Review of Past MEA Events
New South Wales
ClubMEA: Spring Breakfast at Chinese Gardens
Wednesday 24 September 2008
MEA NSW guests took a breath of fresh air and were greeted by a beautiful spring morning starting with champagne. Stopping by the magnificent Dragon Wall of the garden and how it was initiated twenty years ago by the local Chinese community to celebrate Australia’s Bicentenary. Guests then meandered through to enjoy the panoramic views across the lake of brightness at the Water Pavilion of Lotus Fragrance. Then crossing the Zig-Zag Bridge to the Peace Boat Pavilion guests watched a Tai Chi demonstration before moving to The Tea House for a delicious hot breakfast. The beautiful surroundings of traditional ambience were complemented by a traditional Chinese musician playing from the Lenient Jade Pavilion.
It was the perfect way to wake up this spring...
Queensland
ClubMEA: Lunch held at Bardon Conference Centre in Brisbane
Wednesday 17 September 2008
The most recent ClubMEA event was held at the Central Bardon Conference Centre on Wednesday 17 September. Members and guests came from the Gold Coast, Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast to this unique retreat which is situated only 6 kilometres from Brisbane’s CBD and set in seven acres of landscaped gardens surrounded by native Australian bushland. The function was called a “Central Spring Fling” and carried a welcome to Spring theme which was reflected in the decor, the two course luncheon and the beverages. Guests were treated to a colourful "Spring" cocktail on arrival, which was made from Midori and Bacardi and adorned with fresh spring fruits. These cocktails were compliments of the venue as well as Lime Bartenders, who are Australia's leading mobile bartending and beverage catering service.
The lunch was held in The Eliza Simpson Room at the Bardon Conference Centre with each table decorated in fresh spring colours on crisp white linen, with table flowers of a matching colour.
The Bardon Centre is managed by Central Apartments and Hotels. Their Director of Sales, Sandra Swatton, gave a brief presentation and explained that the group is undertaking major refurbishments and expanding into the New Zealand market. Guests were invited on a site inspection at the conclusion of the lunch to view the recently refurbished accommodation. Sandra also announced the lucky winner of the business card draw who is now set to enjoy a luxury evening at the Australian Central property of her choice.
MEA Queensland wishes to offer sincere thanks to the Central Bardon Conference Centre for its kind support as venue for this ClubMEA event.
South Australia
Professional Development: Workers Compensation Laws Summary
Tuesday 9 September 2008
A targeted group of members and their employees were in attendance at the workshop to hear from two very experienced industry practitioners. In a mine field of changes and with varying levels of understanding, delegates appreciated and were grateful for MEA providing qualified speakers with years of practical involvement in the area of workers compensation, who openly shared their vast but intimate knowledge on the topic. Both Chris Sargent, Consultant Sparke Helmore Lawyers and Natalie Botroff, Director/Principal Consultant, Natalie Botroff & Associates offered further assistance to members in gaining an understanding of the recent changes and their impacted on our industry.
Thanks to our Venue Sponsors:
Victoria
ClubMEA: Annual Auction @ Sofitel Melbourne on Collins
Wednesday 10 September 2008
(Photos courtesy of Pulse Photography, from left to right: Silent Auction; Nic Yates; Priscilla Matters, Naomi Smith & Fiona Mercer; Micheal Jones.)
The ClubMEA Annual Auction promised to be more than a great night of networking and didn’t disappoint. Victorian members who attended the annual auction on 10 September at Sofitel Melbourne on Collins were able to furiously bid on an exciting range of items such as holiday, accommodation and entertainment packages, wine hampers and experiences of a lifetime all generously donated by over 40 industry supporters whilst being entertained by Wacky Entertainment and a caricaturist.
One of the primary goals of the MEA Victoria Auction Night is to support the future of our industry by raising funds for the 2008 Ruth Ellis Student Scholarship. Proceeds from this event enable a final year student to meet experienced professionals and learn about their chosen industry by attending the 2009 MEA National Conference being held in Adelaide.
Good luck to all entrants for the 2008 Ruth Ellis Student Scholarship and a huge thank you to all sponsors who generously donated products and services.
ICMS Pty Ltd are proud supporters of the 2008 Ruth Ellis Student Scholarship
Major sponsors of the ClubMEA Annual Auction include:
Western Australia
ClubMEA: Networking & Fashion Parade @ MINQ
Thursday 18 September 2008
MEA WA welcomed spring and recent Perth Fashion Week with a networking opportunity and Fashion Parade at the ultra elegant and lavish MINQ Bar & Lounge, within the Burswood Entertainment Complex. With close to 90 attendees, our guests enjoyed delicious canapés and drinks by the Burswood Conventions & Events team whilst being treated to the latest trends on our specially designed runway thanks to Corporate Theatre Productions and Dress Code at Burswood.
Along with professional models, guests were greeted by surprise when their fellow MEA members, our local industry professionals appeared on the catwalk presenting Dress Code’s spring collection, made up of Summer Colours, Casual, Cocktail & Evening wear. Joining the models on the catwalk, we thank our courageous volunteers – Beau Meakins & Alicia Quann from Burswood and Amy McAllister & Renee Rowson from Perth Convention Exhibition Centre.
Further to our guest models, we thank the following members for their support – Jodi Butler & Jason Oakes of Burswood Conventions & Events, Vaughan Emery & Cathy Fogliani of Corporate Theatre Productions, Helen Haley of Dress Code and Trevor Morgan of Red Carpet Photography.
We look forward to seeing all our local members at our final networking event for the year – Christmas ClubMEA at the Johnny Walker Lounge at Perth Convention Exhibition Centre on Wednesday 19 November. More details to follow soon so please add this date to your diary.
Thanks to our Event Sponsors: