GABRIELA SCHMIDLE

Winter Wonderland Vibes coming your way!   

Gabriela Schmidle, Founder and CEO of MTS Wien (Marketing Tourism Synergy Vienna) and organizer of the Schloss Schönbrunn Christmas Market in Vienna, joined Pat for a jolly chat about the business side of these unique events.                                                      

Patrizia and Gabriela discussed what makes the perfect location for a christmas market, the beauty of different market concepts and the magic they bring to Vienna as a city. After 30 years in the business, Gabriela has a special set of eyes when it comes to markets, especially Christmas Markets. She filled Pat in on the secretmissions she takes up, during summer, to find the greatest concepts and local vendors for all her market endeavors – from Pottery, over Easter, to Christmas markets – Gabriela has them all. The Focus thereby lays on finding the right mix of exhibitors for artisan crafts and craftmanship as well as a great selection of food.

As an Alumni of the Tourismuskolleg Innsbruck, Gabriela worked for the tourist office in St.Anton, Vorarlberg for a while and later joined the Hofburg Congress Center in Vienna, she knew she likes working with people and loves organizing events, but deep down she always felt the urge to start her own business. The story of her business is the perfect example of being at the right place at the right time, meeting the right people and seizing an opportunity that is right in front of you. And, convincing the right person to bet on you. She started with a small first market and grew it into one of Vienna’s biggest favorites with approximately 10.000 visitors each day.

Gabriela left us with great advice for all entrepreneurs: Be courageous! Go and find out what really fits you. Say no! Reduce to your core competence and find something you love and enjoy.

Enjoy the show!