Georgie Stayches

Events Expert

Founder, Fetching Events & Communications

When Georgie was at school, events weren’t even a thing. All she knew was she wanted to work at her favourite events in media and communications. Now she runs her own successful events company. So how did she get there?

What work do you do?

Event management, communications and volunteer engagement.

When you were at school did you know what work you wanted to do?

I knew I wanted to work in communications or media and at particular events, but I didn’t realise it was actually the events industry I wanted to work in. When I was at school ‘events’ wasn’t a thing.

How did you get started?

When I was at university, I mailed my resume and a cover letter to 30 companies I really wanted to work, including TV stations, production companies and media outlets. The role I really wanted was at the Australian Open Tennis, so I mailed my resume to the media manager (after finding her name in the event program from the previous year. Timing is everything and they just happened to be recruiting so off I went to the interview and next minute I had the job! It was as media attendant in the media centre and I couldn’t believe I had landed my dream job straight away. The secret? I took a chance, backed myself and was proactive in contacting people (mind you, I also got a lot of rejections). Perhaps I was naive and had no fear, but I knew the type of job I was looking for wouldn’t be advertised. Through connections I made at the tennis, I worked at Channel Nine, Sydney Olympic Games, Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting and Rugby World Cup. And that’s how my life in events began!

What do you love most about your work?

For me it’s the feeling I have a purpose and am making a difference. That’s why I chose to focus on working in the charity, community and association sector.

What was your biggest ‘fail’ so far?

Oh, that is a hard one to admit! It’s perhaps not my biggest fail, but my biggest learning as a business owner..and that is to constantly nurture new relationships and potential clients, even when I’m busy with current work.

What’s your biggest accomplishment?

Starting my own business and designing the work I want to do with the clients I want to work with. I am very grateful that I get to do what I love each day and have a job that continues to excite me.

Who helped you get to where you are today?

I met my mentor, Michelle, when I first worked at the tennis. She taught me so much and championed me at every step of the way. Who knew that sending off that resume to her would build a life-long friendship! I also owe so much to my parents who never questioned my choices but rather celebrated them, my Nan who showed me that women can do anything and my partner who continues to support me. He supports me, challenges me, inspires me but most importantly backs me – especially when I have a crisis of confidence.

How has technology changed your industry in the last 5-10 years?

Some event elements have become automated online, such as registration and guest management but otherwise, it is still very people-focused. When it comes to communications and volunteer management, people’s behaviours have changed through the introduction of social media, so that’s an aspect that needs to be incorporated.

What’s your advice for young girls thinking about a career in your industry?

It’s not a glamorous industry, despite how it might look, but if you work hard, your efforts will be noticed and you can make lifelong connections.

In your wildest dreams, what would you love to do every day and get paid for it?

I know this sounds corny, but I would say exactly what I am doing now. Other than that, perhaps travel the world and volunteer on community projects.