Getting to know Andrew Cross

Meet Andrew Cross. An experienced Event Producer, he started out in the entertainment industry and has worked with celebrities, charities and plenty of corporates. He loves his job, Mexican food and reality TV and always has a plan B for when things don’t go to plan. So join us as we get to know another fabulous event pro, Andrew Cross…

Give us a snap shot of your career to date.

I started my career in the Entertainment Industry as a performer working for companies like Disney, Fox Studios and Bazmark.  I always had an appreciation for “behind the scenes” and it felt natural for me to move into events when I decided it was time to leave the stage.

Over the years I have worked for many companies, positions have included Special Events Producer for Showtime Attractions, Producer for Axis Events and Event Producer for International Events & Speakers, the events department of PR and Celebrity Management Company Markson Sparks. I have also self produced several projects as well as managed a number of international celebrities during their Australian visits.

Previous events have included Celebrity Tours ”Mike Tyson’s Day of the Champions“ and “Pele My Life My Story” Experiential Events such as  “Staples National Brand Launch” and Westfield’s “Pulse of the Nation”, Signature Events “The International Tall Ships Festival” and “The Bradman Gala Dinner” plus a variety of Charity Functions raising funds for charities such as  “Westmead Children’s Hospital” and “The Australian Memorial Project”. Currently I work in the corporate sector producing a diverse range of Gala Dinners, Social Events and Activations.

What is the most memorable event you have worked on and why?

Floyd Mayweather’s Australian tour, his entry Visa Application was rejected and the events cancelled.

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

Always have a plan B. No matter how hard you try things don’t always go to plan.

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

1. Passion
2. Commitment
3. Patience

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

Gain as much experience and as many contacts as you can, It’s a winning combination.

Favourite type of food?

Mexican

Describe yourself in two words?

Creative Entrepreneur

How do you unwind after a big event

Catching up with friends and Reality Television (sad but true).

Words to live by?

It’s not about the script. It’s about the story!

When entertaining at home what do you cook?

Usually something easy like pasta or a bbq, admittedly I’m no cook.

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

Sit- down, love “Dinner and a show”

What is your ideal holiday destination?

New York City

Favourite party theme?

Anything retro…. I love applying a fresh approach to an old theme.

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

It was a requirement for a celebrities rider, I’m not sure I can say?

Why do you love your job?

I’m in the lucky situation where my hobby is my career.

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

Most likely an Agent or Publicist, definitely something entertainment focused.