We have also survived the National MEA Conference and the 2007-08 Federal Budget. Business is booming in Canberra with new hotel product and refurbishments in development everywhere you look. Everyone is busy and going about their business at a frantic pace.

To help you keep the pace – our next event is on the topic of ‘marketing in the e-business world’ – everything you wanted to know about web-sites, databases, portals and e-campaigns. Be sure to attend and learn how to work faster, smarter and yield greater results.

Remember, if you have any industry news, updates or events that you would like to share with the meetings and events community – you can submit your news item via act@mea.org.au.

Thank you to all our sponsors who support our activities time and time again and allow us to stage fantastic high quality events for MEA members.

Regards

Dana Busic
ACT MEA Chair
 

MEA’s rising stars

Congratulations to Dimity Johnson, Registration Coordinator, Conference Logistics. Dimity recently was announced as a winner of one of Amlink’s Technologies Rising Star 2007 Scholarships. Dimity was one of one of 10 winners nationwide - being awarded $3000.00 towards her studies. Well Done Dimity!!

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Crowne Plaza Canberra

Crowne Plaza Canberra is undergoing a full rooms refurbishment (accommodation and meeting facilities). The first series of newly refurbished rooms are now on-line, with the entire project scheduled for completion in August 2007.

On the personnel front….Veronique Domin, Director of Sales & Marketing for Crowne Plaza & the National Convention Centre has been promoted back to Sydney. Her replacement is yet to be advised. David Donald, General Manager is also moving onward and upward in June, and is to be replaced internally by Matthew Young who was previously the General Manager of Holiday Inn Adelaide.

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Kamberra Winery

Some of you may have heard a rumour that Kamberra Winery has recently been sold to local consortia.

Amongst other things (an upcoming name change and future plans for accommodation on-site), they plan to create additional function space for small – medium sized events (conferences, weddings, seminars, meetings, team buildings, etc) and promote their catering side of the business while continuing to run the cellar door concept for locals and visitors alike. Craig Forbutt from Kamberra has indicated his interest in working closely with MEA members in the future. Craig can be contacted on 02 6262 2333 – if you are after any more information.
 

Some recent ACT MEA highlights:

Network or Perish – MEA Networking Masterclass (5th March)
By Dana Busic

Be seen, get known – move ahead! That was the message from Robyn Henderson, seasoned conference speaker and global networking specialist and our guest presenter for the very first MEA ACT professional development event for 2007.

Entitled ‘Network or Perish’ the session was designed to refresh the networking skills of the MEA membership and introduce ACT MEA to other professional groups in Canberra.

More than 18 people attended the masterclass which featured some fascinating strategies on how to establish quality relationships. For those of you who didn’t attend – some of Robyn’s top tips are listed below.

Robyn’s Hot Tips for MEA members attending networking functions:

• Decide why you want to attend
• Decide on the logistics of the event
• Take plenty of business cards
• Have quality conversations rather than quantity
• Take along a few ice-breakers
• Don’t fear pregnant pauses
• Act like the host
• Finally – have fun (great networkers have a great time)

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MEA Essentials for Successful Meetings and Events (7th March)
By Dennis Stockman

This year’s MEA ‘Essentials’, held at the Clifton Suites on Northbourne was very popular attracting well over 40 registrations, and was well received by both participants and presenters. During breaks, students were able to network, and to chat one-to-one with the presenters and by the end of the day, leave with a deeper knowledge and understanding of the industry. I’m sure that everyone who attended took a great deal with them. The content was rich and varied; the speakers were excellent and the students were all enthralled and motivated in the day’s program. Special thanks to Clifton Suites for hosting the event.

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MEA Royale – MEA ACT Industry Awards (15th March)
By Michael Waters



A fantastic night was had by all who attended the 2006 MEA ACT Industry Awards dinner, held recently at the Boathouse by the Lake.

The theme for this year’s event was ‘MEA Royale’, and those in attendance didn’t disappoint and ‘dressed to impress’.  Guests were greeted on arrival by a mouth-watering 007 style Maserati and tuxedo-clad security guards (aka MEA committee members), setting the tone for what was a fun night of awards and entertainment.



Congratulations to the following state award winner in their respective categories:

• Diann Castrissios, National Convention Centre – Meetings or Events Manager of the Year
• Australian Education International – In-House Meetings Management
• Conference Solutions – Meetings Management (less than 8 employees)
• International Education Forum 2006 (Australian Education International) – Meeting of the Year (more than 500 delegates)
• HMAS NIRIMBA 50th Anniversary Reunion (Conference Solutions) – Event of the Year

Special thanks to Staging Connections, Fosters Group, City News, Peter Funnell Entertainment, Les Herstik Audio Visual, Zebra Interactive, City News and EventPix for supporting the event – much appreciated!

