NSW Newsletter - Feburary Edition

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	Chair’s Message

Dear Members

I wish you all a great start to the New Year and personal success in 2008.

We held our first Branch meeting of the year in January. I'd like to introduce to you and welcome members of the Branch Committee 2008:


	Steven McArthur Summit Restaurant & Lounge Bar (Vice Chair)	Sebastian Westbrook Fresh Catering (Treasurer)	Shari Carr Fosters Group (Chair Events Project Group)	Kellie Howard Howard & Sons Pyrotechnics (Chair PD Project Group)


Ruth Appleby Newcastle Visitor & Convention Bureau	Nick Clarke Accor Asia Pacific	Caroline Jones Professional Corporate Conferences	Camille Valvo EMCEE Master of Ceremonies	Leanne Zeid ID Meetings & Events

	MEA Secretariat:

	Anne Camenzind Manager NSW acamenzind@mea.org.au	Amanda Petrie NSW Event Coordinator apetrie@mea.org.au

On behalf of MEA NSW & members of the Branch Committee, congratulations to Camille Valvo on being awarded the 2007 Walter Dickman Award from the National Speakers Association of Australia (NSW) for her contribution to that organization.

Thanks to all volunteers, members of the project groups and sponsors who have committed to continue to contribute to the success of MEA NSW events. We are particularly wanting to focus on delivering well attended educational events through our PD Program, support YMEA initiatives and boost the activities and meet the needs of our Special Interest Groups (SIG’s) in 2008. As a priority we want to deliver articulated programs consistent with MEA’s Registered Training Organisation status.

The NSW Branch will also set objectives in membership growth, accreditation and professional development. Plans in 2008 are underway for SIG events for In House Meeting Planners and Meeting Managers.

A Meeting Managers SIG was held on 18 June 2007 as a result of the special interest group discussion at the MEA Conference in Hobart. Many issues were raised and although some have been addressed and actioned there is a great deal more that needs to be done, such as attaining "realistic standards, benchmarks, fees for service, client education, legal and risk issues" to quote a colleague.

I believe that in conjunction with MEA national office we need to conduct research to collate evidence and develop criteria to benchmark the value of meeting managers and appropriate remuneration standards for the services delivered. Contact me if you want to be actively involved. The next Meeting Managers SIG will be held in the first quarter 2008.

The financial status of the Branch is good and consistent with budget planning, however we need support from the membership to attend the educational events in NSW. The first PD Session is to be held on 26 February.

The deadline for the MEA 2007 Awards is here, and we hope that many of you have taken the opportunity. The NSW State MEA Awards are to be presented on 13 March. Good luck.

For party goers and networking aficionados, such as those who attended the successful MEA Christmas Party at the Opera House, who want to cruise into 2008, be sure to join colleagues at the first networking opportunity on 31 January on board the Starship, the new Sydney Harbour Cruise experience.

If you are able to participate in the MEA National Annual Conference 2008 on 9 - 12 May 2008 in Alice Springs please register through the MEA website.

I look forward to seeing you soon at a MEA event.

David Addison
Branch Chair

	MEA NSW Awards Night

MEA NSW invites you to

Thursday 13 March 2008
Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre
Darling Drive, Darling Harbour
Time: from 6.30pm
Dress: Black Tie
Cost: $155.00 per person or $1,400.00 for a table of 10 (incl. GST)

Master of Ceremonies, Explosive Minds courtesy of O2 Speakers
Entertainment feature and band, "Atomic" courtesy of Enhance Entertainment
Artistic and Rymthmic Dancers courtesy of Pero Entertainment
Event production, themeing, staging and lighting by Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre

MEA NSW Award Sponsors 2007

National Award Sponsors 2007

	Kick start your professional development in 2008 with MEA!

The PD committee met late in 2007 to put together another rewarding PD calendar for MEA members. We have taken on board your suggestions and feedback to compile what will be our best educational year yet.

With the launch of MEA as a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), MEA now offers a range of subjects from the Diploma of Event Management and Certificate IV in Tourism (Sales & Marketing). On completion, attendees can choose to be assessed on their competency in the subject in order to gain a Statement of Attainment and therefore credit towards a national qualification. MEA will continue to offer valuable seminars and workshops that do not lead to a qualification.

Lock in these dates for upcoming seminars. More details will follow and can be viewed on our on-line PD calendar.

Tuesday 26th February
How to further Develop your Business with Strategic Alliances

Wednesday 26th March
"Risky Business" - developing, implementing and monitoring risk management strategies

Also, stay tuned for an exciting off-site PD event opportunity to take place in July…

The MEA PD Project Group is always keen to listen to your ideas and open to new volunteers – please contact Kellie Howard kellieh@howardsfireworks.com.au or Anne Camenzind, Manager NSW at MEA acamenzind@mea.org.au or (02) 9929 5400 to discuss further.

