From the CEO
From the CEO
(Pictured: Linda Gaunt, MEA Chief Executive Officer)
CONGRATULATIONS "TEAM ADELAIDE"
I am delighted to announce that the MEA National Conference for 2009 will be held in Adelaide, Sunday 5 April - Tuesday 7 April 2009.
The bid process was most competitive with MEA receiving 4 highly competitive bids.
Thank you to the panel of decision makers: Annabel Davis; Rhona Walker; Ruth Lilian and Suzie Jones for their efforts in deciding the successful bid.
Thank you also to those involved in each bid that was received, you support of MEA is very much appreciated.
We look forward to working with "Team Adelaide" on what will undoubtedly be a great conference.
MEA CONFERENCE 2008
Planning is about to commence for the 21st Annual Meetings & Events Industry Conference in Alice Springs:
(Pictured: Alice Springs Convention Centre)
When: Friday 9 May – Monday 12 May 2008.
The date was announced over a year ago, but just a reminder to put it in your diary now, as we are planning a brilliant educational and social program certain to please.
SEMINAR FOOTAGE FROM THE HOBART 2007 CONFERENCE
As part of our focus on member benefits, MEA is providing you with access to footage taken of seminars at the Hobart 2007 conference.
To access Matt Crouch's 'Legal Considerations and Risk Management' seminar, and Bernard Salt's 'Brave New World' seminar, please go to the MEA website www.meetingsevents.com.au, and click on the labelled link. When you are asked for a passcode please enter; Username:measpeakers and Password: hobart.
The presentations will run continuously from one to the next however you can view particular presentations by clicking on the picture of the presenter in the menu bar on the left hand side.
Footage of other seminars that MEA will hold throughout the year will be made available on an on-going basis.
Special thanks to Zoom Productions.
NEW STAFF TO MEA
Event Manager
I am really pleased to announce that we have employed an Event Manager to manage MEA's National Conference in 2008 to be held in Alice Springs, Friday 9 May - Monday 12 May 2008.
MEA's Event Manager will also manage our Annual Residential Program as well as a number of our on-going events.
Anna Tartakovskaia commenced her career in Event Management after completing a Degree in Tourism Management. Her first role in the industry was with one of Sydney's function venues as the Events Coordinator. The role involved looking after client event requirements which ranged from corporate events to private functions. Having learnt a great deal and established some industry contacts, she moved to Conference Management, the area she is truly passionate about.
Before joining MEA, Anna worked for Aged and Community Services Association of NSW & ACT in Events Management, working a number of State and National Conferences. She managed all aspects of conference planning from program development and speaker liaison to onsite management. Anna worked for the association for over two and a half years and considers it to be the most invaluable experience in her career so far. She is very excited to be joining MEA and looks forward to commencing her role in August 2007.
Branch Development Officer ACT/TAS/WA
It is also great to announce that we have employed Lisa Philps as Branch Development Officer ACT/TAS/WA.
Lisa Philps joined the MEA National Office team i September 2006 in an administration capacity, utilising this position to develop her skills in the business events and meetings sector, and gain valuable knowledge of the association and its members.
Lisa first established an interest in events whilst studying a Bachelor of Commerce at UNSW, completing a double major in Marketing and Tourism & Hospitality Management, where she also attended Kenvale College and attained a Diploma of Event Management. Whilst studying full-time, Lisa worked in Hospitality before joining Sydney based venue caterer Trippas White, where she worked directly with the General Manager assisting with Event Coordination, executing marketing initiatives and a range of other administration duties.
Lisa brings her tertiary qualifications and event industry background to this new exciting role at MEA and looks forward to establishing and maintaining business relationships with current and potential members of the ACT, TAS and WA branches.
Accounts Clerk
We also welcome Elisabeth Mirenzi to the MEA team. Elisabeth has been employed on a part-time basis to assist the Finance Manager with the accounts. Elisabeth has completed a Statement of Attainment in Bookkeeping and has extensive experience in data entry.
UP-COMING MEA BRANCH ELECTIONS
An early reminder that before too long we will be entering Branch Committee election time. As a valued member of MEA, I urge you to consider being part of the governance of MEA. If you have the time (and it does require quite a bit of time) to commit to become a MEA Committee member in your state, or one of MEA's nationally elected "National Councillors" I urge you to watch this space for further correspondence.