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A Message from the NSW Branch Chair |
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Dear Members
We concluded the last financial year with a healthy surplus and a great result of an increase in new members for the year.
The YMEA initiative for the under 27’s came to fruition in NSW as a great launch event. The enthusiasm is evident and planning is underway for a continued program for our Gen Y members and guests. The students didn’t miss out either with a successful Student Insight event in May. We have developed and presented some valuable Professional Development seminars for all members, with special mention to the MEA seminar program at the Australian Events Expo. We also received interest in MEA delivering PD in regional centres in NSW after a MEA presentation to the NSW Regional MICE Forum.
An ‘In House Meeting Planners’ seminar on Return on Investment and Return on Objectives is a promise of specialized PD events for special interest groups. As a follow-up to the Hobart MEA Conference we committed to facilitate a Meeting Managers Forum in June. PD sessions we plan to hold as a result of these discussions include procurement, business & conference insurance, GST Where are we now?, and How to handle client money : trust accounts etc.
As an outcome of the Meeting Managers Forum we will establish small working groups to address benchmarking in event & meeting management, to create a career opportunity structure, to identify minimum study, skills and experience to be an ‘event manager’, and to research industry standards. The initial aim is to provide evidence and criteria to justify the value of meeting managers and appropriate remuneration standards. An ultimate aim is to create marketing collateral for broader awareness in the general market of the professional contribution offered by members of our meetings & events industry. Contact me if you want to be actively involved.
We encourage you to consider entering the MEA 2007 Awards. The awards briefing was held on Wednesday 15 August at the Darlington Centre, to give a better understanding of the value of a MEA award to your individual career or business. For those that missed this session you may contact Amanda Petrie, MEA NSW for the notes.
Again a big thank you to our sponsors of MEA events and seminars and to the valuable contribution of our MEA Staff and volunteers in the various sub-committees and Branch Committee.
See you at the next MEA event.
Kindest regards
David |
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New MEA NSW Branch Committee Member |
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MEA NSW is delighted to welcome Steven McArthur, Sales & Communications Manager – Summit Restaurant & Orbit Lounge to the Branch Committee following the recent stepping down of Shaun Rae, Exhibition Hire.
As marketing manager for The Summit, Steven thrives on what he does best - keeping people excited, curious and making memories at the iconic revolving restaurant that still delivers the best 360 degree city view after 37 years. Whether hosting a memorable engagement or anniversary party, to coordinating a sexy product launch, Steven’s broad experience across several different areas - including event management, hospitality, marketing, sales and promotion – are the key to his successes and impressive list of repeat clientele.
At a recent NSW Branch Committee meeting, Chair David Addison thanked Shaun for his contribution to MEA NSW over his 7 year involvement with the branch especially in his role as Treasurer.
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Key Dates For Your Diary |
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| 20 August: |
“The A to Z o Going Green” Professional Development session |
| 18 September | ClubMEA Breakfast at Vaucluse House Tearooms with Fashion Week panel |
| 3 October: | ClubMEA and fundraising event at Summit Restaurant for National Breast Cancer Foundation |
| 1 November: | NSW Branch Report & ClubMEA |
| 6 December: | MEA NSW Christmas Party, Opera Point Marquee, Sydney Opera House |
| 13 March 2008: | MEA NSW Awards Night, Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre |
| 9-12 May 2008: | MEA National Conference, Alice Springs |
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Professional Development Update |
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Kellie Howard AFMEA, Chair, MEA NSW PD Project Group
In line with MEA NSW’s strategy to hold professional development seminars relevant to different industry segments, we have held 3 very different topics over the past few months covering Marketing, Sales and Budgeting.
“Get more out of your marketing” held at the Wesley Conference Centre was co presented by Jillian Penney of The Pennway Group and Peter Bliss of Business is Bliss. They were joined by Leona Watson from Cheeky Food Group; Tony Bonney from Podium the Event Producer and Liam Mulhall of Brewtopia for three unique case studies of different marketing approaches.
“Closing the Sale” was an experiential workshop for members wanting to become more confident and raise their game at closing business. Presented by popular trainer, Richard Woodward, this PD also covered such things as essential questioning and listening skills and overcoming objections.
The most recent PD session was “Being Budget Savvy”co presented by Robyn Johnson AMM AFMEA of Conexion Event Management and Michael Ford of Growth by Design on key managerial skills of analysing financial information to inform the budget development process.
Thanks to all our presenters for their valuable insights and their willingness to share their knowledge and experience, venue sponsors Wesley Conference Centre, Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre and AGSM as well as Videoplus for your support.
Coming up!! Don’t miss out on next week’s PDs – firstly a very topical “The A to Z of Going Green” with Jeremy Garling of Great Southern E-vents and Clare Donovan of the Australian Conservation Foundation Monday 20 August at The Mint and coming soon a PD on “How to Conduct a Site Inspection”.
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Networking News |
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Shari Carr AFMEA, Chair MEA NSW Networking Project Group
Our Networking Project Group has been hard at work coming up with a range of great venues for you and your team to experience and build those important business relationships.