Thanks to our Professional Development sponsor, Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre for their support

	Events Report

Photos courtesy of Paul Green Photographer

The MEA NSW 2007 'JAZZ ON THE HARBOUR' XMAS PARTY at Opera Point Marquee, Sydney Opera House on 6 December was a fabulous event attended by 400 guests who enjoyed the superb atmosphere created by Decorative Events; dined on innovative, delicious and generous canapes provided by Opera Point Events; danced until close to the Dan Barnett Band courtesy of NHM Entertainment; freshened up in powder rooms primped by Oh de Toilette; enjoyed floral creations by Waterhouse Floral Design; partied on at the Opera Bar and enjoyed the email teasers in the lead up to the event designed by A Little Creative. Thanks to all our sponsors for making this THE industry event of the year.

The Events Project Group has a great line up of networking events starting with the ClubMEA on 31 January on board the Starship. Click here for more details and to book your place

Don't miss the NSW Awards Dinner on 13 March which will be a night of motion and emotion – more details can be found in the newsletter.

Check out the NSW page on the MEA website at www.meetingsevents.com.au for a list of all upcoming ClubMEA dates for your diary.

	NSW Scholarship Winners

MEA NSW is pleased to announce the 2007 scholarship winners:

Alicia Hutchinson, Tourism Australia is the MEA / Ungerboeck Systems International Young Professional Scholarship winner
And
SophieRose Wachtel, a student at the International College of Management is the MEA / AV1 Audio Visual Production Student Scholarship winner.

Both Alicia and SophieRose together with the other 6 Young Professional Scholarship winners from around Australia, and the Victorian Student Scholarship winner have won complimentary registration, air travel and accommodation to the MEA National Conference being held from 9-12 May 2008 in Alice Springs.

Formal presentations to Alicia and SophieRose will be made at the MEA NSW Awards Night on 13 March at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre.

Thanks to Ungerboeck Systems International and AV1 Audio Visual Production for their sponsorship of these important scholarships.

	Sydney Exhibition and Convention Centre Launches Planning Tool for Greener Events

In 2007 the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre became one of the first convention centres in the world - and the only convention centre in Australia - to be awarded the Green Globe benchmark accreditation, an accolade which recognises the venue's commitment to reducing its environmental impact through a variety of initiatives.

Following its success in this respect, the Centre has released a new brochure designed to help event planners reduce the impact of their events on the environment.

The "Green Event Ideas" brochure offers a collection of practical strategies across a range of areas from waste management to registration and catering that can be easily implemented from the initial planning stages of an event, right through to completion. Insightful tips include:

+  Plan your approach to waste management prior to your event and
    investigate what sort of waste management system is already in place at
    your chosen venue
+  Work with suppliers to ensure products are delivered in biodegradable
    packaging
+  Limit the production of printed marketing collateral, in favour of electronic
    formats to reduce paper usage
+  Ensure natural light and energy efficiency lighting is used wherever
    possible
+  Promote the use of custom stands that can be reused at other events

Click here to see the stunning new perspective for Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre

	Why newsletters like the one you're reading now are important for your business?

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Why not contact the friendly Sumix team today on 02 9211 8331 or email web@sumix.com.au

	Welcome to new members

Garry Higginson - AV Express
AV Express is a fresh new alternative to the standard AV company specialising in events that don't need the full 'light, sets and showbiz' treatment. Whether you are organising a conference or a meeting, AV Express is well-equipped to deliver the perfect presentation. With highly trained staff and up-to-date, reliable equipment, we are able to offer the latest innovations guaranteed to impress your colleagues and clients alike. AV Express is part of the Staging Connections group, Australia's largest audio visual company.

Warren Livesey - AbsoluteEdge
AbsoluteEdge partners with world class companies, understand their business needs, work together to plan, create goals and design a memorable event while adding value to their investment.

Marc Thompson - Adrenalin
The mission of the PROMOTION AND EVENTS team is to help our clients Ignite, Motivate and Retain customers by injecting Adrenalin into sales promotions, launches, events and campaigns.

Karen Taylor - Art Gallery of NSW
The Art Gallery is the perfect space for unique events within the stunning galleries, contemporary restaurant or café. As the exclusive caterer, TrippasWHITE can deliver sublime modern Australian cuisine to an intimate dinner for 30, a gala dinner for 360 or cocktails for 500. The Restaurant and Café are open daily for lunch.

Corinne Armstrong - Associated Events
Corinne specialises in developing corporate event programs and associated sponsorship, marketing and communications, in line with core business objectives to obtain maximum competitive advantage, and value for stakeholders. She does this by providing strategic direction and oversight of the multi-functional purpose and interdependent roles involved in achieving successful event outcomes. Corinne's versatility comes from experience in a range of sectors including; banking and financial services, professional industry associations, media and entertainment, and SME businesses

David Docherty - Botanic Gardens Restaurant
Located in the midst of The Royal Botanic Gardens, the Botanic Gardens Restaurant is surrounded by tropical rainforest and boasts wide verandas that overlook the gardens. Enjoy a leisurely business lunch on the Restaurant balcony, a uniquely different venue to hold your next event, or for one of Sydney's most romantic wedding reception locations, the Botanic Gardens Restaurant is ideal.

