Entry level event co-ordinators

Hi everybody, please can someone help me. I have a Diploma in Conference and Event Management from a reputable College in Johannesburg, my frustration is that all companies are looking for people with at least 5 years experience in the industry.

As an unemployed graduate where does one get the experience when companies are not really interested in even giving you a chance to prove yourself. As far as some of the recruiters are concerned they only deal with candidates who have experience and they are very arrogant to say the least. No offence to anyone but I have had quite a few insensitive and unprofessional replies......