Lecturer
Jess began her journey in the events industry at just 14 years of age, landing her first casual job at the Australian Open as a statistician. While studying at Victoria University, she built a strong foundation by working across more than 10 major events with the AO, often for up to six months each year, gaining valuable hands-on experience in operations, logistics, and media services.
A highlight of her early career was volunteering at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, which cemented her passion for major events. Jess’s first permanent role came through the Australian Grand Prix, where she moved into PR and media. In 2004, she relocated to London with her then-partner, a sports photographer, and worked with some of the UK’s most iconic venues and organisations. She was part of the opening team at Wembley Stadium and later served as Hospitality Manager for the ICC World Twenty20 2009 with the England and Wales Cricket Board.
Over her career, Jess delivered a wide variety of events, from corporate functions and gala dinners to triathlons, community festivals, award nights, student recruitment, and staff engagement programs, bringing together teams, stakeholders, and audiences with energy and precision.
More recently, Jess has transitioned into the mental health space, drawing on her lived experience and years as a carer. She is now a qualified Mental Health First Aid Trainer, using her people skills and event background in a completely new environment. Whether it is presenting to groups, managing relationships, planning logistics, problem solving, or navigating technology, Jess continues to apply the same toolkit that made her successful in events, now with a focus on wellbeing, empathy, and education.
With over two decades of experience across Australia and the UK, Jess brings a unique perspective on how versatile and transferable event skills truly are, both in and beyond the industry.