Natalie Galipienzo – Meet in Manly

What’s your favourite place on the Northern Beaches?
Ooh I have a few – North Head is spectacular and I love running along the Manly to Spit walk. There are so many beautiful places on the beaches that just make you feel good

Is there something about you that would surprise people?
I’ve never had a sip of coffee!

What’s something everyone should do at least once?
Go for a surf or swim at sunrise – magical

It’s Sunday afternoon, where do we find you?
Either at the beach or trying out new venues and restaurants

If you were down to your last $50 what would you spend it on?
Mayonnaise

Business

How did Meet in Manly happen?
How long have you been operating? Meet in Manly was born out the third Northern Beaches lockdown as a way to support local event suppliers by promoting Manly and the Northern Beaches as an incredible business events destination to event organisers. The sector had been significantly impacted by the pandemic and this was an opportunity to get back on track as the events industry came back to life. We have been officially operating for just over two years and are growing every year!

Best business experience?
I absolutely love delivering events, there is nothing like the excitement and anticipation on event day and I’ve had some pretty special moments such as delivering a show and presentation ceremony at Roslyn Packer Theatre – that was awesome. I’ve also been lucky enough to win an Event Management award presented by the Venues Collection; and Meet in Manly has been
finalist in the Northern Beaches Local Business Awards and the Australian Small Business Champion Awards. We are a finalist in the Australian Small Business Awards again in 2024 and are looking forward to attending the awards ceremony on 12 th April, along with another local business, OsteoStrong Manly. Manly represents!

If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing?
I honestly can’t think of another job I’d love more!! But travelling the world with endless amounts of cash is the dream…

Best part of your job or most enjoyable part of your job?
Collaborating with event partners and suppliers who just love what they do as much as I do

Most stressful part of your job?
Working long hours as you build a business means not being as present with your loved ones as you would like and that makes me stressed

Weirdest thing that has ever happened at work?
I’ve seen a ghost

What’s the best part of working on the Northern Beaches? Why’d you chose to work here?
Before I started Meet in Manly, I spent four years working at Q Station and absolutely fell in love with the Northern Beaches, so much so that I moved here too! The community is incredible, the beaches are obviously amazing and I love the restaurant scene too.

Personal

What would you rate 10/10?
Mayonnaise

What is the best advice you’ve received?
Create your own opportunities

What’s the best thing that’s happened to you this week?
Delivering a hugely successful event at Pier 2/3 for 250 people

Greatest strength?
Planning

Greatest weakness?
Taking things personally

Does anything scare you?
Being locked in an enclosed space

What’s your most treasured possession?
A bracelet from grandmother

What’s your idea of absolute happiness?
Feeling relaxed and laughing with people you love

Which two famous people would you choose to be stuck in a lift with?
Michael Jackson and Chelsea Handler

What travel experiences are on your bucket list?
Japan and Canada – never been to either!

How do you switch off?
Go for a run

What’s your guilty pleasure?
Wine!

If you were an animal, what would you be?
Eagle

How would you like to be remembered?
Loving, fun and happy

If we could ask you one more question, what would it be and what’s your answer?
What’s your favourite thing to eat? Mayonnaise