Australasian Special Events

I’m going to freeze my butt off in Canberra next month by sleeping out with a bunch of people who care about people who are less fortunate than us.

May 15

Previewing the MCEC Signature Dinner

Tonight the MCEC are hosting around 400 guests for a Signature Dinner and ASE were invited to Melbourne for the occasion.

But not just for dinner. I joined a couple of other journos for lunch with the MCEC’s CEO, Peter King for a backgrounder on the centre and then a preview of tonight’s event.

So first up it was lunch at one of the fabulous new restaurants that have popped up in the refurbished sheds adjacent to the new convention centre. The Sharing House is a restaurant where one shares many small dishes with friends. I think we had about 10 courses - every one of them delicious.

Peter King is quite excited about the development of the properties neighbouring the convention centre and he points put that conference delegates are already discovering the delights of these establishments.

I look forward to the day when a large conference takes over the whole precinct along there for a fabulous dining and entertainment experience - MCVB, I’m looking at you for the AIME 2013 Welcome Party.

Then it was off to the Convention Centre ballroom for a peak at the tech rehearsal for tonight’s dinner. Yep it is looking spectacular - lots of black (very Melbourne) along with some stunning chandeliers and pressed metal walls. But more on that post event.

Next it was into the kitchens for a tour conducted by Acting Executive Chef, Tony Panetta. Tony is very passionate about his job and was keen to show us tonight’s meal in preparation - from entree to dessert - and even the cleaning station where all the dishes etc come back for cleaning. Well it is impressive, there is a dirty side and a clean side with a dishwasher the size of a car-wash in between.

Tony Panetta explains the workings of the biggest kitchen in the southern hemisphere

Finally we caught up with Marc van der Meer, Director of Food and Beverage for a preview of the wines that will be served with tonight’s dinner - looking forward to the Shelmerdine Viognier.

May 03

Technician on Duty fees not addressed properly at MEA conference

Well the Meetings and Events Association Conference has been and gone and whilst the content of the conference was the best I’ve seen in years sadly the HOT TOPIC of Technician on Duty Fee’s seemed to be pushed aside.

Sadly it wasn’t so hot with only 5 people showing up at a facilitated meeting during lunch to look at the issues - 3 AV Companies and 2 venues.

Whilst many small and medium AV businesses are close to going under because these policies are really hurting them in holding onto existing clients who go into venues that charge TOD’s and the number is growing considerably.

Unfortunately as these businesses feel a lot of pain all one of the MEA Executive could say was - that our Association won’t make a comment or take a stance on it - take your issues to the AHA (Aust. Hotels Association).

MEA took a stance on secret commissions, what’s the difference here? AV companies are always willing to help out and sponsor MEA and other Industry events but when they badly and urgently need the help of the association in what are policies that have now been exploited by some venues to the point of blatant robbery for no value - it appears MEA see nothing they should stand up for on behalf of PCO’s and AV Companies. Very out of touch with the members on this subject me thinks.

Ronni Kahn interview on ABC

I’ve known Ronni Kahn from event management days - before she decided to something about the inordinate waste of food from those events and founded OzHarvest. This week she was interviewed by Richard Vidler in his Conversations program.

You can listen to the interview online or download as an mp3 file for later. I reccomend it.

Apr 28

MCEC owner’s woes timely warning for SCEC redevelopment

The NSW Government is planning to build the replacement for the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre (SCEC) under a Public Private Partnership (PPP).

There is a similar funding arrangement for the new Melbourne Convention Centre, the owners of which are in a bit of strife at the moment as reported by Michael West in the SMH over the past few days.

THE Victorian government’s partner in the $1 billion Melbourne Convention Centre is under pressure from soaring debts and has been selling assets to raise cash.

Convention centre partner’s cash woes

THE Victorian government’s partner in the $1 billion Melbourne Convention Centre is under pressure from spiralling debts and has been selling assets to raise cash.

Public works without disclosure

THEY are the hotshots of structured finance, the corporate overlords of our public hospitals and high-security government buildings, army bases, courthouses and convention centres.

Apr 26

Gen Y view of the MEA conference

Alexandra Badham is an intern at Australasian Special Events and was attending her first industry conference.

Confident, ambitious and achievement orientated Generation Y, here we come armed with Blackberry’s, iPhone’s, tablets, laptops and any other of the latest gadgets that’s going to improve our personal and professional determination, and we are here to learn, grow and boast about our latest achievements throughout the industry. “Open Your Mind” is exactly what the past 12 hours has done for me.

Being a first timer to an event as elaborate as MEA, I have engaged, adapted and learnt so much from my first day.

