Our recent networking event took us to the glowing XO Lounge Bar and Restaurant for a relaxing evening of fine wine and cheese. We were met by Aymee Mastaglia from the Wine Industry Association WA with a glass of sparkling, and took some time to meet with 25 of my fellow MEA members. As a new addition to the MEA Committee, it was lovely to be meeting so many friendly and welcoming industry associates.

We were soon invited to our seats to enjoy the cheese and wine that was so beautifully prepared for us. I was delighted to see my very own platter of assorted cheeses to accompany the selection of wines that sat before me, and our task; to match the correct cheese to each wine. As it turns out, we were hopeless at this task, however with a little guidance and a few tasting notes; we were soon experimenting with the correct matches, and thoroughly enjoying every minute of it.

We finished the evening with assorted canapés, while announcing the door prize and raffle. A few of our lucky guests walked away with some amazing prizes, kindly donated by Wine Industry Association WA and Interactive Events.

The evening was both information and entertaining and the service and food provided by XO Lounge was wonderful. It was the perfect way to finish off a busy week and I look forward to doing it again soon.

Thank you to our Event Sponsors

Musical Squares Networking Event

On Thursday 19 May 2011 between 4.00pm – 6.00pm, expert entertainer, Tom Tapping from Event Masters to host the upcoming May ClubMEA Interactive Musical Squares Networking Event at Rigby's Bar

Be involved in this unique and fun entertaining concept just like a game of bingo, but the numbers are musical! Somewhere between a bingo game and a disco! Following this featured entertainment game attendees will have the opportunity to indulge and network over canapés and beverages with the Meetings & Events Industry. Registrations now open – Click here

With thanks to the MEA WA ClubMEA May Sponsors:

Y MEA WA wish to congratulate Alyce Thompson who was the winner of the 2010 USI Youth Scholarship Award. Alyce is a strong young professional within the industry and will have a lot to offer back to the industry in the future. We imagine the judging process would have been quite difficult with such strong finalists to choose from and congratulate everyone who made it to the final stage. It was great to see so many applications for the youth scholarship and wonderful to see the support being offered by so many employers for this award.

Y MEA this year will be focusing on building and strengthening the young professional relationships within the industry, focusing on interactive events that provide our attendees with opportunities they would not normally receive. Y MEA WA focuses on building the relationships within the events community for young professionals and more senior professionals. Y MEA aim to provide attendees with the tools and the confidence to get out into the industry and network on their own, to learn and grow and continue to be updated with the ongoing changes within our industry. The Committee endeavour to show future employers the skills and talents coming through the next generation of events people.

An Icon in the Making

The Y MEA event held at Citigate Perth on Thursday 7 July 2011 kicked off at 3pm. As delegates arrived they were greeted with a glass of champagne and at 3:30pm the formalities started with the committee thanking all its sponsors and introduced Dave Harris, Perth Arena’s Project Coordinator. Dave addressed delegates about the venue’s capabilities, design and construction progress before taking them on a tour of the outside of the site, highlighting specific features this world class entertainment venue has to offer.

The event was a huge success with many in attendance providing great feedback.

Thanks to our Event Sponsors

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.

Vaughan Emery AFMEA, Corporate Theatre Productions
Grace Kendrick AFMEA, EECW Pty Ltd
Don Ainsworth AFMEA, Promaco Conventions Pty Ltd

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:

MPA Group
PLOT Productions
arinex Pty Limited

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

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.