During the months of March and April, there are two ACT MEA events being conducted, the first is the ever popular Essentials seminar (for those with less than 12 months in the industry) and the second is our annual ClubMEA dinner. This year features an eclectic mix of entertainment!

The night is your chance to enjoy the company of other MEA professionals in a fun environment (and perhaps even win the lucky door prize - provided by Sydney Hilton).  In addition, the city of Canberra plays host to the 2020 Summit (19 and 20 April) at Parliament House and the Olympic Torch Relay (24 April) which will stop at the National Convention Centre.

Please make some time to welcome our newest MEA members when you see them next. Welcome to Janet Jeffs from Ginger Catering, Annette Shaw from Early Childhood Australia and Sharon Mahony from the Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia.

This month we also farewell our beloved Michael Waters from the ACT MEA Committee and wish him all the best at the InterContinental in Sydney.

Remember, if you have any industry news, openings, launches or new personnel you would like to share with the events community, we invite you to let us know at act@mea.org.au

Finally, thank you to our sponsors who continually support our programs so generously.

Regards

Dana Busic
ACT Branch Chair

If you only attend one MEA event this year… make this the one!

For our annual ClubMEA & Awards Presentation event, we have transformed the private function space at P.J O’Reilly’s into an exclusive cabaret networking club – for one night only!

Do not miss the opportunity to mingle with your fellow MEA members as you enjoy sit down tapas, premium wine from Kamberra and of course great entertainment, including congratulating our 2007 ACT Meetings & Events industry award winners.

Seats are strictly limited so book now to reserve your table of 8 – includes canapés & tapas/entertainers/wines during dinner.

21st MEA National Conference, Alice Springs
Saturday 10 – Monday 12 May

MEA ACT Essentials 2008…. tips and tricks from the professionals

MEA ACT’s annual Essentials Seminar is fast approaching and will be held on Wednesday 19 March at the National Convention Centre. This one-day introductory professional development course is specifically designed for corporate, association and government personnel, conference and event coordinators and tertiary students – all with little or no previous experience (less than 12 months) who are, or want to be involved in the delivery of meetings and events.

We have nine industry speakers lined up, so be quick – download your brochure and register by visiting www.meetingsevents.com.au/training/essentials or contact Lisa Philps on 02 9929 5400 or act@mea.org.au.

With thanks to our host venue:

MEA NSW Meeting Managers Forum

The MEA Meeting Managers Forum is a Special Interest Group initiative to advance our industry sector. MEA NSW has especially invited members from our Canberra branch to be involved in their next forum, being held at the Shangri-La, Sydney on Tuesday 18 March, 2pm – 5pm. Although some issues raised by this sector 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 many vocal advocates for change. Business owners and senior meeting managers are encouraged to attend the Forum and you can Click Here to receive further information.

1. What do you love about the meetings & events industry, and what motivated you to nominate for the scholarship?
   I have only been working in this industry for 8 months however there are a few things that I love. The people; selling Canberra and having a new (venue) product to sell. Having finished my University Degree in Tourism and Advertising I saw this as a great educational experience along with having the ability to learn from so many influential and inspiring people.
    
2. Tell us about your current role at the National Convention Centre?
   My primary role is to focus on new business generation for the Centre from the Canberra market. My efforts to date have focused on the delivery of our new website and sales collateral.
    
3. Where do you feel your key areas of focus will be with MEA in 2008?
   I'd like to think that I can bring something to the table for MEA. I would welcome the opportunity to develop YMEA within Canberra and work with likeminded people of a similar age.
    
4. Where do you see yourself in (a) 5 years; (b) 10 years time?
   I hope to be a Business Development Director still with Intercontinental Hotels Group, preferably if not in the Canberra region then a place of similar nature. That is, Queenstown NZ or Vancouver Canada. 10 years and I hope to be managing a venue preferably back in Canberra!
    
5. We understand that snow skiing is a passion of yours. What’s your most memorable experience?
   I'd like to say seeing Michael Waters face plant at Falls Creek in 2007. Another memorable experience was Skiing in Canada for my honeymoon in addition to skiing in Switzerland in the middle of summer on a glacier. Breaking my arm in 3 places after using an angle grinder to shorten my skis when I was a kid.
    
6. Now, we know that you know Canberra like the back of your hand. Please share with our members and readers a few of your local favourites (a) best coffee in town; (b) favourite restaurant; (c) favourite watering hole; and (d) your chill-out place
   Best coffee – Kingston Grind. Best restaurant – 'Chairman and Yip' for the degustation; 'Rubicon' for Oysters and for a takeaway pizza 'Pizza Arte' (a little hidden gem that only does takeaway). Best Watering Hole – 'Binara one' for Friday afternoon beverages, 'Little Brussels' for a casual beer (extra strength) 'Filthy McFadden's' for a nice scotch. My chill out place – Snow, Snow, Snow
    
7. Last question – you are hosting the ultimate dinner party for five (5) people, including yourself. Who would your guests be (you can choose anyone), and what would you cook?
   My wife (if I did not invite her then I wouldn’t have one), Michael Milton, Warren Miller – the man that has just about seen every mountain and every ski resort in the world and Steve Waugh.
   
   A Gourmet BBQ, with Marinated Scallops and King Prawns as entrée, Scotch Fillet cut to about 2 inches thick served with Mango and Pine Nut Salad and chat potatoes with Rosemary and Sea Salt. Dessert would be Pavlova with fresh Passionfruit, Strawberries, Banana and King Island Double Cream.
   
   I think a case of Little Creatures Pale Ale would go down quite well followed by several bottles of local Shiraz.
   
   Thank you to our Young Professional Scholarship sponsor:
   
   

In-case you haven’t reviewed the latest parliamentary sitting dates, we have included a link to download the 2008 Parliamentary Sitting Calendar

New Hotel Launch in Canberra

It's Official – Hotel Realm, Canberra’s newest luxury boutique property, is open! Recently launched in a spectacular evening featuring special guest James Morrison, Hotel Realm’s opening completes stage one of $170 million worth of construction on its National Circuit site and adds much needed product to the mix in Canberra.

Realm adds 158 accommodation rooms and suites, 2 restaurants and a bar with 1 more to open very shortly, as well as a brand new Health Club and spa. Its meeting facilities offer a pillarless National Ballroom seating up to 800 and a further 5 boardrooms. For further details on the recent launch visit www.hotelrealm.com.au

Tip of the Month – Networking

Immediately after a networking event, make notes on the cards you have collected and decide how you intend to follow up with each of them. Make it personal – no spamming!