From the CEO
(Pictured: Linda Gaunt, MEA Chief Executive Officer)
Call for Nominations
A call for nominations is currently being made for positions of corporate governance within MEA. Member involvement in your industry association is vital to progress. If you would like more information available on the nomination form, CLICK HERE to download.
Who's Who
Due to the growth in MEA's "Industry Bible" Who's Who, the decision has been taken to outsource the product to a publishing company this year. This will ensure that our service to our members is as seamless as possible and that the end product continues to meet member needs. Much of what has occurred in the production of Who's Who in the past will occur again, however there will be streamlining in some areas to the benefit of our members.
I take this opportunity to thank Karen Milicich for her work with the Who's Who over the past number of years, the growth of the publication to the stage it can no longer be managed "in-house" can be largely credited to Karen.
AIME
I am thrilled to announce that MEA's strong professional affiliation with AIME will be continuing well into the future. AIME has been a National Supporter of MEA since 2004. MEA is delighted to continue our strong relationship with AIME who also support our Meetings & Events Industry Awards, sponsoring the category of Products & Services.
MEA will again exhibit at AIME in February 2008 and our booth, as well as providing information on our programs and activities, will be the information spot for anyone wanting to know more about Green Events!
Going Green at AIME
MEA will be the "champion of green events" at AIME in February 2008. In visiting the "Green Booth" delegates will be able to access important information on the staging of green events and much more. Stay tuned for more information over the coming months.
Destination SA
I have recently had the pleasure of attending "Destination SA" as a delegate along with MEA's Event Manager, Anna Tartakovskaia. Destination SA is an event hosted by ACTA in SA and pitched at those that have either booked or are planning to book a conference in SA.
Congratulations to Martin Winter and his wonderful staff at ACTA for staging a great event, by providing an opportunity for delegates to see the very best of SA, speak with suppliers and make informed decisions, it was a pleasure to be in attendance, and reminded me that I am a proud South Australian!
MEA in Alice Springs
Planning has well and truly commenced for what is sure to be a fantastic conference in Alice Springs. I will be visiting the destination next week with MEA's Event Manager Anna Tartakovskaia and I am looking forward to meeting the local host committee, chaired by Scott Lovett from Alice Springs Convention Centre, working through some guidelines and getting started on what will be a great event in Alice Springs in May 2008. More information will be available in the very neat future.
MEA Young Professional Scholarships
Applications are now open for this years MEA Young Professional Scholarships.
MEA is proud to announce that Ungerboeck Systems International (USI), our long standing supporter, will again be sponsoring the Young Professional Scholarships.
More details and closing dates are available on the MEA website and www.ungerboeck.com.
I again draw members' attention to:
MEA's Membership of BECA - (The Business Events Council of Australia)
MEA is represented on BECA by its CEO, Chair of the Board, and two meetings manager representatives.
As part of BECA we are pleased to be working alongside the Association of Convention Bureaux, Australian Convention Centre Groups, Exhibition and Events Association of Australasia, and International Congress and Convention Association, to support two proactive initiatives on behalf of our membership.
These initiatives are:
- The lobbying effort for more high yield international business events - the BECA Position Paper; and
BECA’s Tourism Action Plan on Climate Change – A submission to the Australian Government.
These documents are also accessible online, in the Members Area of the MEA website.
"Start a Green Event Policy"
‘Green’, the IT word for the present day. The issue of climate change and global warming have come to the world’s attention, including the organisations in the events industry.
Scientific evidence supports the theory that the Earth is experiencing abnormal warming, which is believed to be the result of a combination of various human activities that impact upon the Earth’s environment and climate. Due to the concerns raised, in conjunction with the proof of unseasonable weather patterns and recent natural disasters such as drought, many organizations as well as governments and the general public alike are embracing the notion that human impact on environmental concerns is a very serious issue that requires immediate attention.
Click here to access the ‘Start A Green Policy’ document. This has been co-written by: Clare Donovan of the Australian Conservation Foundation; Jeremy Garling of Great Southern E-vents; and Larissa Moore of the Department of Environment and Climate Change.
The document looks at the state of affairs events organizers are faced with, in regard to environmental issues. It identifies, discusses and evaluates the various ways people and organisations can tackle this concern and contribute to environmental sustainability, and includes a checklist which can be used as a guideline to follow.
A link to this document is also available on the Members Area of the MEA website.