A conversation where we meet one of the key people who make Operahuset what it is. A person who plays an important role in the Opera House's story and contributes to the experiences, the hospitality and the inclusive gastronomy. Together, we continue to create memorable moments - one dinner, one party and one experience at a time.
This time we meet Boel Östbom, project coordinator
Hello Boel! Tell us about your background.
For the last ten years I have been working in the meetings industry. I always knew I wanted to work with events and project management - I enjoy being the person who holds everything together and makes things happen. I studied sales project management and have experience from both the agency side and the hotel world. My background is broad, which means that I can quickly understand and meet different types of customer needs. Before Operahuset , I worked at the Oscars and China Theater, among others.
What does your role involve in practice?
When Douglas and Malin have sold a project, I take over. They sell dreams - which I and the operation then realize. It's all about filling the event with the right content - from flowers and decor to artists and entertainment. I follow the customer through the whole process, from start to finish, and make sure the whole thing is right.
What is a typical day like for you?
My day is often full of variety, but the most important thing is to always be there for the guests and customers. This can be anything from showing the venue to checking emails and phone calls.
I also always try to spend some time at each event - saying hello, checking in and getting a feel for the atmosphere. I'm driven by seeing people come together, so it's important for me to be present even when the event starts.
Which parts of your work do you find most rewarding?
Customer contact - without a doubt. I want to have a personal relationship with each client, get to know them, understand their needs and vision. It is in that close collaboration that the magic happens.
How do you collaborate with the different teams within the building - from the restaurant to events and nightlife?
I work closely with all the teams on a daily basis - I often run down to the kitchen to discuss menus, times and arrangements. It's important that we coordinate - when do we redecorate? When are we going to demolish? How can we make the best use of each other?
Often our guests start with dinner at Operaterrassen and then they want to continue the evening at Café Opera. Then we make sure that there is a smooth transition. That's what's so special about Operahuset - that we have everything under the same roof: the food, the dinner and the party!
What do you think is unique about Operahuset as a venue?
The location, of course - in the middle of the city, overlooking the water. But above all, the opportunity to create a holistic experience. There are few places that can offer everything - from pre-dinner drinks to dinner and then on to a nightclub - without the guest even having to leave the building.
What inspires you?
Curiosity - about life and about people. Constantly discovering new perspectives and getting to know different personalities is incredibly inspiring.
If Operahuset were a person, how would you describe its personality?
It would be a person with many unique sides. Full of energy, always awake, with a full life from early morning to late night. A real character with many interests and unexpected sides.
If you were a Disney character - who would you be?
Maybe Snow White? I make sure everyone is happy and keep an eye on the whole "family". Someone has to keep it all together!
What do you prefer to do when you want to unwind - outside of work?
I love running, preferably in nature. The archipelago is a favorite place for recovery. I also enjoy being in the stable - and traveling when I get the chance.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about working in the event world?
GO! It's the most fun job in the world! Sometimes it almost feels like a "pretend job" - because it's so incredibly fun. You constantly get to be where the action is. Can you even have that much fun at work?
If your job was a cocktail - what would it be?
A Long Island Iced Tea - a drink with many ingredients!
