Getting to know Vanessa Ryan

Meet Vanessa Ryan –currently the Business Development Manager for Create Consultants. Vanessa loves coffee and knows the importance of understanding the product and service that she is selling, as well as the necessity of sometimes saying “no”. Vanessa is a perfectionist who always wanted to be a superstar when she was growing up. What she loves about her job is — creating the impossible.So, join us as we meet Vanessa Ryan…

Give us a snap shot of your career to date.

My career has expanded across advertising and event management. Selling and organising marketing concepts and event sales in well-known venues like Exhibition Park in Canberra, the Australian War Memorial and across Create Consultants portfolio in Sydney and Canberra region.

The most memorable event you have worked on and why?

I have two favourite events for different reasons. The first event was for a high-profile client who was demanding, challenging and had money to break the rules. Now, this event is my benchmark of achieving the impossible and I feel like I can do anything.

My second favourite event was a client birthday but sadly she had a terminal prognosis. She asked us to create an event that would leave an impression. We prepared menus we had never served, built displays that could be seen for miles and she brought in an entertainer that I’m sure would have cost at least 100K. We never do this job for thanks, but the smile on her face left an imprint on me forever.

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

When I started my career, I was so keen to do the job that I didn’t realise how important it was to understand the ins and outs of the product and service I sold. I met with a client who asked 100 questions and I didn’t know how to answer any of them. I looked so silly and after this day I swore I would never stand in front of a customer until I knew exactly what I was talking about.

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

Honesty, compassion and the ability to say no.

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

Don’t forget to breathe, every problem has a solution, and nothing is impossible.

Who would play you in a movie of your life and why?

Drew Barrymore because she is a hilarious straight shooter who is successful but also a little bit naughty.

What superpower would you choose and why?

I would love to fly, just think how much you would get done.

What skill or talent would you most like to learn and why?

I would love to learn how to play a guitar, it’s relaxing, entertaining and a little romantic.

What did you want to be when you “grew up”?

I wanted to be a superstar. I even signed an autograph and put it in a picture frame and gave it to my uncle for a Christmas present because I was so confident, I was going to make it. Hehe this makes me laugh.

What can you not live without in your life?

Coffee, my biggest addiction that I refuse to learn how to make.

How do you unwind after a big event?

I don’t, until I hear from the client everything went ok. I’m a perfectionist.

When entertaining at home what do you cook?

BBQ for sure, I love how a BBQ brings everyone together.

Best event styling tip?

Be you! I once had a client who wanted Lego centrepieces at their wedding. I thought it was a ridiculous idea and it ended up representing the clients perfectly.

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

When I was at the Australian War Memorial, I once had a client ask me to remove the G for George Arvo Lancaster from the room because it didn’t match with their theme. The G for George is a permeant display within the museum, I laughed so hard and then I realised the client was serious.

Why do you love your job?

Every day is a celebration being a part of so many milestone occasions, it’s one of the most rewarding industry.

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

I like caring for people, so most likely working in a charity foundation raising money for a good cause.