolving, with visitor numbers on the rise year on year. It has a fantastic energy when it comes to events, and I’m excited to see where it goes in the future!
What are the top three things Donna Owens likes to do in Perth?
I live in the Perth CBD. Walking around the Swan River in any direction is beautiful and changes daily. Walking into the centre of the city for a shopping day out – discovering new cafes or stores. Or heading to King’s Park, with stunning city views.
What future plans do you have for your brand?
Our future plans for the brand involve a stronger focus on corporate offerings, allowing us to grow even further through local collaborations and showcasing the incredible options available within both the Swan Valley and Perth City. There are so many exciting directions we can take, and I’m truly enthusiastic about what comes next. The potential for growth and innovation is endless, and we’re ready to embrace the opportunities ahead!
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