BRANCH CHAIR UPDATE

2011 is looking to be another busy year for the Territory, with hotels already experiencing excellent occupancy, restaurants full and the major hubs buzzing.

This is really not that surprising when you consider the growth of the Northern Territory in the past years. At a time when many areas in the country are still cautiously optimistic about the future , the Territory’s GSP (Gross State Product) has been increasing since 2011 with an economic growth of 3.6% over the last ten years and predictions are that this will continue through to 2013 -14.

Part of this growth can be attributed to major projects like the multi-billion dollar Inpex gas plant development and the BOC helium plant, which is one of 15 only in the world.

In the past four years, the Territory has hosted over 130 visits by Chinese executives alone, visiting mine sites; mining and exploration companies; and government agencies. As a result a delegation of 37 Chinese delegates, from 18 key organisations, attended the Annual Geoscience Exploration Seminar held late last year in the Northern Territory. This has forged excellent relationship s with the China Chamber of Commerce Metals and Minerals and has built confidence in the Territory, which will contribute to grow the of the business events industry.

MEA members are encouraged to continue to look for opportunities and foster relationships that further develop the business event sector whilst contributing to the economic growth of the Territory.

Carrie Altamura
NT Branch Chair

NT BRANCH COMMITTEE

Carrie Altamura AFMEA Darwin Convention Centre - Branch Chair	Katrina Turner AFMEA Darwin Convention Centre
Ian Solomon Alice Springs Convention Centre	Scott Lovett AFMEA Tourism NT
Jill Morris Skycity	Britta Decker Agentur
David Pearson Crowne Plaza Alice Springs	Jessica Trojkovic Fusion Exhibition & Hire Services

MEA/Ungerboeck Systems International 2010 Young Professional Scholarship Winner

Congratulations to Kimberley Bywater from SKYCITY Darwin for winning the 2010 NT Young Professional Scholarship.

Kimberley started working in the Events Industry in September 2008, as an entry level event coordinator at Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast and moved to Darwin in May 2010 as a Meetings and Events Sales Executive at SKYCITY. Over the past two years, Kimberley has had invaluable experience in developing her career and since commencing her Sales role in Darwin, her Sales Manager has been a mentor allowing her to set goals and have greater career opportunities.

Kimberley Bywater

WOULD YOU LIKE TO HOST AN EVENT?

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

ACCREDITED AND RECOGNISED MEMBERS

Katrina Turner AFMEA - Darwin Convention Centre
Carrie Altamura AFMEA - Darwin Convention Centre

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

HOW DO I CHECK MY PD POINTS?

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

HOW DO I TAKE ADVANTAGE OF MEA NEWSLETTER ADVERTISING?

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

CALL FOR CASE STUDIES

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.