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20th Annual MEA National Conference (1st – 3rd April)
By Michael Waters

The 20th Annual MEA National Conference was held in Hobart last month and it was great to see such a strong Canberra contingent – over 20 local industry colleagues made the journey across the Tasman! The Conference dinner also comprised the National Awards and for the ACT, it proved to be a very successful event indeed – bringing home 2 national awards:

Laying down the law at the ‘Transported to Van Dieman’s Land’ Casual Function @ Hobart Town Hall during the conference:

In-House Meetings Management: Australian Education International
Meetings Management – less than 8 employees:  Conference Solutions Pty Ltd

On behalf of the MEA ACT we congratulate Melissa, Pat and their respective teams, and Diann who was a national finalist in her category.
 

Be sure to mark these dates in your calendar:

MEA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Marketing in the E-business World: web-sites, databases, portals and e-campaigns
Wednesday 13 June, CSIRO DISCOVERY

MEETING PLANNERS LUNCHEON – SPECIAL EVENT SPOTLIGHT ON COPORATE ENTERTAINMENT
Wednesday, 27 June – Details coming soon

To register for either of these events visit www.mea.org.au

ACT MEA CHRISTMAS PARTY – Looking for a venue
Want to showcase your venue to industry and host this years Christmas do?
Email: dijanna.ratajkoski@comcare.gov.au

Mastering Mentoring – Getting what you want!
An invitation from the Young Professionals Network
Thursday 28 June – CSIRO DISCOVERY
For more info see www.ypa.net.au
 

1: How does it feel to be the recipient of the MEA/USI Young Professional Scholarship?
To be the recipient of the MEA Young Professional Scholarship is an amazing opportunity and I feel both flattered and honoured to receive the award. The scholarship has opened so many doors.

2: What drove you to nominate, and what advice if any would you give to other young industry professionals wanting to get more active/involved in the meetings industry?
I actually applied for the YPS a few years ago and unfortunately was not successful in my application. So, in the time that passed I gained more experience, became more confident of my abilities and learnt from my mistakes. My manager actually notified me that the YPS was coming up again and, with her support and recommendation I thought why not try again, and here I am!

3: What will your primary focus be with the MEA ACT committee this year?
This year my role in MEA is to assist with the personal development committee in helping to plan up-coming PDs and launch YMEA in the ACT.  YMEA is a new initiative that will foster and provide professional development to young members and will give opportunities for Young MEA members either just starting out in their chosen career, or those wishing to take that next step to help further develop themselves.

4: You’ve recently moved from the National Museum of Australia to the Australian War Memorial. What does your new role entail, and how is it going?
I’m actually on secondment from the NMA to the AWM for a 12 month period in the position of Public Programs Coordinator. My role is one that develops and coordinates a diverse range of programs that engage a national audience, enhance the visitor experience, and interpret the Memorial’s collection. This is done through various ways including performance, academic and family-based programs. My biggest challenge is learning another collection.

5: Where do you see yourself in 5…..and then 10 years time?
I generally let things happen and just roll with the flow.  I did learn at the MEA conference that goal setting is so important and it is something that I have started to plan. I think though that in 5 years time I’ll be happy and in a position that I enjoy. In 10 years time I would hope to be somewhat stable, meaning work and life balance with some money in the bank and days off to spend the money J

6: If you could host a dinner party for 5 people (anyone), who would they be?
Adam and Eve, Oprah Winfrey, Michael Jackson and Angelina Jolie.

7: What other interests do you have?
I like to go for a ride around the lake, drink lovely wine and catch up with friends. I do love to travel and have been overseas twice this year. At times I don’t mind the odd bit of painting, I’m no Picasso though – it’s more like finger painting if anything.
 

To all my fellow ACT MEA members who attended the 20th Annual MEA Conference in Hobart - did you know that you accumulated 30 Professional Development (PD) points by attending the conference?
The status of Associate-Fellow of MEA is a distinctive recognition open to all MEA members and covers all fields ranging from conference organisers through to venue staff, audio-visual or production personnel, tour operators – and pyrotechnics!

Your PD points from the National Conference should be credited to your account in mid May, so go online at www.meetingsevents.com.au and select the members’ page to see how many points you have. If you require further information or assistance, my email address is p.mckay@nma.gov.au.
Paul McKay AFMEA – Accreditation & Recognition Portfolio, MEA ACT Branch Committee