Review of Past MEA Events
Australian Capital Territory
MEA ACT 2008 Essentials for Successful Meetings & Events
The National Convention Centre Canberra played host to MEA ACT’s recent professional development seminar, ‘Essentials for Successful Meetings & Events’. Held on Wednesday 19 March, this popular introductory full day workshop for industry beginners and tertiary students attracted over 50 attendees, including keen event students from the Canberra Institute of Technology. A range of 8 meetings & events related topics were showcased to our attendees over the course of the day, including Setting Objectives & The Meeting Manager; Venue Operations; Sponsorship; Themed Events; Administration & On-site management; and Speaker Support & Production. All topics were presented by local executive level industry members and MEA ACT would like to thank these speakers for giving up their time to support the professional development of our members. Comments about our knowledgeable speakers included “Really gave a great overview of the industry” and “Fantastic, every speaker was different & so knowledgeable.” MEA ACT would also like to thank Committee Member Paul McKay of the National Museum of Australia for again being a fantastic event MC and our event sponsors the National Convention Centre and Staging Connections.
With thanks to our sponsors:
New South Wales
Master, Mentor, Manager, Mate - O2 Speaker Breakfast
In March a breakfast, co-hosted by O2 Speakers and Sydney Marriott Hotel, featured Troy Hazard - international speaker and recent Global President of the elite Entrepreneurs' Organisation, on “Master, Mentor, Manager, Mate”. The breakfast attracted an excellent morning crowd and provided guests with practical tools around how to balance the four key roles of an effective leader.
NSW YMEA - Mind, Body & Style Advice with Bessie Bardot
The NSW YMEA was one that made us think beyond our everyday activities and into our Mind, Body and Style. Held at the stunning Level 1 of the Watershed with its breathtaking views of Darling Harbour, Young MEA members enjoyed delicious canapés, captivating conversation and an inspirational talk.
Guest presenter Bessie Bardot shared practical tips on how to define who you are in business and stand out from the rest, while doing what you love. Beginning with her inspiring story of how she took herself from 20 yr old divorcee with no qualifications working as a check-out-chick to award winning CEO of 4 successful companies, best selling author of 3 books, international TV & radio personality & media entrepreneur. The proof of the successful evening was evident with Bessie’s books flying out the door by the end of the evening and the positive feedback we received from the night.
“What a great night! YMEA events and the way they bring together so many passionate, energized young members in a room never cease to excite me. Fantastic company, conversation, nibbles and speaker…keenly awaiting the next YMEA event!”
Grace Harris, Event Coordinator at Great Southern E-vents.
Queensland
MEA Qld Inaugural Golf Challenge
The Queensland Branch of Meetings & Events Australia (MEA) staged a most successful inaugural Golf Challenge at Sanctuary Cove in mid March. The Golf Challenge was held on the same day as the annual MEA Qld Awards presentation which was then followed by a Gala Dinner and Auction.
Over 80 golfers participated in the golf day which was conducted as a 4 Ball Ambrose over 18 holes on The Palms course at Sanctuary Cove. A number of holes were sponsored and themed by companies wishing to capitalise upon the opportunity for exposure to Business Tourism industry, association and corporate contacts. Prizes were awarded for a range of categories including first team, last team and nearest the pin. Some golfers even received a special “award” of a speeding ticket when having their swing tested by the “speed cop” on the QX Australia hole.
The Award ceremony was held prior to the dinner and MEA Qld was delighted to welcome both MEA CEO Linda Gaunt and Chairman Rhona Walker to officiate. Awards winners were Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, Brisbane Marketing, Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre and Off-Site Connections Event Management.
Allan Dawson, the Branch Chair of MEA Queensland said “We were keen to try a new concept this year which enabled our members to relax and enjoy an afternoon’s golf with friends and business colleagues as a lead in to the annual award ceremony and dinner. For the dinner, we partnered with Make-a-Wish Australia to conduct both a silent and live auction, with some fantastic prizes on offer.” Spirited bidding by guests at the Gala Dinner ensured that this very worthy charity well exceeded their fundraising target for the dinner.
The Golf Challenge event is expected to become an annual “must do” on the MEA Qld social calendar. The inaugural Golf Challenge was generously sponsored by Conrad Jupiters, Execugifts, Exhibition Hire, Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove, QX Australia Pty Ltd, Staging Connections, Staging Rentals & Construction Services, The WRX Experience, and Warner Village Theme Parks.
