Getting to know Tanya Brown

This week we’re kicking off our event professional profiles. Having recently won the Business Development Person of the Year at the Meetings and Events Australia’s National Awards, Tanya Brown from Haycom is one fabulous Event Birdie Pro to get to know! Full of great tips, experience and admitting to a tragic crush, take a minute or two to get to know Tanya…

Give us a snap shot of your career to date

I have been working in the events industry for the past 14 years, starting off in food & beverage for the Sydney 2000 Olympics. Since then I have held various sales management and business development roles in hotels, meetings & events and audio visual companies. My roles have included National Business Development Manager at Staging Connections, Business Development Manager National Sales ANZSP for InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), Rydges Hotels and Resorts and Thredbo Kosciuszko Resort. Most recently I joined the team at t7 event solutions (merged with Haycom effective 1st April 2013). I am passionate about this industry and working with my clients to build strong business partnerships and see their events come to life.

The most memorable event you have worked on?

It was probably the smallest event I have ever been involved in – a series of small pre-show cocktail parties for the 2010 Bon Jovi Australian tour. Being a tragic fan, it was exciting coming to work and having to write proposals that included images of life sized cut outs of Jon Bon Jovi. I was then lucky enough to attend the concert with my client. Tragic fan!!

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

You must be crazy and in failing that, adaptable, imaginative and charismatic

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

Hard work will pay off, but remember to enjoy yourself at the same time. This industry can be tough, but also so much fun and can open the door to so many great life experiences you wouldn’t find elsewhere.

What song always gets you on the dance floor?

Almost any – I love to dance – my friends would say Beyonce

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

Bruges in Belgium

What is your biggest challenge at the moment?

I am a working mother with a 2.5 year old – juggling the two is a very big challenge. As I answer these questions he is running circles around me.

Where do you go for creative inspiration?

The beach

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

Cocktail party

What is your ideal holiday destination?

Isolated tropical island with great cocktails

What is your drink of choice at an event?

Champagne

It’s event day – heels or flats?

Years ago it was always heels, since motherhood definitely flats

Favourite flower?

Peony

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

I was meant to be a criminal