Dear MEA Members

Firstly congratulations to all of our State and National winners in the MEA 2010 Awards program. I would like to especially thank our very generous MEA NSW Awards sponsors for the efforts in putting together one of the best awards evenings we have ever experienced.

As MEA members, we have some great NSW activities and membership benefits for you to get involved in such as:

• attending the next “ClubMEA Networking event” at the Australian Museum thanks to Restaurant Associates on Thursday 28 July
• sending your younger staff to attend “Y MEA events” - we held a great Y MEA bowling/networking event with Strike in May, the next Y MEA event will be held on Monday 5 September
• educate your staff at PD events - we had a jam packed PD calendar over the last couple of months, including the Social Media PD in May, a Behind the Scenes session of Vivid Sydney, then our full day Essentials course on 30 June

Please visit the MEA website for details on all of the above membership activities at www.meetingsevents.com.au.

Shari Carr AFMEA Branch Chair MEA NSW

Stephen Wood AFMEA Vice Chair MEA NSW

We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre for their support of MEA NSW’s PD program.

Finally we also thank our NSW members for your continued support throughout 2010/2011 and we are looking forward to moving into the new financial year together.

The members of your MEA NSW Branch Committee are:

Shari Carr AFMEA Simmer Events & Catering (NSW Branch Chair)	Stephen Wood AFMEA Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre (Vice Chair/Treasurer)
Anne-Marie Flynn AFMEA International College of Management Sydney (ICMS)	Christopher Lazzari MCI Group (Networking Chair)
Amanda Good AFMEA TAFE NSW South Western Sydney Institute	Alana Hay Milestone projects (Networking Vice Chair)
Kellie Howard ID Meetings & Events	Brendan Burke Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority
Sebastian Westbrook Fresh Catering	Michael Stockdale Fine Wine Tours

Cool Nights, HOT ClubMEA Events

With the end of financial year behind us, it’s time to reflect on two standout ClubMEA events which were held in May and June. Here’s the wrap-up on May and June:

Cargo Bar turned up the heat on a drizzly Sydney May evening with canapés, cocktails and cool music on their top level event space. Overlooking the bustling Boulevard of Cockle Bay’s Lime Street, the Cargo Bar team created a warm, cosy atmosphere with lavish draping and red and orange mood lighting. MEA members and non-members mixed mingled in the usual style, juggling the usual drink/canapé and business card trio. MEA proudly announced the names of graduates from the MEA Mentee Program and then thanked the mentors for their tireless support and coaching throughout the last 12 months. Thanks to Keystone Hospitality for their generous support of this event. The June ClubMEA event was hosted by Mirvac Hotels & Resorts at Quay Grand’s fabulous ECQ Bar. The event was well attended by more than 90 MEA members and non-members, who were greeted on arrival with lychee cocktails before entering into the dimly lit, private networking space. The room buzzed all evening as guests soaked up exceptional service and the breathtaking views of Circular Quay and Sydney Harbour from its floor to ceiling glass windows. As we sampled fine flavours and menu, the Mirvac team challenged guests with a 2 minute ‘cocktail making competition’ - the winner a lychee and mint infused ‘cosmopolitan-esque’ creation, which will feature on the menu after the venue’s refurbishment and relaunch in July.

To find out more about upcoming ClubMEA events, or if you would like to host a future ClubMEA event, please contact the MEA NSW Branch, visit www.mea.org.au, email mea@mea.org.au or call 02 9929 5400.


2010 Mentor and Mentee Participants – Cargo Bar

Thanks to our Event Sponsors

The NSW committee has been busy over the last two months holding a variety of training sessions for members, with the always appreciated support from PD sponsor, the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre.

Our May session on demystifying Social Media was a popular topic where close to 60 attendees congregated to hear from expert PR consultant and e-marketing guru Gerry McCusker. Facilitated by Darren Isenberg of impact Entertrainers, it was also an opportunity for members to clarify the use of different mediums and cut through the technical jargon. The session incorporated a case study from Kylie Johnson on the use of social media with the Australasian Podiatry Conference, which incorporated everything from tweets, to facebook likes to apps.

In June, MEA NSW went Behind the Scenes of the amazingly lit up Vivid Festival and our 40 attendees were lucky enough to be hosted at the beautiful Wolfies Grill by Dockside Group and enjoy the stunning view across Circular Quay. Our keynote speakers were the management from AGB Events, as well as an introduction from EventsNSW. Despite the chilly weather, our members braved the elements and were privy to a personalised tour of the lighting installations by Anthony Bastic from AGB and his team, finishing at the very impressive Opera House.

