Q+A with Jodie Ippolito, Associate Director of the Hospitality Concierge

The Hospitality Concierge is one of the many ways the NSW Government is supporting the hospitality sector in bouncing back from COVID-19 and encouraging more diverse entertainment options. Some of the support the team provides includes helping businesses expand outdoor dining as part of the ‘Alfresco Dining’ initiative, linking businesses with government partners and local councils to ensure smooth and coordinated approvals, and supporting the development of special entertainment precincts.

We recently sat down with Hospitality Concierge Associate Director Jodie Ippolito for a question and answer session to learn more about what makes her tick.

-What attracted you to your current role?

Hospitality has been my entire career. In 2020, COVID shattered our industry, which paved a new path for my career joining the public sector at Service NSW. I loved every bit of serving the citizens and businesses of NSW, but hospitality is where my heart sings. I saw an opportunity arise that would encompass my new-found love for the public service and hospitality combined. A dream role! And in September 2022, I helped launch the newly-formed Hospitality Concierge Service.

-What project are you working on now that you’re most excited about?

I am excited about some upcoming support for brand new licensees across the state that will help them hit the ground running as soon as they obtain their licence.

- What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

I have had the pleasure of working with some incredible leaders. One of those incredible leaders said: “Leaders must be dreamers with their eyes wide open!”

- What has been the most rewarding experience of your career thus far?

There have been many. I have been a part of some really magical pieces of work. One of my favourites by far has been starting the Hospitality Concierge Service from scratch. Being able to serve the industry that I adore from a public service lens is transformational.

-What motivates you?

First and foremost, my family is my motivator! I have three bright and brilliant little ones who are five, seven and ten. Secondly, incredible customer experiences. Here at Hospitality & Racing, we have such a great opportunity to make an impact on an incredibly important sector. Being able to support the businesses we all know and love to thrive is what gets me excited to start work every morning.

To learn more about the Hospitality Concierge and support available, visit:?https://www.liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au/operating-a-business/running-your-business/hospitality-concierge