Community is everything in the brand ambassador world. In 2021, a friend’s recommendation led Vanessa Leiva to the events industry, and she’s been networking ever since, tapping connections to find the right brand ambassador gigs.
“We all end up knowing each other in some way, shape or form, or working with each other. It becomes a big circle,” she says. “We all help each other out.”
This episode of the “Event Peeps” podcast kicks off our Brand Ambassador Spotlight series, where we delve into the careers of BAs and what it takes to find success. In this first installment, we speak to Leiva, an Orlando-based ambassador who primarily represents spirits brands and works local trade shows like IAAPA Expo.
We first met Leiva when she was working as a brand ambassador on Hennessy’s Made for More Tour in 2024, and now, she’s sharing her learnings and top tips picked up from her time in the field.
Leiva talks common misconceptions about the brand ambassador role and takes us inside a day in the life. Not only is she front-facing, serving samples, distributing swag, leading games and snapping photos for attendees, she also assists in the set building and behind-the-scenes prep.
Five years in, Leiva still has moments of awe where she stops and takes in all the energy at an event, and she encourages aspiring brand ambassadors to get out there and give it a shot.
“This role is open to anyone and everyone who’s willing to learn the brands and represent the company professionally at all times,” she says. “You always have to put your best face forward, smiling, greeting everyone. You can have a rough day, something can be on the back of your mind, and that has to stay at home… That’s your moment to shine, have friendly conversations and express who you are.”