People of VenueNow: Anastasiya Shamko

Written by: VenueNow Team
April 14, 2026

Anastasiya Shamko brings a strong hospitality background and a genuine passion for events to her role as Global Venue Sourcing Consultant at VenueNow. Based in Sydney, Anastasiya’s journey into the events industry began while studying Hospitality in Manly, and it didn’t take long for her to know she’d found her place.

“I was studying Hospitality in Manly and completed my work placement in banquets at Shangri-La Sydney,” Anastasiya shares. Being behind the scenes during events was a turning point. “Seeing event rooms, especially ballrooms, transform into themed functions, gala dinners, and weddings completely hooked me.”

Inspired by those experiences, she applied for an Event Executive role at the hotel, starting with corporate events before later moving into weddings at Hyatt Regency Sydney.

That hands-on experience across both corporate and wedding events laid the foundation for Anastasiya’s career in events. Today, she brings that knowledge and attention to detail to VenueNow, sourcing venues for corporate clients, helping them find, negotiate and book the best venues for their events.

Get to know more about Anastasiya below:

Journey Into Events
Event Advice and Hacks
Favourites and Local Loves

What do you enjoy most about working in events?

I love turning a client's vision into reality, especially when they don't quite know how to get there yet. Events for me feel like a giant puzzle, where every piece has to fit just right to create an incredible experience. Figuring out the look, the vibe, the approach. Then, hearing a client say it turned out better than they imagined, that is the most rewarding part.

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

Hands down, my wedding! I planned it myself, so I will confidently say it was the best event in my life, thumbs up to me! Professionally, one standout was an event at Hilton Sydney built around the elements such as earth, fire, water and ice. Each element had its own food stall brought to life with lighting and atmosphere. Ice was the cocktail bar. Fire was hot dishes. Water was seafood and oysters. And earth felt like a lush garden with an abundance of fresh vegetables. Moving through each space felt immersive, creative and unforgettable. Exactly the kind of event I love!

What makes a great event in your opinion?

When it feels effortless for guests. Smooth transitions, great flow. A team that works seamlessly together, and every detail is thoughtfully considered. So everyone leaves the event space with a smile on their face.

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

Intimate, experience-led events where every guest feels considered and connected. Less big and busy, more calm and intentional. I also love an element of surprise when unexpected moments are built into the experience to keep things engaging and memorable.

What’s your number one event planning tip?

Listen to your client, but remember you are the professional. It is important to understand their vision, but then you need to use your expertise to guide them and suggest smarter, more effortless ways to bring it to life.

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

Be overprepared and overcommunicate. Always have your run sheet, floor plan, supplier contacts and BEO with you on the day. Another thing is that if it's not in writing, it doesn't exist. Even if you discussed something over the phone, put it all in the email after the call. Trust me, that hack saved me more times than I can count!

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

Be open, be curious and be ready to work hard, including long hours and sometimes even weekends. Don't be discouraged if things are not perfect. It doesn't matter how well you are prepared and detail-oriented; there are so many things that can go wrong on the day, and you just need to stay calm and focus on fixing them right here, right now. In this industry, you need to think fast, but act faster. And most importantly network! This industry runs on people and the connections you have with them.

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

How much goes on behind the scenes. The hours of planning, the constant problem-solving to make sure everything aligns. Every client and every event is different, and you have to find a unique approach each time. Building trust. making people feel comfortable and guiding them through the process. It takes a lot of work, patience and passion. Event people are a little crazy as we work incredibly hard! We are hooked on the adrenaline, and after all the long, tiring hours, we still smile the brightest!

With years of hands-on experience behind her, Anastasiya knows just how much planning goes into making an event feel easy on the day. Her insights are practical, thoughtful, and grounded in a genuine love for creating experiences that guests remember long after they leave.

Outside of work, we also asked Anastasiya about some of her favourites and local loves. She shares:

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

Honestly? Home wins most of the time. But if I am heading out for summer calls for a rooftop like Rafi North Sydney. Come winter, I am all about a cozy wine bar with some tapas or small plates. Local one is Knird in Crows Nest.

What's your favourite restaurant right now?

Picking just one feels illegal, but my forever favourites are Jane, Fred's and Fratelli Paradiso for many, many years. And at least once a year, I have to visit Firedoor, especially when you get a seat overlooking the chefs.

What is your coffee order?

I don't actually drink coffee. I know that's a very bold move for someone living in Australia. I am firmly team tea: Jasmine green tea, French Earl Grey and especially milky oolong (obsessed)! I also love to watch demonstrations of the Chinese tea ceremony.

What do you love doing outside of work?

Anything involving water! The ocean is my calm place. I love coastal walks, swimming and aqua aerobics. I also love dancing and horse riding (horses are the best)! Outside of that, I am obsessed with live experiences: concerts, ballet, and theatre. And discovering new restaurants and bars, reading books and hosting themed dinners for friends, and that's my perfect downtime.

Anastasiya’s journey perfectly captures her love for events and the people behind them. With her strong hospitality background, eye for detail, and calm, hands-on approach, she’s a valued part of the VenueNow team, helping partners shine and turning big ideas into events that feel effortless and memorable.

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