Since winning a Breakthrough Talent Award in 2023, Emily Haigh has soared to new heights beginning her role as Venue Manager at Stylus Leeds, stage managing Leeds Pride, and working Boomtown festival as well as being awarded one of AAA’s 30underThirty accolades. “My confidence has grown, my career path now seems clearer and overall I am much more excited about the opportunities that await me,” Haigh commented, reflecting on her whirlwind journey while speaking to TPi.
What first sparked your interest in live events?
“My first experience in the live events industry was wristbanding at Leeds Festival. I was absolutely just looking for a free ticket to see some bands, but what I gained was a family of event professionals and I came away knowing that I would love to do it full time. My next role was at Stylus, where I work now, supervising Leeds’ longest running club night, Fruity. I felt a thrill from all the chaos and found myself in a role I really loved. It spiralled from there, from supervising a small club night to managing large scale music events.”
How has your career further developed working at the venue?
“I’ve grown personally and professionally since starting my role managing the live music programme. One thing I am particularly proud of is my efforts with accessibility for all. I have been working alongside Attitude Is Everything over the past 18 months to implement new policies and ideas into Stylus to make the venue as accessible as possible. Last year, I led the team to achieving Bronze certification, and this year we’re aiming for Gold!”
Have you faced any barriers when breaking into the sector?
“I think being a young woman with big ambitions can absolutely be a barrier sometimes. I have experienced being mistaken for the merch girl, the assistant or a volunteer plenty of times. I do believe the industry is more diverse than it ever has been, and the issues have nothing to do with me or how I carry myself, but with the people on the other end. I was really lucky with my break into the industry, it was just right place right time, but it’s not that easy for everyone. Something I do now to create more opportunities is provide shadowing opportunities within Stylus so those who want to learn have a safe space to come and do so.”
What advice would you offer to those looking to follow in your footsteps?
”Shadowing and networking! Skills can be built over time, but without the confidence to speak to people, you won’t gain that first foot in the door. I still shadow events from time to time, if I feel a gap in my knowledge that I’d like to explore then I reach out to someone with that experience and ask if I can join them. I believe the best way to network is asking ‘What can I do to help?’”
Where would you like to see yourself five years from now?
”At the moment, I feel like I can go and do absolutely anything I want. I have the drive, determination, and a wide skill set that will allow me to progress into a variety of different specialties when I decide to move on. My passions lie with venue management and festivals, so I will definitely be still in this space, most likely making big waves!”