We then wrapped up June by hosting the annual MEA Essentials course, which offered 9 industry experts who took our attendees through the event coordination process from budgeting, to sponsorship to theming – a very successful day and we thank all speakers including facilitator Penny Webb of SPI.

With special thanks to our Sponsors:

 

The competition was heated... as guests took to the lanes for the recent Y MEA NSW event held at Strike Bowling Bar, Darling Harbour on Tuesday 31 May 2011. The evening provided a wonderful opportunity for team building and networking between like-minded individuals. Attendees were able to show off their bowling talents while coaching and supporting their team members and new friends. Wonderful prizes were on offer including one nights’ accommodation with breakfast at an Accor property thanks to Accor which went to Jasmine Searle from Events Authority for her outstanding bowling skills and most strikes for the night! Other prizes for outstanding performances included two harbour cruise tickets with thanks to Sydney Princess Cruises, a Westfield shopping voucher thanks to Romeo’s Chair, a High tea experience for 4 people at Swissotel Sydney and a selection of fine Wine with thanks to AV1 and vervecreative. Guests enjoyed celebrating their achievements over amazing canapés and cocktails before hitting the pimped up karaoke rooms and pool tables for some more friendly competition. The night ensured that as Y MEA members begin to build their positions and plant their feet within the Australian event industry, they will hold strong and supportive relationships with fellow colleagues and industry suppliers.

Stay tuned for our next upcoming event in September where you too can form such networks and relationships. The event will present a young gun Y MEA panel of entrepreneurs ready to answer all attendee questions about starting your own business and making it big within the industry!

Thanks to our Event Sponsors

Registration is now open for ClubMEA’s next networking night where we are delighted to be hosted at the stunning Sky Venue. Enjoy delicious canapés and drinks whilst networking with your fellow members thanks to Trippas White Group.

Date – Thursday 25 August 2011
Time - 5.30pm - 7.30pm
Venue – Sky Venue

Please click here for further information & registration

With thanks to:

Hosting an event will provide you with an excellent opportunity to demonstrate support for the continued growth of the meetings and events industry, to promote your venue and service and demonstrate its versatility and capabilities.

If you are interested in hosting an event please contact Helen McGowan at events@mea.org.au

Dianna Crebbin AMM, DC CONFERENCES PTY LTD
Meryl Whetton AMM, DIRECTIONS
Ruth Appleby AMM, HUNTER VALLEY CONVENTION BUREAU
Christine Dorner AMM, AFMEA, ICE AUSTRALIA - INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES & EVENTS PTY LTD
David Addison AMM, MCI (FORMERLY AVANTI EVENTS)
Ray Shaw AMM, AFMEA, MCI (FORMERLY EVENT PLANNERS AUSTRALIA) - NSW
Sara Archer AMM, arinex pty limited
Lorraine Di Vito AMM, arinex pty limited
Roslyn McLeod OAM, AMM, AFMEA, arinex pty limited
Elizabeth Rich AMM, AGENDA PTY LTD
Nadine Giatras AMM, AUSTRALASIAN SOCIETY FOR HIV MEDICINE
Susannah Hazell AMM,CONCEPT EVENT MANAGEMENT
Rebecca Deal AMM, ECLIPSE EVENT MANAGEMENT
Julie McGraw AMM, AFMEA,GEMS PTY LTD
Ruth Lilian AMM, L & R CONTRACT BUSINESS SERVICES
Jo Mahoney AMM, AFMEA, LEADING EDGE CONFERENCES
Inge Garofani AMM, SPIRITED ENDEAVOURS
Jane Yeaman AMM, TULIPS MEETINGS MANAGEMENT
Lyndell Wills AMM, WILL ORGANISE
Ruth McCarthy AMM, ZURICH FINANCIAL SERVICES
Nicole Robertson AIMM, AUSTRALASIAN SOCIETY FOR HIV MEDICINE
Linda Kerr AIMM, AUSTRALIAN WATER ASSOCIATION