After loosening up, exchanging business cards and meeting some potential clients from our welcoming seminar, my day started with Y MEA Open Your Y Mind, targeted specifically at the young professionals in the industry aiming for us to prepare, connect and engage in ‘performance enhancing’ thinking and habits.

Peter Bliss, owner of Business is Bliss, started us off by lightening the mood and focusing on a more interactive style of teaching where we shared ideas and experiences. Peter provided an opportunity for us young professionals to learn valuable professional development tools as well as collecting ideas on how to climb the competitive industry ladder to leadership level.

With fresh ideas on networking and new people to talk to we went to lunch at Eat Love Pizza. This is another of the Dockside Group’s beautifully located venues serving tasty Italian cuisine.

We than headed back to the conference room to hear from El Kwang, the Director of Marketing and Sales for the Dockside Group.

El taught us the communication skills needed to break the barrier between Gen Y and Gen X within the workplace.

Myself and the other 35 Gen Y delegates shared our stories on trying to close the gap between the two generations as El opened our minds to the possibility of helping Gen X in adapting to the change that has happened between the two generations with the boost of technological advancements such as social networking.

Becoming a sponge and absorbing everything and everyone around me was my goal throughout the day, and it started to become mind-boggling.

There was no better way to end the day than with a fun and energetic team-building cook off, thanks to the professional and friendly team from The Cheeky Food Group lead by the Managing Director Leona Watson.

As the sun set and the bright lights of Sydney’s Darling Harbour set in, the night time social events begun.

Following a magical and inspiring opening ceremony, the delegates headed to Marquee, The Star’s newest nightclub venue.

Champagne cocktails, duck pancakes and an over enthusiastic drag queen all awaited us at the funky new club followed by some more networking.

After the battle of the Generations hit the dance floor, we were ushered off to Cherry Cocktail lounge where margaritas where the special of the night.

After winning $20 in a game of Black Jack, this first timer dragged herself to bed to prepare for another full day of learning, engaging and opening my mind to the possibilities that come ahead in my professional career.

MEA 2012 you have more than proved your knowledge and experience to me, and what I have learnt in the past 12 hours and the connections I have made and the advice I have received is going to stick with me throughout my professional and personal life so for this I thank you!

Mar 28

Redubbed Live - a new take on TV and movies

One of the real treats in this industry is coming across a speaker or performer who really impresses, surprises or entertains in a new way.

The MEA awards for SA dinner were held last week in the Crystal Room at the Stamford Plaza Adelaide. The room so named for the crystal chandeliers that dominate a room which is a welcome reminder of a bygone era (remember class).

The entertainment for the evening was performed by P J Oaten. Now PJ started off by telling us that as a sickly child he spent far too many hours watching TV and to amuse himself he used to turn off the sound and then mimic the voices and make up his own dialogue. He has now turned this into an act, a very clever and highly amusing act.

Quite simply he uses a number of clips from cartoons, TV shows and movies and does video mash-ups of them, he then re voices these clips as they are shown on screen. The results are hilarious. PJ also managed to revoice a particular clip to include references to the dinner and many people at it – this would be great at any corporate event or conference.

Mar 27

ACTRESS Sigourney Weaver has pulled out of a $995-a-head sustainable business conference to be held in Melbourne next month, prompting organisers to cancel the event and consult their lawyers.

Mar 12

Opera stars head for Inverell

The eleventh Opera in the Paddock on Saturday March 24 will once again attract some of the biggest names on the Australian operatic scene to Inverell.

Soprano Jacqueline Mabardi will later this year sing the title role in Aida and for the paddock will singthe duet from Aida with mezzo soprano, Elizabeth Campbell. Jacqueline will also sing the famous aria, Vissi d’arte from Tosca and Vilia from the Lehar’s Merry Widow.

ELizabeth has just returned from singing the role of Clytemnestra in the much acclaimed Western Australian Opera production of Elektra.

One of Australia’s finest and popular young tenors, James Egglestone will return to the paddock and will sing Pinkerton in the selection of Madama Butterfly, Nessun Dorma from Turandot. James will perform the same role in Madama Butterfly later this year at the Sydney Opera House with Opera Australia. James is currently singing in the Adelaide Festival.

” The calibre of the singers who come to the perform in Opera in the Paddock is quite exceptional, particularly for a rural context. Put together with 20 professional orchestral musicians, an exciting program and a spectacularly Australian setting , you have something that is unique and an event that has certainly established a high reputation amongst music circles, ” said Artistic Director, Peta Blyth

Acclaimed baritone, David Wakeham ,who replaces the advertised Barry Ryan is now based in Brisbane and has sung throughout Europe in all the major houses. He will perform with Ms Mabardi in Verdi’s Il Trovatore.

