Getting to know Amelia Plewes

Meet Amelia Plewes. Currently the Events and Marketing Manager at The Hotel Steyne in Manly, Amelia is one of the young guns in our industry who studied event management at University. She worked hard on gaining lots of practical experience in events, before proving herself to be one enthusiastic, passionate and dedicated event professional.She has turned a fairly non-existent functions business, into a thriving venue that hosts 8-10 functions a week, plus produces a series of major events held at the venue each year.

Join us as we learn a little more about this amazing Event Pro…

Give us a snap shot of your career to date

I have worked in the industry full/part time for the past 7 years. After gaining a degree in Events Management I went to work for variety events and companies. I have been at The Hotel Steyne for over 2 years now, when starting here we didn’t do functions or even have a package to present to clients. We now do anything from 8-10 functions a week as well as 7 major events a year.

The most memorable event you have worked on and why?

Hotel Steynes Riders Week. A 7 day event with live art installations from Gemma O’brien, Ozzy Wright and Anthony Lister. The main event features was a live skateboarding comp, live bands in Moonshine Bar (5 nights) Prize giveaways, live art. The event was presented by Hotel Steyne and Volom Oz.

What did you ‘learn the hard way’ when planning an event?

That it doesn’t matter how much you plan an event something will go wrong, either big or small what makes a good event manager is the way you handle it. Keep calm and deal with the situation the best possible way.

What are three personality traits that are required to succeed in the events industry?

People Skills are essential, you deal with so many clients and suppliers you need to know how to deal with them all. Be able to think on your feet and accept that excel is life. You need to have excellent excel skills.

If you could share one piece of advice to those starting out in the industry what would it be?

Go to as many events as you can, I spent a lot of my time volunteering at events. Every event is different you can learn so much by being there and working under other event managers. I have worked with some amazing event managers and some not so much but they have all helped me to get where I am today.

What song always gets you on the dance floor?

Blacked Eyed Peas I Gotta Feeling

If you could plan an event anywhere in the world where would it be and why?

New York! I have never been, but I’ve always been in love with the city that never sleeps. With events every night it would be incredible to host an event there.

How would your friends describe your job?

All over the place, my friends don’t understand why I don’t have set hours and get annoyed when I’m not free, hahaha.

How do you unwind after a big event?

Chilling on the sofa in front of the TV and zoning out.

Where do you go for creative inspiration?

Pinterest – always

What do you prefer, cocktail party or sit-down dinner?

I prefer sit down dinners

What’s your drink of choice at an event?

Espresso Martini every day, I love coffee

It’s event day – heels or flats?

Firstly this depends on the event, but normally flats for setup and heels for the actual event.

Best event styling tip?

Less is more I hate overly cluttered rooms

What is the craziest request you have ever had when planning an event?

To book Midnight Oil to play on a $10k budget

Why do you love your job?

I love that every day is different, one day you are sat in the office all day and the next you don’t even sit down for 14 hours.

If you weren’t working in events what would you do?

Personal assistant