Meet The Team

STEVEN PICKETT

Managing Director

Steven has many years of experience in the business in just about every area including composing, performing, audio engineering, producing, booking, artist management and marketing. His passion for music, justice and excellence has been the drive behind the meteoric rise of this organisation from its humble beginnings over 30 years ago.

EAO has now become the premier entertainment agency in the region. Over the years, Steven has been personally involved in the development of many artists, both on stage and in the studio. He has produced a number of singles that have received local and national airplay. He has also booked, managed and worked on several interstate tours.

In the 21st century, Steven has focused on the creation of a unique marketing formula specifically for hospitality venues like hotels, licensed clubs, nightclubs and resorts. The success of his clients has led him to becoming the leading licensed Venue Consultant in the Hunter.

Over the last decade, Steven has been working with his team to develop Newcastle Live, which has now become the region’s leading online Entertainment & Lifestyle Guide.

Despite the wide array of areas Steven has experienced, he claims that they all have 2 things in common that fuel the passion – creativity and the fulfilment of true potential. Apart from this, Steven is able to thrive on minimal amounts of sleep and is obsessed with collecting rare, vinyl Australian Music – he is even writing a book on the subject.

TERRY LANTRY

Director, Senior Booking Agent & Venue Consultant

Having started in the industry more than 40 years ago as a musician (drummer, actually — despite what some people might say about that…), Terry has deep experience in and understanding of the live entertainment landscape from both the performance and business perspectives. After transitioning from musician to booking agent and now Director of EAO, the only gear he’s lugging these days is his laptop.

Terry’s role at EAO is broad. He works closely with our represented venues to create entertainment programs that genuinely reflect their brand, clientele and atmosphere. He works diligently with our artists to help them achieve both their creative ambitions and business objectives. Terry’s goal is always to build strong, long-term relationships with our clients to deliver positive outcomes for all parties.

Over the past 30 years, Terry has developed an extensive industry network that has enabled him to bring a wide range of national and international touring acts to selected venues and events throughout the region.

PAULA BEST

Business Manager

Paula knows how to fix it, add it, run it, order it and keep things rolling along just the way she likes it…her way! All teasing aside, Paula is the one who can answer just about any enquiry on just about anything.
Paula is EAO’s business manager and looks after the finances for a select number of acts who are constantly amazed by her financial wizardry. A recognised singer and performer herself, Paula understands the importance of professional representation in the entertainment business.

NINA SAMSON

Booking Agent

Nina brings a strong blend of creative and operational expertise to EAO. With experience spanning artist bookings, venue coordination and live event delivery, Nina manages a diverse roster of exceptional artists and venues with precision and professionalism.
In addition to her role with EAO, Nina is an accomplished musician with multiple independent releases, she understands the performing arts industry from both on the stage and behind it. Nina is deeply committed to growing and supporting our live entertainment landscape.

NELLE KYNASTON

Wedding & Events Entertainment Coordinator

Music is a great passion for Nelle. She is a vinyl collector and has a deep knowledge of music history. She has had a varied career, ranging from owning and running a record store to managing high-profile events with a major ticketing company. Music is her passion. It’s in her DNA. And it is matched by her desire to ensure you get to celebrate your event accompanied by precisely the right music and entertainment.

Nelle is a people person, and her experience, energy and enthusiasm mean she will find the perfect entertainment for your event, whether it is a wedding, corporate function, birthday party or any other special occasion.

LIZ CLARK

Senior Graphic Designer

Liz has 30+ years of experience in graphic design, having worked in some of Newcastle’s biggest ad agencies in the ‘80s and ‘90s to smaller boutique organisations in recent years. She has seen graphic design transform from cut’n’paste, bromides and darkrooms (as a 15-year-old junior, she spent a lot of time in the dark!) to the introduction of the revolutionary Apple Mac in the late 80’s, where she was responsible for training other artists in the new technology.

No matter how design is produced, it’s in the maker, not the medium. Creativity and communication through imagery and typography are integral to a great design, but it’s Liz’s passion, talent, and attention to the smallest detail that truly makes her work sing (pardon the pun).