Julie Shepherd - Bower Bird Information Services
Bower Bird Information Services convenes its own conferences each year for nursing and health care professionals. The conferences are "Nursing Leadership" and "Recruitment and Retention in the Health Workforce".

Fernando Lonergan - Carlson Hotels Asia Pacific
Carlson Hotels Asia Pacific operates 5 of the world's leading hotel brands throughout the Asia Pacific region - Regent Hotels & Resorts, Radisson Hotels & Resorts, Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts, Country Inns & Suites and Park Inns. These brands are renowned for delivering genuine hospitality and exceptional personalised service to guests. With corporate offices located in Singapore, Australia, China, India, and Japan, Carlson Hotels Asia Pacific is one of the Asia Pacific region's largest and most diverse hotel management companies

Ian Walsh - G1 Productions
G1 is a young, enthusiastic and innovative production house that is dedicated to producing creative communication solutions to business goals through an events medium. Whether it is a consumer exhibition, product launch, awards night, conference or multimedia.

John Mouland - Gosford City council
Gosford City Council is responsible for organising corporate and community events and conferences on the Central Coast of NSW.

Tracy Crisp - Grand Mercure Kiama Blue
Grand Mercure Kiama Blue is a distinctive blend of restored heritage-listed buildings and a stylish new hotel. Located within walking distance to main attractions, restaurants, shopping, surf beaches and overlooking the pristine waters of Kiama Harbour and the famous Blowhole. The unique conference facilities have state-of-the-art equipment and can cater for all types of events.

Gabriella Alberici - Italian Village
Located on the sandstone shores of the historic 'Rocks' Italian Village is a 3 level, 3 room restaurant and function centre catering for up to 1000 seated and 3000 cocktail.

Kerri Primrose - MP Travel Pty Ltd
A good conference inspires and rewards us. Its success lies as much in the planning and execution as in the ideas themselves. With nearly 20 years of experience, MP has demonstrated knowledge and ability in organizing and negotiating creative and competitive arrangements for your groups and conferences. MP's clients have operations across Australia, the Asia Pacific region and the world.

Dean Cooper - Mercure Hotel Parramatta
Leading accommodation features for business, boutique, conference or leisure. Mercure Hotel Parramatta has built it's esteemed reputation on personalised service.

Greg Hancock - Venueplan
A software license of venue plans allowing users the ability to create an event design including positioning tables, chairs, draping, lecterns and more plus seating allocations.
An interactive web feature allows two people to review the plans via a website at real time. Whilst the user can make changes to the plan, the client can visualise the event coming together.

	MEA NSW recently Accredited and Recognised members

Accredited Meeting Manager
Meryl Whetton AMM, MVM Sydney
Kathryn Cassidy, AMM

Associate Fellow of MEA
Daniel Branik AFMEA, Tour Hosts Pty Limited
Carole Johnston AFMEA, Johnston Associates

	MEA National Conference, 9-12 May 2008, Alice Springs

We are very pleased to announce that the conference registration is now open. We recommend that you book your flights for the conference as soon as possible as the most direct flights will sell out very quickly. You can book your flights directly through the conference website.

MEA National Conference 2008 Website

We have confirmed a number of very interesting speakers and topics. They include :

Michael Luehrs, Sustainability Services Manager, MCI Group, Stockholm
Peter Rix, Managing Director, George P Johnson (Australia) Ltd
Captain John Dennis, Senior Check Captain on the Boeing 747-400 aircraft

The conference will also include presentations on:

Crisis Management
Corporate Social Responsibility
Sales and Marketing
Asia Pacific- A Starwood Perspective on the Hotel Growth in the Region
Australian Aviation – Future in Convention Travel
Food as an Event Experience – How to Create a good Food Program
Measuring the Effectiveness of Your Event
Industry Skills Shortage

This plus a lot more will be available to educate and inspire all MEA National Conference Delegates.

	YMEA Update

As the NSW YMEA Committee put on their ‘brand only’ thinking hats on, they come together and are currently planning and securing upcoming YMEA events that are “oh sooo cool and, ohmigod, like, unique” so STAY TUNED.

We are excited to launch the YMEA section on the MEA website which proudly lists the YMEA National Executive Committee. MEA is pleased to acknowledge Virgin Blue as YMEA National Sponsor. Click here to the YMEA site

If you are interested in being part of the NSW YMEA committee please contact Amanda Petrie, YMEA Coordinator for more information on 02 9929 5400 or apetrie@mea.org.au

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