Pictures courtesy of Sport & Event Photos. Left to Right: Golf Challenge Participants; QX Australia hole - Speed Cop; Exhibition Hire hole - French Theme.
South Australia
Haighs Chocolates with Fun Food Focus and Solstice Wines
Adelaide members braved the recent sweltering record breaking heat wave to visit Haighs Visitor Centre and sample their Easter goodies.
Under the skilled guidance of Helen Paige from Fun Food Focus members were invited to decorate cup cakes using different types of chocolate supplied by Haighs. Competition and creativity was at its best to create a dynamic and fun environment.
Corporate training and learning at its tasty best.
Solstice, Mt Torrens Vineyard matched their award winning wines with the world famous chocolates and despite the heat everyone agreed it was a fun way to prepare for Easter.
Gala Awards Dinner
Guest were invited to dress to impress with “A Touch of Red” for the South Australian Gala Awards dinner held at the Hyatt Regency Adelaide on 28 March.
Guests were transported to the mysteries of the Orient with the hotel ballroom and each table lit by beautiful red Chinese lanterns.
Amid great excitement the following winners were announced and their achievements recognized and celebrated throughout the night.
- Young Professional Scholarship Winner - Joshua Gronow, eliteaudiovisual
- Meeting Venue – more than 500 delegates - Hilton Adelaide
- Meetings Management – 8 or more employees - All Occasions Management
- Convention Bureau/ Tourism Organisation - Adelaide Convention Tourism Authority
- Technical & Creative Production - eliteaudiovisual
- Specialty Venue - Adelaide Showground
- Meetings or Event Manager of the Year - Lesley Woods ( SAPMEA)
Left picture, left to right. Front:Joshua Gronow, Young Professional Scholarship Winner; Peter Inverarity, eliteaudiovisual. Back: Jodie Sinel, All Occasions Management; Mary White, ACTA; Linda Gaunt, MEA; Rob Bulfield, Sapro Conference Management (Awards Judge); Sue Dewing, Hilton Adelaide; and Lesley Woods, SAPMEA. Right picture: MEA SA Committee.
Victoria
2007 Victorian Awards Presentation Dinner
On Wednesday 9 April 2008 MEA Victoria held the Victoria Meetings & Events Industry Awards Dinner. The evening was a huge success and it was wonderful to see so many MEA members supporting and celebrating with our Victorian winners on our industry night of nights. Congratulations to all of our Victorian winners and we wish them well as national finalists for the 2007 Meetings & Events Industry Awards to be announced at the Gala Awards Dinner at the 21st Annual MEA National Conference on 12 May.
We would also like to extend our thanks to our dinner sponsors:
and Kuranga Native Nursery, Red Exhibitions and Wise Connections for saplings and packaging.
Also congratulations to the MEA Victoria 2007 scholarship winners:
- Ruth Ellis Student Scholarship (sponsored by ICMS Pty Ltd) - Simon Patterson (Holmesglen TAFE)
- MEA/USI Young Professional Scholarship – Lauren Broadfield Glass, Event Planners Australia - Melbourne
Simon and Lauren are well-deserving winners who are very committed to the meetings industry. Both winners will receive registration to the 2008 MEA National Conference being held in Alice Springs 10-12 May, plus flights and accommodation.
Western Australia
ClubMEA Networking & Presentation of the WA Meetings & Events Industry Awards
MEA WA staged the 2007 state meetings & events industry awards function in the very opulent surrounds of Level 46 of the BankWest Tower on Thursday 13 March. Over 65 industry guests turned out to celebrate the achievements of our local winners, presented by our Branch Chair Rory Campbell. The stunning function space at BankWest was themed in MEA’s purple & gold thanks to Michael Bryden and the team at Staging Connections and guests were able to enjoy premium wines contributed by local producer, Fraser Gallop Estate. Russell & Shaireen from Australian Convention Photography kindly captured the award winning moments of our local members, which can be seen on the ACP website if you click here. Congratulations to all our WA winners including the recipient of the 2007 WA Young Professional Scholarship, Annette Beattie of Hyatt Regency Perth and thanks again to our local sponsors, particularly the catering team at BankWest.
Images courtesy of Australian Convention Photography.
With thanks to our event sponsors: