OVERVIEW
Professional Development Forum and Lunch hosted by Business Events Geelong
More than ever operators in the business events industry must be open to re-imagining the way they approach business, implement strategy and embrace new ideas. Key to Covid recovery is the ability to recognise emerging trends, how clients needs have evolved, and adopting a growth outlook.
This professional development forum, hosted by Business Events Geelong, will call on highly qualified panelists from various segments of the industry to share their knowledge and insights on how to not only survive but thrive as we emerge from the pandemic. We will look to destinations abroad, explore their successes in re-opening, and offer practical tools that operators can apply to their businesses moving forward.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
Status
Status of business events industry regionally, nationally, globally
Challenges
Challenges regional destinations are facing with ways to overcome some of them
Success Stories
Examples of what some regional bureaux/operators in other destinations have done to successfully pivot/evolve/move forward during the pandemic
Application
Relatable examples/ideas that could be applied by BEG members
Speakers
Mike Williams (Host)
Mike is a destination and convention and visitor bureau specialist with 30 years’ experience in the tourism and business events industry.
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Since joining Gaining Edge in 2007 he has been a lead consultant on destination and convention bureau development for clients in Australia, Africa, China, Japan, Macao, Malaysia, Qatar, Rwanda, South Africa, South Korea, Thailand, United Kingdom & USA. Mike was the lead consultant for establishment and capability strengthening for the Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau. This project included the collaboration with a university and research company to undertake an economic impact study and exhibition industry opportunity study. Mike was also deeply involved in bureau development programmes in Japan, Macao and Thailand. He has also been providing consultancy support for convention centre developments around the globe, including a number within the Asia Pacific region. In addition, Mike oversees Gaining Edge’s in-market sales representation.
Mike served as General Manager Sales and Marketing for the Melbourne Convention and Visitors Bureau. During his tenure, he was involved in the National Business Events economic impact study and Melbourne Delegate Expenditure survey in collaboration with a university and research company. He also worked in senior marketing roles with Tourism Australia helping establish their presence in the Asia market and overseeing travel trade development in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Mike was instrumental in the development of AIME, the largest MICE trade show in the Asia Pacific and the world’s first BestCities Global Alliance which includes Singapore as a partner. Mike is also a past Victorian State Chair and National President of Meetings and Events of Australia (MEA).
Chris Porter
Chris is a passionate tourism professional and has worked at VTIC since 2008 and is currently in the role of Head of Operations and Industry Development.
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This role encompasses overseeing and delivery of key projects for VTIC including VTIC’s Industry Development Grant, Quality Tourism Framework Accreditation Program and Tourism Awards Program. Additionally within this role, Chris manages VTIC’s service agreement with Business Events Victoria (BEV) and is the Executive Officer for BEV.
Reporting directly to the BEV Board, his role includes implementation of the BEV Strategic Plan, delivery of the State Government funded ‘Regional Victoria Business Events’​ program and delivery of the cooperative marketing plan. Chris graduated with a Bachelor of Viticultural Science and began his career in tourism with the Australian Wine Tour Company (AWTC). While working with the AWTC he was awarded the Lynette Bergin Tourism Fellowship in 2006.
Jacqui Bates
Jacqui is Director of The Conference Manager, a Melbourne based professional conference organising company established in 2008.
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She has worked in the meetings and events industry for over 25 years, holding both senior sales/marketing and operational management positions in the hospitality industry prior to becoming a Conference Organiser. She has worked as PCO for over 15 years and has been involved with the organisation of conferences from 100 to 3000 delegates. She has managed every facet of conferencing, including program, financials, speakers, social functions, sponsorship, exhibition, registration, marketing and tours.
Garry Sudika
Garry is an energetic sales leader with over 10 years’ experience in the business & events industry.
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Garry is an energetic sales leader with over 10 years’ experience in the business & events industry within hotels and is currently working as the Director of Sales – Apartments and Realty at Accor. Prior to Accor, he has held senior positions at The Lancemore Group, Grand Hyatt Melbourne, and the Melbourne Marriott Hotel.
FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
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Is this event free?
This event is free to attend for Business Events Geelong members.
What are the Covid-19 protocols for this event?
As mandated by the Victorian Government; all staff, visitors, guests and contractors must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to attend any of Deakin University’s campuses from 5th November 2021. Proof of vaccination will be checked upon arrival at Waurn Ponds Estate via the Service Victoria application or a printed COVID-19 certificate presented with valid ID. Please remind your guests/attendees that they should ensure this is set up prior to the day of your event.