Kirrilee Hay

I have always worked in roles that involve both marketing and events. My first role out of university after studying a Bachelor of Marketing and Communication at UniSA, was an events role at Brand South Australia, coordinating its Regional Awards program (before it became the Regional Showcase with Solstice Media). From there, I had the opportunity to step into a more marketing-specific role with the Royal Agricultural and Horticultural Society of SA (the not-for-profit entity that runs the Royal Adelaide Show and Royal Adelaide Wine Show) where I had the opportunity to lead projects like the annual Celebrity Milk Off, the launch of the Adelaide Showground Caravan Park, the Quiet Zone in partnership with Autism SA and The Show @ Home website for audiences to experience the Show during COVID.

Before my current role at Fringe, I worked in communications and marketing roles in the automotive industry, but now I oversee the development, implementation and delivery of the various marketing campaigns rolled out for Adelaide Fringe.

I only got where I am today because of the additional volunteer opportunities I have taken up – my very first role at Brand South Australia was offered because I proved my value during an internship, and my skills in event management, customer service and communication were honed by volunteering at festivals, taking up short-term freelancing gigs and doing my own personal, professional development outside what was offered through my employment opportunities.

My advice to anyone would be to try everything. It’s so important to make connections with people, so take up every opportunity you can to upskill and meet new people.

Pronouns: She/Her

Content supplied by: Kirrilee Hay

Edited for clarity by: Dahlia Opala

Photography by: Thomas McCammon

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