Kealan Coleman AFMEA, AV1 PTY LIMITED
Christine Dorner AMM, AFMEA, ICE AUSTRALIA - INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES & EVENTS PTY LTD
Karen Mathieson AFMEA, ID MEETINGS & EVENTS
Romaine Pereira AFMEA, INTERNATIONAL CORPORATE EVENTS PTY LTD
Simon Baggs AFMEA, LATERAL MARKETING AND MANAGEMENT PTY LTD
Glen Lehman AFMEA, LEHMAN AND ASSOCIATES PTY LTD
Ray Shaw AMM, AFMEA, MCI (FORMERLY EVENT PLANNERS AUSTRALIA) - NSW
Tim Morgan AFMEA, MORGAN EXPO
Amanda Beltran AFMEA, MURRAYS COACHES, BUSES AND LIMOUSINES - NSW
Leeann Cole AFMEA, OFF-SITE CONNECTIONS EVENT MANAGEMENT
Paul Davison AFMEA, SYDNEY CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE
Stephen Wood AFMEA,SYDNEY CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE
Amanda Good AFMEA, TAFE NSW - SOUTH WESTERN SYDNEY INSTITUTE
Paul Boustani AFMEA, arinex pty limited
Daniel Branik AFMEA, arinex pty limited
Monique English AFMEA, arinex pty limited
Roslyn McLeod OAM, AMM, AFMEA, arinex pty limited
Sonja Soderbom AFMEA, arinex pty limited

Ian Stuart AFMEA, Business Events Consultant
Tracey Simond AFMEA, FRESH CATERING
Julie McGraw AMM, AFMEA, GEMS PTY LTD
Anne-Marie Flynn AFMEA, INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT, SYDNEY (ICMS)
Jo Mahoney AMM, AFMEA, LEADING EDGE CONFERENCES
Sharon Goldie AFMEA, MLC BUSINESS EVENTS
Rebecca Flynn AFMEA, O2 SPEAKERS
Shari Carr AFMEA, SHARI CARR AFMEA
Anthony Vallario AFMEA, ZOOM PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO PRODUCTIONS

The MEA Meetings Industry Accreditation Program has recently been under a significant review with some outstanding outcomes to benefit you. For more details please click here. If you wish to become an Accredited or Recognised member please visit the MEA Website for full details.

Go to www.meetingsevents.com.au and if you are a subscriber to your membership, log in with your member login and password. Scroll down the menu and click on ‘view your PD history’. Alternatively contact the MEA office at mea@mea.org.au

We would like to especially welcome the below new members that have joined us since our last newsletter update:

120percent
ACHSM – Australasian College of Health Services Management
AMSA Events
ARIA Catering
Acuvent
Alaina Koroday
Chifley Wollongong
Club Central Hurstville
Community Services & Health Industry Skills Council – CS&HISC
Continuity Forum Pty Ltd
Corporate Business Events Pty
Crunch Catering
Decor of Distinction
Event Services
JR Events
LCA Communications Group
Novotel Sydney Rooty Hill
Optus
Premium Productions
Prince Henry Centre
School of Taxation & Business
Spirited Endeavours Pty Ltd
The Lido Group
Your Special Events

You can find details for all members on our online MEA Who’s Who directory – visit www.meetingsevents.com.au/whoswho/search.php

Sumix is the company who has been responsible for design and management of all MEA NSW e-newsletters for the past 7 years and we felt it would be a good time to reintroduce them to our members. As well as managing effective e-marketing campaigns, Sumix also design high impact websites and internet applications designed specifically for organisations with event registration and booking requirements. They can assist you with Social Media Marketing (such as Facebook and Twitter) to build relationships with your prospects and clients.

Sumix also offers 24x7 system monitoring and fixed price IT support services in Sydney metro areas. Sumix are focused on business outcomes for their clients. If you would like advice on how to use technology to build your brand awareness, enhance communication with your clients, improve productivity, make it achieve your business goals and attract more clients in the new financial year, why not contact the friendly Sumix team today?

To arrange your next free e-Marketing consultation meeting or free IT system audit, please contact Sumix team on (02) 9211 8331 or marketing@sumix.com.au

Integrate your marketing initiatives with MEA digital communications that translate into increased efficiencies for your business within hours.

Maintain consistent messages, leverage the power of frequency in reaching your audience, and achieve top-of-mind awareness among a quality group of MEA Members.

The MEA newsletter is the most cost effective promotional platform designed to keep your brand in the spotlight through-out the year.

To discuss an advertising package please contact Des Tupua (02) 9929 5400 or dtupua@mea.org.au

We are currently sourcing industry case studies to use in some of the publications we work with as well as to use as professional development tools. If you have a great case study, either one that has been written up, or if you have a case study that needs written up, please contact Kate Duldig at the MEA national office via email kduldig@mea.org.au. We would be delighted to work with you to create a useful educational tool for the industry.