The ClubMEA Regatta on Sydney Harbour was a great event with over 70 MEA-yachties taking to the high seas (well, quite flat actually) for a race to the finish line in beautiful Eastsail yachts. A stunning twilight cruise back to the marina for delicious food and drinks and award giving.
De Nom proved one of the most popular ClubMEA’s this year selling out in just 2 days! This beautiful venue designed in the style of an 18th century French salon was a great networking night and certainly a unique venue.
From France to Japan……the July ClubMEA at Kobe Jones at King Street Wharf had a great buzz and featured some traditional Japanese entertainment. We were delighted to welcome some regional NSW MEA members to the evening. Thanks to Kobe Jones and Acts on Show for your support.
August ClubMEA saw a combined Awards briefing and networking event at the Darlington Centre at the University of Sydney with award winning presenters Jeremy Garling, Great Southern E-vents, Kim-Laura Brown of Sydney Showground and Lucy Pantling from MEA. It was a great opportunity for members and guests to experience this award winning venue and also hear tips from presenters on how to put together a winning submission and maximise publicity from being a finalist or winner.
Our September ClubMEA continues our annual Spring theme in the beautiful setting of the Vaucluse House Tearooms on Tuesday 18 September and will feature a panel of experts who produced Fashion Week and will be facilitated by MEA Member Meri Took from Staging Rentals, who were inducted into the Hall of Fame at the MEA 2005 Awards. More details coming soon.
The October ClubMEA is a National Breast Cancer Foundation Fundraising Event being held on 3 October at the Summit Restaurant, Australia Square, which will be awash with a pink glow during the “Estee Lauders Global Illumination Initiative” 2007. Put this in you diaries now to support this cause and win some amazing prizes and auction items. See more details in the newsletter.
Finally, on 6 December the MEA NSW Christmas Party is taking place at the Opera Point Marquee, so get it in your diaries as this is the end of year event you won’t want to miss!
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Eastsail ClubMEA Regatta Event |
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The Single Market Events team (and Meri Took) celebrating on their yacht.
MEA Sailing by sunset
Images courtesy of Oneill Photographics (EventPix)
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ClubMEA in the Pink this October! |
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MEA NSW is delighted to partner with the Summit Restaurant to hold our ClubMEA at this renowned venue on Wednesday 3 October to support the National Breast Cancer Foundation during the internationally recognised Breast Cancer Month.
The Summit Restaurant will be awash with a pink glow from 26 September for the Estee Lauder Global Illumination Initiative to launch the NBCF’s annual Pink Ribbon Campaign. The Summit Restaurant will join hundreds of famous landmarks, monuments and buildings in over 40 countries around the world that have participated in the Global Illumination since it was launched by Evelyn Lauder in 2000.
The National Breast Cancer Foundation is Australia’s only non profit organisation that funds research across Australia into every aspect of breast cancer. Since it’s inception in 1994 the Foundation has provided over $22 million for 133 research projects through its corporate and community fundraising activities.
MEA NSW hopes to raise over $6,000 on the evening towards the NBCF’s fund raising campaign and is seeking support from our members who may have a suitable prize they can donate for the raffle or auction we will hold during the evening.
Already we have secured support with:
- A 58cm NEC LCD plasma television
- an “Ultimate Indulgence” private tasting which includes a food and wine match that is specially designed to showcase Lindeman’s Super Premium wines for four people
and one night’s accommodation at the Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley for four in a Two Bedroom Villa.
With thanks to Lindeman’s and Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley.
- A Samsung Limited edition Pink MP3
This is a great opportunity to demonstrate your support for a great cause and to be part of an event at which we hope over 150 people from the business events industry will be in attendance.
More details can be obtained by contacting Anne Camenzind, Manager NSW, Meetings & Events Australia on (02) 9929 5400 or acamenzind@mea.org.au
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Y MEA |
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On 27 June, NSW held and launched its first Y MEA event at the Blacket Hotel. Peter Sheahan appropriately spoke on ‘Personal Branding’ to an enthusiastic crowd of 70 young professionals who were aged 27 or under. It was wonderful to see so much support and interest from the younger members of our industry and we look forward to holding another event towards the end of this year.
If you have any friends or colleagues that may be interested in professional and personal development opportunities and building relationships with their industry peers (and those who are 27 and under) make sure you keep them in the loop by clicking here.
We look forward to announcing our next YMEA event soon. Stay tuned!
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| Kylie Tabrett, Electronic Media Sales Representative, Event Connect, our speaker Peter Sheahan and Jasmine Cook, Assistant Editor, BT Publishing | Networking Y MEA’s |
Images courtesy of mice.net magazine
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60 Seconds with Keith Wootton – AV1 Audiovisual Production and MEA NSW Branch Committee Member |
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What was your first job?
Studio Manager – The Factory Studios Dublin
Describe your current role:
Production of technical services for conferences and events nationally and internationally… administration… business development… accountant… manager… all of the things associated with running your own business…
The best part of your job?
Travelling
Who has inspired you?
