Ben Cameron speaks with GO Festival founder Susan Dibbs
Was your Christmas and New Year busy?
I worked right through. It’s (GO Festival) coming up in a few weeks, so it’s all systems go. I don’t really sleep much a week or so before the expo.
Is GO Festival a full-time job?
This is my flagship expo; I work full-time with an event manager. Last year I worked on some other events also, but GO Festival is my big baby.
When did the idea first pop into your head?
I started working on it in 2012. I was actually planning to get back into events because I used to plan wedding expos before my child was born. I wanted to do something new. I was actually working on a completely different event, then it (GO Festival) came to me. It was my experience at the time, being a mum and meeting other mums and seeing how we all work, getting to know women in business.
Raising a child alone, what kind of sacrifices have you had to make?
There is no social life anymore (laughs). They are the sacrifices you make when you have a baby, not just when you run a business. I probably gave it all up then. But the festival gets me out and about and meeting women.
Do you treat yourself to a break afterwards?
I usually start work on the next one; I’m a workaholic (laughs). I am, I confess.
Was it hard moving to Brimbank at 13?
Coming from England, it was a bit of a shock. There was nothing here. I’ve seen it grow over the past 20 to 30 years; it’s been amazing. I wasn’t a big fan at first, but now I can’t imagine living anywhere else.
Any particular places you like to visit?
Brimbank Park, Green Gully Reserve; it’s a wonderful place to relax.
What motivates you in your work?
It comes from a desire to not have the normal nine-to-five job, to be a bit different, something flexible to suit my lifestyle. It’s just my passion to hold events, and I love challenges as well.
What’s been your biggest challenge?
Probably becoming a single mum, and the second one would be organising GO Festival. I was a single mum living in a bubble when it started. I had to start from scratch and make connections. It was very challenging from the first event, and I had no budget.
Must have been a busy time; what was your secret?
I got out there and met some amazing women. I’m always astounded at how well women can work together, to grow together. I’m very passionate about it. It was huge (starting the festival up); it was a really hot summer and, in school holidays, my son was always curious about who I was talking to on the phone. It was a crazy time, but I kind of enjoy a bit of crazy, that’s fine (laughs).
This year’s Go Festival will be held on February 6 and 7 at Melbourne Showgrounds.
