With over 20 years producing festivals, cultural programmes, brand activations and live events, (under Elissa Gold Events) creative producer and curator Elissa Gold knows exactly what it takes to build a career in this vibrant but competitive industry.
She has worked on everything from family-friendly festivals to high-profile brand activations, and she understands the dedication, creativity and resilience needed to succeed.
Now, she is sharing her advice to help the next generation of event professionals take their first steps into the world she loves, and to inspire them to bring their own ideas and energy into the industry.
How Does Elissa Gold Recommend Getting Started in The Music Industry?
Elissa believes the best way into the festival world is through passion, persistence and saying yes to opportunities. “The sector can look intimidating from the outside,” she explains. “But no matter how small a role may seem, it can open doors and lead to bigger things.”
She encourages newcomers to approach every task with curiosity and commitment, whether that means showing up early, learning from others, or taking on responsibilities outside your comfort zone. Every small experience builds confidence and lays the groundwork for future success.
What Are Elissa Gold’s Key Tips For Newcomers?
Elissa breaks her advice into five practical steps:
Start small and volunteer – Entry-level roles like stewarding, box office or artist liaison give valuable experience and help build industry contacts. These positions allow newcomers to see how events run from the ground up and understand the many moving parts behind a successful festival.
Use transferable skills – Backgrounds in hospitality, logistics or customer service all provide skills that fit festival work. Even experience in unrelated industries can teach problem-solving, teamwork, or attention to detail, all of which are highly valued in live events.
Build relationships – Introduce yourself, stay in touch and show reliability; festivals are built on trust and collaboration. Networking isn’t just about collecting contacts but forming genuine connections that can lead to mentorship, collaboration, or future opportunities.
Keep learning – Training in health and safety, mental health awareness, crowd management, show-calling, first aid or technical production shows initiative and confidence. Learning new skills demonstrates professionalism and helps you stand out to employers while also preparing you for the variety of challenges festivals bring.
Stay adaptable – Festivals change by the hour; being calm, flexible and willing to roll up your sleeves makes you invaluable on site. Adaptability shows that you can handle pressure and unexpected situations, which are part of the daily reality of live events. Being willing to step into different roles also gives you a broader understanding of how festivals operate.
Why Does Elissa Gold Stress Resilience And Community?
For Elissa Gold, resilience is as important as skill. Festivals can be tough, but the rewards are huge for those who stick with it. She encourages newcomers to lean on peers, ask questions, and embrace the community spirit that festivals cultivate. “Every producer and director I know started at the bottom,” she says.
“Festivals thrive on fresh ideas and new voices, so if you have the passion, there is always a place for you.” By combining determination with curiosity, a willingness to learn, and a sense of community, newcomers can not only survive but thrive in this fast-paced, inspiring industry, building careers that are as creative and dynamic as the events themselves.