Steve Jobs CEO Apple Inc. He was the creator of Apple and re-invented what had become a very bland product in the mid nineties. Since then he has created a great brand, based on great technology!
Your best achievement/s in the business?
Starting AV1 in November 2004 with $1000 and turning it into the successful production company that it is today.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
5 years older…Still in events…where else would I be?
…and in 10 years time?
Ask me in 5…
What interests do you have outside work?
Hmmm, bit of a workaholic… Roland V-Drum kit, worm farm, house renovating.
If you could host a dinner party for 5, who would you choose?
My wife Claire, Bob Geldof, Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters), Peter Griffin (The Family Guy), Michael Parkinson.
The benefits of being an active MEA member:
Being able to contribute back to the industry especially through PD education sessions, networking, accreditation, doing this questionnaire.
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2007 Meeting & Events Industry Awards |
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Are you ready for the challenge? Are you ready for the rewards? Are you ready for a chance to prove your expertise? It’s time to starting planning for your entry into the Meetings & Events Industry Awards!
Continuing on from the success of the 2006 Meetings & Events Industry Awards – which received a record number of submissions – the 2007 awards will open for submissions from all MEA members from 1st July 2007!
The Meeting and Events Industry Awards are the premier accolade of the best industry management practice and outstanding performance in the Australian Meetings and Events Industry. The 2007 Awards will recognise activities, responses and outcomes relating to the financial year 1 July 06 to 30 June 07. The Awards program rewards excellence on both state and national levels.
Make this year YOUR year - do not miss out on this unique opportunity to benchmark against other industry professionals, and to gain the recognition you deserve.
It’s easy, convenient, rewarding – and it’s all on-line!
For more information please go to www.meetingsevents.com.au/awards/ or call Lucy Pantling in the MEA National Office on (02) 9929 5400
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Recent NEW MEA Members |
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MEA NSW would like to welcome these recent NEW members:
Joanna McAndrew, Regional Manager NSW & ACT - National Institute of Accountants
Darin Nielson, Manager - Visit Snowy Mountains
Stuart Frank, Event Operations Manager APAC - Gartner Australasia Pty Ltd
Kyrn Stevens, Corporate Communications Manager - The Migration Institute of Australia
Lindy Andrews, Director - BizParade Media Pty Ltd
Keith Clarkson, Director - EventSound Pty Ltd
Anthony Bonnici, Managing Director - Move Mountains
Craig Macfarlane, Joint Managing Director - Association and Communications Events Pty Ltd
Shari Carr, National Business Development Manager, Business Events - Fosters Group
Tracey Fisher, General Manger - Immediate Assistants
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NSW Accredited and Recognised Members |
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We would like to acknowledge our recently Accredited and Recognised members within NSW. Meetings and Events Australia highly recommends the use of Accredited Members and is proud to recognise MEA Associate-Fellows as significant industry achievers.
AMM
Joanne Mahoney - Leading Edge Conferences
Nadine Giatras - Australasian Society for HIV Medicine
Rebecca Deal - Conexion Event Management
Shonna Mulley - Conexion Event Management
AIMM
Caitlin Williams
AFMEA
James Keane - Staging Connections - Sydney
Trevor Connell - EventPix
Louise Romero - DIRECTIONS
Kelly McLean - Tour Hosts Conference & Exhibition Organisers
Monique Vannus - Tour Hosts Conference & Exhibition Organisers
For more information on the value of utilising an Accredited Meetings Manager and to locate those members who have attained this prestigious status, please contact MEA or go to the MEA website www.meetingsevents.com.au
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60 Seconds with Keith Wootton – AV1 Audiovisual Production and MEA NSW Branch Committee Member |
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MEA NSW and our sponsor AV1 are pleased to launch the 2007 Student Scholarship for one student in their final year (2007) of courses related to the Meetings & Events Industry to attend the MEA National Conference being held in Alice Springs, 9-12 May 2008.
The scholarship offers the opportunity for the successful applicant to receive:
- Registration to the conference
- Travel and accommodation for conference from the nearest capital city
To be eligible, the nominee must be:
- A final year student in 2007 studying a Meetings & Events Industry related course at a tertiary institution that is a MEA NSW member.
OR
- A final year student in 2007 studying a Meetings & Events Industry related course at a tertiary institution who is a financial student MEA member.
For more information contact Amanda Petrie, MEA NSW Event Coordinator on (02) 9929 5400 or apetrie@mea.org.au
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Working with Sumix in 2007 |
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Want to take your e-Marketing to the next level or make your web site really work for your business? Why not contact our e-Marketing partner Sumix, and let the experts help you.
Sumix has been working closely with MEA for the past 3 years – designing and distributing our newsletters to NSW members. We have received a lot of excellent feedback from our members and we don't doubt their creativity has helped increase attendance at NSW events.
Sumix offers web design, e-Marketing as well as IT support services, and it is a pleasure to work with their team.
Contact Sumix at www.sumix.com.au or e-mail: web@sumix.com.au
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Supporters |
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Thanks to our NSW Branch supporters: 
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