Events Management for the Stars is a thrilling yet challenging career path. How does one gain experience in this industry, and how can one stand out, especially as a woman, in the competitive world of events management? I had the exciting opportunity to speak with an individual who has achieved significant milestones, from being recognized with honorable accolades such as Forbes‘ ‘Top 30 Under 30’ to working with high-profile clients including Kim Kardashian, Kanye West, Google, and more. This entrepreneurial spirited woman, Celeste Durve, is the founder of VIP Relations, also known as VIPER, a leading event staffing and hospitality agency. It was an honor to learn more about this specialization in the industry from Ms. Durve on behalf of Social The Lifestyle Magazine:
Meghan Forte: How did you begin your career in Events Management?
Celeste Durve: I began my career in event management when I was about 17 years old. I started as an unpaid intern, simply because I was eager to gain experience in the industry. I quickly noticed a white space in the guest check-in process, especially at larger events, where the guest experience often got overlooked. This sparked an idea: ‘what if I could help streamline that process and make it more seamless and enjoyable?’ I began reaching out to people I knew in the industry, offering to help host their guests and handle their guest experience, sometimes bringing along friends to assist. This experience laid the foundation for what eventually became VIPER, where we specialize in ensuring that every guest feels like a VIP from the moment they arrive.
Meghan Forte: You are also friends with other Forbes ‘ Top 30 Under 30’ recipients such as Emily Blair Marcus and Jade Watson. How are your approaches in business different, would you say, and how are you all similar? What makes your podcast together such a special experience?
Celeste Durve: Being friends with Emily Blair Marcus and Jade Watson is such a unique experience because we all have different approaches to business, yet there’s a shared passion for what we do. Emily’s approach is very rooted in public relations and crisis management, while Jade has a more content-driven, media-focused business. My focus has always been on hospitality and the guest experience, particularly within nightlife and events. Despite these differences, what unites us is our shared entrepreneurial spirit, our drive to innovate, and our desire to uplift others in our industries.
Our podcast together is a special experience because it allows us to bring these diverse perspectives into one space. We have open, honest conversations about the challenges we face, our wins, and even our personal lives. It’s rare to have such a dynamic group of women, each leading in their own lane, coming together to discuss not just business but also the human side of entrepreneurship. And we’re all very transparent, which is a HUGE help. It’s impossible to navigate every aspect of business on your own. We became each other’s trusted advisors.
Meghan Forte: Can you share an event project that was memorable for you?
Celeste Durve: One of the most memorable event projects for me was the Golden Globes. It was such a defining moment in my career because it was the first time I wasn’t physically present as a founder. I had to trust my team to handle everything on their own for such a major, high-stakes event. It was nerve-wracking, but it turned out to be an incredible success.
Allowing my team to take charge really set our scaling into motion. That experience showed me how capable they were and that I didn’t need to be hands-on at every event. It was when I learned the power of delegation, and it allowed me to start focusing more on the bigger picture for VIPER, instead of just being in the weeds of the day-to-day operations. From there, we really started growing because I could step back and allow my team to shine.
Meghan Forte: As a younger yet also established Events professional, how do you manage the ever-changing landscape?
Celeste Durve: I’m very pro-evolution, both in my personal and professional life, so managing the ever-changing landscape of events doesn’t scare me—it excites me. I see change as an opportunity for growth. I don’t pretend to know it all, which is why I love hiring younger staff who adapt quicker than I do. They’re often ahead of the curve, and I’m constantly learning from them. I genuinely enjoy feedback and trying new things, which keeps me and my team at the forefront of innovation. It’s about staying flexible and open-minded in a fast-paced industry.
Meghan Forte: What have your mentors taught you, that you hope to carry on to the industry?
Celeste Durve: My mentors have taught me invaluable lessons that I carry with me in the world of event and nightlife management, especially when working with high-profile clients. One of the most important things I’ve learned is to have thick skin and adapt quickly, as things don’t always go as planned. I’ve also learned the importance of setting boundaries, both with employees and clients, to ensure that I’m not being taken advantage of.
My biggest mentor is my mom, and her lifelong lesson to me has been resilience—just to keep going and figure things out along the way. That’s something I really hope to bring into this industry because no matter how chaotic or high-pressure things get, resilience is key to staying on top.
Meghan Forte: You launched ‘#LastCall’ in which you discuss the importance of women’s safety in the nightlife scene. What are some initiatives nightlife venues can take to ensure greater safety for women?
Celeste Durve: With ‘Last Call,’ I wanted to highlight the importance of women’s safety in the nightlife scene, which is a much bigger conversation than many realize. One key initiative that venue owners and managers can implement is keeping detailed written records when employees or guests report issues such as drugged drinks or sexual assault. There needs to be far more diligence in handling these serious crimes.
During my own process of fighting for change, I learned that many times we don’t even have the funding to process rape kits, which means they often go unprocessed. This is heartbreaking and speaks to the larger issue of legislation and funding that we desperately need. However, on a local level, venues can and should do their part. This includes installing more cameras, paying attention to feedback when people complain, and being proactive in addressing concerns. Safety should be the top priority, and it starts with listening and taking real action.
Thank you, Ms. Durve for your powerful words, message and for the interview. It is an honor to interview rising stars making an impact, including Ms. Celeste Durve for Social.
Additional services that Viper can offer to a potential elite client looking for events management include: Event Staff, Models, and user-generated content or UGC Creators, as well as hospitality services or event coordination.
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