Encore Venues Adds New Venues and Key Hire Amid National Growth

Melbourne-based venue booking agency Encore Venues is continuing its growth trajectory with the appointment of industry professional Jessica Giarrusso, alongside the addition of two new venues to its expanding national roster.

Giarrusso joins the company after four years with The Palms at Crown Casino, where she built experience across venue operations, administration, and live entertainment. At Encore Venues, she will work alongside Venue Booking Agent Toby Renn and Managing Partner Tom Johannesen to oversee administration as the business scales its operations across Australia.

The hire arrives during a period of significant growth for the independent booking agency, which has recently added Brisbane's The Met and Melbourne's Leadbeater Hotel to its portfolio.

"Jessica joins Encore Venues at a really exciting time for the business," Johannesen said. "As our venue roster continues to grow, it is important that we build the right team and systems around that growth. Jessica's experience at The Palms gives her a strong understanding of live entertainment, venue operations and the level of detail required to deliver at a high standard."

Encore Venues now represents a diverse collection of live music spaces across the country, including Brisbane venues Superordinary, The Met and Crowbar, Melbourne rooms The Timber Yard, 170 Russell, Max Watts and the Leadbeater Hotel, as well as Sydney's Crowbar.

The company has positioned itself as a booking partner for venues, promoters, agents and artists, with a focus on streamlining venue management and creating stronger connections across Australia's live music ecosystem.

Johannesen said the expanded roster represents a major step forward for the business. "Taking carriage of this suite of venues across Australia is a major step forward for Encore. From iconic Melbourne rooms through to key Brisbane and Sydney venues, we are building a national platform that can support artists, agents, promoters and venue partners with a more connected and professional booking solution," he said.

“We are always looking to continue growing and working with the right venues that fit the Encore ecosystem.”