There is not a week that goes by when we do not receive several requests from young professionals seeking advice, support and work experience. They all want to get into the events business but seem to be struggling to gain any traction.

Today, we’re excited to bring you an inspiring and honest conversation with Amy Buckby from Amy Anne, a young professional determined to make her mark in the events industry. In this interview, Claire from Love Luxury Events sits down with Amy to discuss her journey, her frustrations, and her goals as she seeks a fulfilling career in event planning and design. Let’s dive in!

Thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with what first attracted you to the events industry.

At 14, I began as a waitress, later moving to a high-end restaurant, where my passion for hospitality grew. After Covid, I worked at a zero-waste café, taking on unofficial managerial responsibilities, and then joined a supermarket customer service desk, where I’ve thrived for over three years. In 2023, I started a Bachelor’s in dance at Trinity Laban, but an injury prevented me from continuing full-time professional training. Combining my customer service experience, business studies, creativity, and love for people, I feel that my skills and passion would work well in the events industry.

It’s incredible how personal experiences can inspire us! What do you think are the top skills you bring to the table?

I have a lot of experience in hospitality, from cafes and pubs to restaurants, so I’ve developed strong people skills and a real knack for customer service. I’m confident and organised, and I genuinely enjoy making people feel welcome. I think these skills are essential for event planning, where communication and creating a positive experience for guests are so important.

Hospitality experience is such a great foundation. Are there areas where you’d like to learn more or gain additional experience?

Definitely, I’m craving hands-on experience in event planning. I’m taking an event planning course, but nothing beats learning on the job. That’s been the hardest part for me: finding opportunities to gain practical experience. It feels like a bit of a Catch-22 sometimes!

Breaking into the industry can be tough. How has the events industry been for you as a young professional trying to get started?

To be honest, it’s been really unwelcoming. I’ve met a couple of people who were supportive, but for the most part, it’s hard to even get a foot in the door. There’s ageism, and it’s nearly impossible to reach the right people without being redirected to generic email addresses. It feels like there are so many barriers preventing young people from entering the industry. There are so many people reaching out to event companies, but the passionate ones, those who really want to be in this industry aren’t getting the opportunities.

It sounds like there’s a lot the industry could improve. Where do you feel the events industry is falling short?

I think there’s a missed opportunity for growth and innovation. The industry can feel stuck in its ways, and there’s often a superiority complex where some people believe they don’t have anything new to learn. Also, as a woman, I’ve noticed that people in the industry who had to work hard to establish themselves aren’t always supportive of young people entering the field. It’s like they feel, “If I had to struggle, why shouldn’t you?” It creates an impenetrable shell, and I think it’s a reaction to their own experiences, but it’s discouraging for newcomers. The industry could be so much more creative if they took a few more risks and valued new ideas.

Looking back, is there any advice you would give your past self as you were just starting this journey?

I would tell myself to start my event planning course sooner and get any qualifications I could as early as possible. The more credentials you have on your CV, the better chance you have of standing out. I also think I would tell myself to keep pushing, even when things get tough.

Thank you so much, Amy, for sharing your journey and insights with us. Any final thoughts?

Thank you, Claire. I guess my biggest hope is that the industry will start giving young people a fair chance, even if they didn’t follow a traditional path. There are so many passionate people out there, and if companies took a closer look at our potential and our skills, they might just be surprised at what we could bring to the table.

A final thought from Claire

Amy’s journey highlights both the challenges and the dedication needed to break into the events industry. At Love Luxury Events, we’re committed to supporting newcomers and believe in the value of fresh ideas and diverse perspectives. If you’re an aspiring event professional like Amy, remember to keep pushing forward, your passion and persistence will pay off. We didn’t all start the conventional way in hospitality and I can personally acknowledge that the practical route of work experience was my way into the industry so why are we so negative towards those who don’t have a degree but have the fire, passion and desire to get on in life?