The program features not only not only opera but also more selections of popular musicals Bring Him Home from les Miserables, If I loved You from Showboat and selections of Man of La Mancha.

Conductor Phoebe Briggs, sponsored by Opera Australia will coordinate the performers on their arrival in Inverell the week of the opera. It is a very intensive rehearsal period. Everybody has a total commitment to the event.”

“In addition to thirty singer sand instrumentalists on stage, this year we add a choir of fourteen singers from the region. It will be our best most expansive night evening, a real spectacular. It promises to very exciting, ” said Ms Blyth.

Opera North West Ltd acknowledges the support of Arts NSW, Destination NSW, Opera Australia, Inverell Shire Council, NAB, Regional ABC, Essential Energy, Malachite Resources, German Consul and Roberts and Morrow. Bookings online www.operainthepaddock.com.au /ph 1800 240 301 and Inverell Visitors Centre ph 1800 067 626. Coaches will run from most regional centres. For further details on the concerts and opera visit www.operainthepaddock.com.au or phone 02 6724 8561

Mar 05

No matter what industry you are in here are five damn good reasons to go to a conference

Mar 01

Another big event for Sydney?

Yet another ”major event” is to be added to Sydney’s busy social calendar. Sandra Chipchase, Destination NSW’s chief executive, let slip to the Diary’s festivities correspondent, Steve Meacham, yesterday that ”we’ll be making an announcement about another blockbuster event in the next fortnight”.

So far, 2012 has seen two very different annual festivals introduced for the first time - last months’s international Australian Open of Surfing at Manly and the inaugural Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour, which opens with La Traviata on March 24.

Though Chipcase refused to give any further details about the forthcoming announcement, she said: ”It’s a big ‘un. We’re thrilled. It will be unique and will again put our stamp on having the most compelling events calendar in Australia.”

This weekend’s Mardi Gras (like the Picasso exhibition at the Art Gallery of NSW) is also being marketed overseas by Destination NSW. ”We’re working with the team at Mardi Gras to leverage Kylie Minogue’s appearance as Mardi Gras ambassador to the many thousands of people heading to town to celebrate Sydney’s diversity,” Chipcase said. ”Leverage” and ”Kylie” - not words that usually appear in the same sentence.

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/national/the-diary/waxing-famous-20120301-1u620.html#ixzz1nuMCMo00

Feb 28

Appsolutly confused…

Two apps were launched at/for AIME, one left me underwhelmed and the other confused me.

First I was underwhelmed by the ShowGizmo app for AIME 2012. I was alerted to this app by a media release a week before AIME. I installed it on my Android phone and tried to login – to no avail. Link to the media release and my installation experience comments.

When I got to AIME I caught up with the ShowGizmo people on their stand and they reset my login. Then I was able to use it.

Show Info – a brief intro to AIME, a link to the website, email link to Reed Exhibitions

Schedule – A list of the various events and seminars with the date and time – tapping the event listing takes you to an information page about the event and where it is on at.

Profile – edit information about yourself for others to read when they access your profile.

People – this lists the delegates, exhibitors and speakers with their contact information and bio (see Profile). The most useful feature is the ability to setup a meeting with them. The meeting request is sent by email – which comes through very quickly but I couldn’t see it integrating with the app.

Exhibitors – this is totally confusing. I searched for “Canberra” and tapped on Canberra Convention Bureau – this linked to Accor Asia. So I tried again, tapped on National Convention Centre and got 1E One Event. Scrolling through to a listing however does find the correct link. But who wants to scroll through them all?

Conclusion – If this app had installed properly when I downloaded it I would have familiarised myself with it before I arrived and would have used it. I missed a couple of people who I had intended to meet up with. It would have been useful to set these reminders up beforehand and I assume the app will give you a reminder.

The Show Floor Plan is plain useless – the ones around the venue are much easier to read than on a phone. It might be more useful if for example you looked up an exhibitor and there was a link that highlighted their stand on the floorplan.

The event information pages would be more useful with a links to the sponsors or speakers contact page. A link to the floorplan or Google maps (especially for this year’s welcome party) to show where the event is on at would also help immensely.

Overall this looks like it will develop into a very useful tool for future exhibitions and conferences, but it will be of limited use unless everyone uses it.

At the main AIME media conference the MCEC launched their “web app”which caused much confusion in my mind. All through their presentation this was referred to as an “app”. Now my understanding of an app is that it is a small software application that runs on a smartphone or tablet. So during the presentation I went to the Android App store to find the app – not there.

After the presentation I was told that it is a “web app” which means you use your browser to get to a web address mconnect.mcec.com.au

This URL just to takes you to a mobile optimised website. But it does not download onto your phone or tablet so you can use it offline – hence a “web app”, confused?

