The Nibbler interrupted assistant director of sales at the Star Event Centre, Amanda Lovett’s lunch break for this interview. Luckily our questions were juicy and delicious.
The great thing about my job is…
The diversity of my brilliant clients and working on providing solutions to achieve their goals, the number of venues and brands that I get to work across, and the exposure and relationships I enjoy with internal departments including partnerships, marketing and PR.
We work in such a fun, fast-paced industry, so that’s just a few of my favourite things…! However, I feel like I learn something new every day.
The challenge for the industry is…
More than ever, everyone wants customisation and to create really bespoke, unique events.
While this can throw interesting challenges our way, I see it more as an opportunity to continue to learn, push the boundaries and ultimately create really memorable experiences.
My greatest achievement is…
It is a little bit cliché but I have to say my daughter, Chloe.
From a career perspective, I’m proud of my personal development and the way I have grown over the years.
I am naturally an introvert, so a proactive sales role initially wasn’t where I thought I would end up, but I have loved the challenge and the many things I have learned along the way.
I have grown so much both professionally and personally and I’m able to do it in my own way.
The biggest thing in MICE this year will be…
Innovation and technology. The latest technology, and the way both clients and their guests want to embrace it means there’s so much opportunity to elevate the event experience and also share all the fun with the outside world.
I try to relax by…
Going to the gym and working up a sweat at a spin/cycle class – I love the darkroom and the fast music (doesn’t sound very relaxing I know)!
I also love a long walk through the headland at Bradley’s Head, with the beautiful Sydney Harbour views and tree covered walkways.
I don’t understand why…
People still say…“but this is the way we have always done it”. Change is essential for success, so we should embrace it.
My favourite venue/destination is…
I love Koh Tao, Thailand. The food, the climate, the relaxed vibe (outside of the main town centre) and diving and swimming in the warm waters.
But above all else, Sydney has the most to offer from secluded beaches and national park walks to the busy CBD vide with cocktails and shopping to suit all.
My favourite venue for events, of course, is The Star Event Centre!
I’ve always wanted to travel to…
The Maldives – since childhood I have always dreamt of the turquoise blue waters and been attracted to the white sand beaches that I have seen in the photos.
I am scared to death of…
Huntsmans! We seem to get really large spiders at our house and I have to let someone else remove them as I just can’t go near them.
I can’t live without…
Chocolate – for anyone that knows me, knows that I struggle without chocolate in my life.
I really wish I had…
More time…everyone wants more time!
If I could invite four people to a dinner party, they’d be…
Myself at 15, 25, 45 and 60 so I can tell my younger self the words of wisdom I have learned along the way and hear the thoughts of my older self.
For anyone starting out in the industry one piece of advice I’d give would be…
- Back yourself – be confident.
- Be open to taking on a challenge even if it means making mistakes – they are often the best way to learn.
- Ask for help – don’t stress at all if you don’t know the answers.
- Continue to learn.
