People of VenueNow: Eliza Hoddinott

Written by: VenueNow Team
April 20, 2026

Eliza Hoddinott leads VenueNow’s Marketing & Partnerships with a creative eye, strong industry instincts, and a genuine passion for connecting people through events. Based in Sydney, Eliza’s journey into the events world didn’t start with a traditional path. It began through creativity, music, and a camera in hand.

“I definitely fell into it,” Eliza shares. With an early passion for photography and music, she found herself shooting live gigs and working closely with artists. That creative outlet soon opened unexpected doors, including receiving an AAA pass to a music festival in exchange for her photography. Through that experience, Eliza met the festival’s promoter, a chance connection that quickly turned into something more.

“We happened to live in the same suburb and caught up for a coffee,” she says, “which turned into a conversation about events and ultimately a job offer.”

From there, Eliza helped plan and run music events across Australia, gaining hands-on experience along the way. What began as a creative outlet grew into a genuine love for the events industry and eventually led her into partnerships and marketing. Today, she brings that mix of creativity and real-world event experience to VenueNow, building strong partnerships and sharing the stories behind great venues and events.

Get to know more about Eliza below:

Journey Into Events
Event Advice and Hacks
Favourites and Local Loves

What do you enjoy most about working in events?

The people, without a doubt. I love the connection side of events - bringing people together, networking, and building genuine relationships. Events create a space where people from all walks of life can come together, whether it’s for a shared interest, a celebration, or a common goal.

I also love how much events encourage growth. Every event is different, and each one teaches you something new - not just professionally, but personally as well. The fast-paced, ever-changing nature of the industry constantly challenges you to learn, adapt, and connect in meaningful ways.

What’s your favourite event you’ve attended and why?

A festival I helped organise back in 2016 - Party in the Park. I remember standing at the back of the stage with a few of my best friends I had brought backstage, watching some of my favourite artists perform to thousands of people, singing and dancing. Seeing all my hard work come to life and feeling the energy in the crowd is something I’ll always remember and cherish.

What makes a great event in your opinion?

For me, it’s all about the people. From the warm, friendly faces you meet at the start, to the passionate speakers and organisers, to the thoughtful catering and wait staff - every person involved has an impact, and together they create the energy that makes an event truly memorable.

What’s one event trend you’re loving right now?

I love multipurpose venues. The idea that you can turn a restaurant into a product launch, a ballroom into a multi-dimensional audio-visual experience, or a café into a cocktail party is so exciting. Every space has so much potential - you just need a little creativity!

What’s your number one event planning tip?

Communicate! Whether it’s before the event, letting attendees know how to get to the venue, directing vendors where to go, or updating staff on dietary requirements, clear communication makes a huge difference and keeps everything running smoothly.

Do you have an event “hack” you swear by?

Think like a guest. Consider their experience from start to finish - is the flow easy to follow, are the signs clear, can everyone see the screen, and what happens after each part of the event? Walking through it from their perspective helps everything run smoothly.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the events industry?

Things don’t always go to plan - and that’s okay! Mistakes happen, but it’s how you respond to them that really counts. Use those little hiccups as opportunities to learn and grow.

What’s one thing people might not know about working in events?

You notice the little things guests don’t. From a crooked sign to a burnt canapé or a missing chair, you start spotting all the tiny details that most people wouldn’t even think about.

Eliza’s answers reflect the heart of how she approaches events with people always at the centre. From guest experience to creative use of space, her insights are shaped by years of hands-on experience and a genuine love for bringing people together in meaningful ways.

And when she’s not busy talking venues and events, we also asked Eliza about some of her favourites and local loves.

What’s your go-to venue for after-work drinks?

I love Shell House in the city - on a nice afternoon, you can sit on the terrace, catch the afternoon sun and sunset, and they also make an excellent dirty vodka martini. Plus, on Friday afternoons, they have $2 oysters!

What's your favourite restaurant right now?

Probably a close tie between Restaurant Hubert - I love the atmosphere, and their steak frites is to die for - and Totti’s, you really can’t go past their gluten-free vodka pasta!

What is your coffee order?

An almond matcha latte with honey.

What do you love doing outside of work?

I love spending time at the beach, soaking up the sun and being in the ocean. I enjoy catching up with friends and trying out new restaurants and bars, and I love taking photos, both on my phone and on film. Pottery is another passion of mine (even though I don’t get to do it as often as I’d like).

Eliza’s journey is a great example of how creativity, curiosity, and connection can naturally lead to a fulfilling career in events. With her people-first mindset, creative approach, and deep appreciation for the details that bring experiences to life, she continues to play a key role at VenueNow, building meaningful partnerships and helping great venues and events connect with the right audiences.

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