Christine Ilstad is employed as the new sales manager at Ambassaden Event & Konferanse and believes that the industry has bright times ahead.
The iconic building in Henrik Ibsens gate served as the US embassy in Norway from 1959 to 2017. After six years of total renovation, Fredensborg reopened it last autumn, and in addition to office space and a training centre, it also contains three restaurants and large event and conference rooms.
– This is one of the few buildings in Norway designed by one of the truly great international architects, and it is a special feeling to have a workplace here. It is also a privilege to work so that others can experience the building through events, conferences and arrangements, says Christine Ilstad.
The American embassy: – No tears, no blood, but a lot of sweat
Ivar Tollefsen has completely opened the old embassy to the public after Fredensborg has worked on the “dream project” since the purchase in 2017.
The newly appointed sales manager has a master’s degree in marketing and experience from, among others, Rezidor, HRG, Radisson Hotel Scandinavia, Scandic and Strawberry.
– Christine has the competence, the will to stand up and the experience needed to be successful in the position, and with her good mood and enthusiasm she fits very well in the team. I am very happy that she chose us, says Even Bråten Ofstad, sales director at Ambassaden Event.
I think the market will pick up
Ilstad came from his position as sales manager for Strawberry in Gardermoen and believes that the event market is recovering after tough times for the industry.
– The Embassy team has done a formidable job and has already secured us a good position with several regular customers. We will continue to build on this, but at the same time I believe that the industry in general can wait for better times in line with possible interest rate cuts, she says.
The embassy is a rich house with possibilities for various types of events and conferences, but always flanked by high-level gastronomy. With restaurants, a roof terrace, the iconic atrium and state-of-the-art areas with space for 700, Ilstad believes that customers need clear guidance.
– Thorough clarification of needs leads to better experiences and returning customers. We generally offer flexible solutions in everything from room size, technology and menus – and with a wide range of offers comes greater responsibility for good guidance, says Ilstad.
Tags: ambassador Embassy
