In this exclusive interview, we chat with Juliette Haresign, Event Producer at Showtime Event Group, about her journey in event production, the challenges and rewards of working with heritage spaces, and how Showtime Event Group brings unforgettable events to life in Melbourne’s most beautiful venues.
From Casual Staff To Event Producer: A Journey with Showtime
Juliette’s journey with Showtime Event Group began unexpectedly – what started as an application for a casual food and beverage position quickly evolved when her passion for events became evident.
“When I was offered the position, I had enquired for something more hands-on, which led me to starting as an On-The-Day Event Coordinator. This was a role I immediately fell in love with,” Juliette recalls.
Her enthusiasm and dedication saw her quickly progress through the ranks, gaining experience across Showtime’s impressive portfolio of venues from Rippon Lea Estate to Hellenic Museum. Today, as a Corporate Event Producer, she brings her expertise to creating remarkable experiences in some of Melbourne’s most prestigious spaces.
The Magic Of Working In Heritage Venues
Working in historic buildings presents a unique blend of privilege and responsibility. Juliette describes her first impressions of stepping into one of Melbourne’s iconic heritage venues: “My first reaction was a mixture of awe and excitement. I was immediately struck by the grandeur and history of the space.”
This sentiment is often echoed by clients during site visits, who frequently comment on the beauty of Melbourne’s heritage venues and how fortunate the Showtime team is to work in such iconic spaces.
Creating Modern Experiences In Historic Settings
One of Showtime Event Group’s greatest strengths is balancing respect for heritage with creating contemporary event experiences. Juliette explains their approach: “We’re careful to preserve the integrity of the venues while integrating contemporary elements. We focus on creating events that complement a building’s heritage, often drawing inspiration from its history and architectural features.”
This philosophy extends to the integration of modern technology and innovative design while ensuring the timeless beauty of these spaces remains the centrepiece of every event.
Working With Heritage Constraints
Transforming public spaces into private event venues requires meticulous planning and execution. “Many venues are not available until after opening hours. This creates the challenge of bumping in an entire event – furniture, florals, place settings – all within 1-2 hours,” Juliette explains.
Far from seeing this as a limitation, the Showtime team has made this rapid transformation process a specialty. “This is a welcomed challenge that we have become pros at. The energy that is emitted from our well-oiled team to clear a space from public access to a 200-guest seated dinner is a marvellously impressive thing to watch.”
Client Feedback That Makes It All Worthwhile
Showtime Event Group consistently receives praise not just for their stunning venues but for their service excellence:
“The venue was such a beautiful space to celebrate our End of Year Celebration. Acknowledging the philanthropic contributions was such a lovely touch, and it was a great space to have everyone come together.”
Another client shared: “Once you engage in organising an event, you really get to know how their customer care is – I would highly recommend them for your future events.”
Sustainability And Community Connection
Showtime Event Group places high importance on sustainability and community engagement across all their venues and events.
“We prioritise sustainability by carefully managing food waste,” Juliette says. “We work closely with our catering teams to accurately assess guest demographics and expected attendance, ensuring that we avoid both over and under catering.”
For larger events with over 300 guests, the team considers using biodegradable cups and other eco-friendly solutions when designing an event. They also collaborate with audience engagement specialists to ensure catering aligns with both the event’s goals and sustainability objectives.
Juliette recalls a recent Midsumma event as a perfect example of community engagement: “To connect with the community, we quite literally ‘rolled out the red carpet,’ offering rainbow lamingtons and selecting community-themed catering and beverages to reflect the spirit of the event.”
Making The Most Of Iconic Venues
For clients considering a heritage venue for their next event, Juliette offers this advice: “Touch on the history and culture of the space to further replicate and accentuate the beauty of the venue.”
She suggests creative ways to enhance the experience: “Use vintage books, hire in a cozy lounge, reach out to our suppliers for unique entertainment options. Let live music fill the space, and use LED lights to illuminate the architecture. Embrace the full experience of these historic spaces.”
Finding Inspiration In Melbourne’s Heritage Venues
What keeps Juliette passionate about her work with Showtime Event Group? “What inspires me every day is the honour of working in such inspiring buildings. I think what sets us apart is a certain something inside all of us that not only cares about the spaces we work in but what they represent and the greater community around them.”
She adds, “We are not just a part of the buildings we work in, but a part of the greater Melbourne community.”
Showtime Event Group specialises in creating exceptional events across Melbourne’s most prestigious venues. To discuss your next event, contact our team here.