Now I’m still not convinced that this is an app but is in fact an excellent mobile website.

When you lookup, for example, a nearby restaurant or café there is information about what they offer, their hours and a link to Google maps showing you exactly where the venue is (take note ShowGizmo).

Incidentally the most useful app I have used so far this year was the one for the Sydney Festival, I encourage anyone developing an event based app to have a good look at that one.

Feb 23

A day in the life of Melbourne - AIME style

Each year the media and hosted buyers attending AIME are treated to the delights of Melbourne’s newer offerings the day before the trade show opens.

This year we kicked off with an excellent breakfast at ZINC at Federation Square with some suitably low key entertainment from MC Col Cameron and a selection of voice impressions from Ben Price. I had never heard of Price before so he was something refreshing for me. In the meantime Cameron and Paul from Urban Enhancement were painting a Melbourne streetscape – street art style (this later appeared on the MCVB stand).

The Medibank Icehouse was the first stop on our tour – Melbourne might be having a mild summer but we certainly had to rug up once inside this venue. As we toured the venue we also watched international teams training for the imminent junior speed skating championships.

The Icehouse features two skating rinks and either or both, or the whole venue can be hired out for corporate events along with a number of other rooms in the venue.

Our host told us that the Medibank sponsorship does not necessarily indicate that the participants are injury prone and that the appropriately named Bradbury rink might just be the one where people fall down. And no, the venue has nothing to do with Iva Davies either – all those questions and more came up from the usually inquisitive media.

A short trip on the extremely well appointed MV Pearl brought us to the newly developed restaurant and entertainment space downriver from the MCEC.

The MV Pearl is a luxury cruiser with a capacity of 50 pax (incl crew) that is available for corporate hire around Melbourne’s Port Phillip or around Tasmania for that matter.

The space known as Showtime is very stylish and is built in a reclaimed wharf. The Showtime is a short walk from the Convention Centre and is an excellent intermediate sized venue that can accommodate up to 600 pax and of course features excellent catering and beverages.

A quick visit to the Hilton Melbourne South Wharf hotel to have a look at some of the rooms – well, could have stayed a little longer (a few days maybe). In the Hilton foyer, timed to coincide with the F1, there is currently a great display of vintage racing cars.

As usual an excellent lunch that featured Victorian produce and beverages. The MCEC production team went all out with a great design for the room and we were treated to a short performance by Jessica Mauboy.

My only misgiving was that when she finished Jessica just left the stage. Would have been better if someone conducted a quick interview with her, particularly with so many overseas buyers at the lunch who would have no idea who she is. And she is very easy to interview.

Feb 19

MCVB welcome to AIME

The Mural Hall at Myer Melbourne is definitely one of the most fabulous event venues the city has to offer. So it was great to be back there again tonight for the MCVB AIME welcome cocktail party. The cocktail party is always an opportunity to catch up with previous AIME contacts – media, buyers and MCVB staff.

So what did this have to offer as a networking cocktail party? As stated, the venue is fabulous and styling by The Big Group was excellent - lots of candles and glassware and some great floral displays. There were also a number of very stylish stands offering a taste of Melbourne shopping, and as the majority of the AIME buyers are women, that is who this shopping experience was appropriately aimed at.

The food was great – with one caveat – the featured dish was a slab of very delicious tuna, but this really needed to be cut into bite size pieces before serving. Trying to hack it into mouth size pieces with a fork only, while balancing the plate and a glass of wine was not very stylish.

The wines were also a disappointment, one would expect that the MCVB would be trying to sell Melbourne and Victoria – so why serve wines from the South Australian Riverland? – not one of Australia’s renowned wine regions and certainly not Victorian.

While the lighting in the venue was great (I really liked the sunset effect on the main floral arrangement), one of the shortcomings is the audio. I have observed from previous visits that it is a difficult room to get the audio right in – lots of reflective surfaces and no draping or carpets to help.

Now I’m at risk of being labelled sexist here. But when the audience is predominantly women it seems it is very hard to shut them up for speeches at any function. This was compounded tonight by the inadequacy of the audio. So it was quite difficult to hear the welcome from the new MCVB CEO, Karen Bolinger or from John Simeone, the representative from AIMEs major sponsor, Qantas. Very disrespectful when you consider that these organisations are paying for their junket!

They did settle down for the Qantas children’s choir though, maternal instincts maybe? So here is a thought – put the kiddies on first to get their attention.

Sounds like a lot of criticism but it was actually a good night and a good welcome back to Melbourne. Looking forward to the hosted breakfast tomorrow at ZINC @ Federation Square, then some Melbourne highlights followed by lunch at MCEC (who always ensure we are served local produce and wines).