People of VenueNow: Dave Smith

Written by: VenueNow Team
February 17, 2026

Dave Smith is one of the minds behind VenueNow, shaping how the platform grows and evolves as Co-Founder and Head of Product & Growth. Based in Sydney, Dave’s journey into the events industry began long before VenueNow existed, rooted in hands-on hospitality experience and a front-row seat to what it really takes to make events run smoothly.

“I got my start while studying at university, working in restaurants and bars where we regularly hosted weddings, engagement parties, birthdays, and corporate events,” Dave shares.

Being on the floor gave him firsthand exposure to the planning, coordination, and pressure that happens behind the scenes, often invisible to guests, but critical to the success of any event.

After university, Dave joined a startup accelerator, where he helped run large-scale demo days that brought together hundreds of people to watch founders pitch their ideas. “Seeing events executed at scale reinforced just how much work goes into creating a seamless experience,” he says. Those experiences eventually led him to join forces with Jake Dimarco at SpareWorkspace, and later VenueNow, where Dave now focuses on building products and driving growth that make it easier for people to find, compare, and book the right venues for their events.

Get to know more about Dave below:

Journey Into Events
Event Advice and Hacks
Favourites and Local Loves

What do you enjoy most about working in events?

What I love most about events is their ability to bring people together. Whether it’s an intimate get-together or a large conference, there’s nothing that compares to meeting new people and reconnecting with others face to face. In a world that’s increasingly digital, those in-person moments still matter the most.

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

HubSpot Grow stands out as a favourite. It’s a really well-run conference with high-quality speakers and a strong content program. Beyond the inspiration, it offers practical insights into getting more out of HubSpot, upcoming features, and where marketing and sales are heading as an industry.

What makes a great event in your opinion?

A great event is one where the end-to-end experience has been carefully considered - not just the location or the food. From how people discover the event and RSVP, to building excitement beforehand, the arrival experience, food and drinks, styling, music, and opportunities to connect. The best events also include moments of surprise and delight - and don’t forget about the post-event experience once everyone heads home.

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

I’m loving the rise of experiences and “side events” at conferences and trade shows. Things like smaller networking sessions, relaxation zones, massage stations, and cultural performances give attendees a break from back-to-back keynotes and make the overall experience far more memorable.

What’s your number one event planning tip?

Start planning early. Events are complex, and there will always be hurdles along the way. The earlier you lock in venues and suppliers, the more options and flexibility you’ll have - and the smoother everything will run.

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

Don’t be afraid to negotiate. Venues and suppliers are often more flexible than you realise and may include extra value to secure a booking. If you have flexibility around dates, times, or requirements, make that clear upfront - it gives them more room to work with and can lead to a better overall deal.

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

Attend as many different events as you can and experience them from an attendee’s perspective - especially corporate events. Pay attention to what works, what doesn’t, and how the experience could be improved. I’d also recommend volunteering at community events to see what happens behind the scenes. They’re often chaotic, always hands-on, and a great way to learn fast.

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

Just how passionate people in the industry are. Event professionals genuinely care about creating memorable experiences and take a huge amount of pride in getting every detail right. That excitement and sense of ownership are what deliver something special.

With experience spanning hospitality, large-scale events, and tech startups, Dave brings a unique end-to-end perspective to the events industry. His insights reflect a deep understanding of both the operational realities of events and how thoughtful design, technology, and planning can elevate the overall experience.

To round things out and get to know Dave beyond events and venues, we also asked him about some of his favourites and local loves.

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

Captain's Balcony

What's your favourite restaurant right now?

Aalia

What is your coffee order?

Cold Brew

What do you love doing outside of work?

Outside of work, I spend a lot of time going for long walks around Sydney. I love dining out and checking out new restaurants and cocktail bars, and I’m always listening to podcasts or reading about what’s happening in tech. I’m also currently obsessed with “vibe coding”, small apps, and experimenting with new AI tools and techniques. There’s definitely some overlap with work, but it’s something I genuinely enjoy in my downtime too.

Dave’s journey reflects a deep appreciation for the people, planning, and technology that make great events possible. With a background spanning hospitality floors, large-scale conferences, and tech startups, he continues to shape VenueNow with a clear focus on improving the end-to-end event experience, helping people come together in more meaningful, seamless ways.

Looking for an event venue to hire?

VenueNow has you covered with over 2,000 venues across Australia ranging from large event spaces to small meeting rooms. Find your perfect venue for hire faster than anywhere else.

Show Event Venues