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People and movements
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EXHIBITION HIRE / EXPO HIRE announces a series of new appointments
Sofitel Sydney Wentworth appoints new Business Development Manager, MICE
New appointments highlight client service focus at Staging Connections
MCVB expands business development team
Russell Bennett - Exit stage left.
It's Ready Set Go for Jon Smith
New appointments set to strengthen Exhibition Hire’s Victorian branch
ACTA appoints new account manager
Changes at Sydney Showground
High profile event expert joins Staging Connections Sydney
Award winning sales professional takes top sales role at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
Pages Event Equipment defies downturn with big staff expansion in
Melbourne
Staff changes Cairns & Region Convention Bureau
Novotel Forest Resort Creswick appoints new Director of Sales and Marketing
New senior management appointed at Sofitel Sydney Wentworth
Sofitel Brisbane Central announces the appointment of Mr Daniel Finch as BDE–MICE
New General Manager to lead Exhibition and Events Association of Australasia forward
Technical Direction Company looks towards the Future
Angela Esdaile - Dreamworld’s new events manager
MCVB appoints new Director Marketing & Communications
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EXHIBITION HIRE / EXPO HIRE announces a series of new appointments
12 November 2009
Exhibition Hire / Expo Hire today announced a series of new appointments that will further strengthen its sales and custom design teams in Sydney and Melbourne.
Barry Carter has been appointed Account Manager – Custom Stands in
Sydney
and will be responsible for overseeing the completion of custom stand projects and building on the company’s existing portfolio of custom stand clients.
Formerly an Electrical Manager at Exhibition Hire, Carter returns to the company after an 18 month stint in
London
and brings with him more than 10 years experience in project and design management and five years experience working in the exhibition and event industries.
Ashley Howarth will be responsible for the design and detailing of Exhibition Hire / Expo Hire’s custom stands and exhibition stand packages following his appointment as Exhibition Designer in
Sydney
.
Howarth already has strong skills and experience in design and detailing for the exhibition industry, having previously served as a designer for Infocus Design.
Joining Carter and Howarth in
Sydney
is Mark Howden, who has been appointed Graphic Designer following a period working as graphic designer for automotive accessories manufacturer Sperling Enterprises.
In his new position, Howden will handle the design and coordination of signage for Exhibition Hire /Expo Hire’s diverse portfolio of exhibitions and events.
Darrell Swanson has been appointed Account Manager – Custom Design in
Melbourne
and will be tasked with further developing sales growth of Exhibition Hire /Expo Hire’s award-winning custom stands and design projects.
Swanson brings a wealth of sales experience and exhibition industry knowledge to the company, having previously served as sales manager at DMG World Media, working on exhibitions such as the HIA Home Shows and designEX.
Also new to Exhibition Hire /Expo Hire’s
Melbourne
office is Ryan Pan, who has been appointed Designer – Custom and will work on the design of custom projects and exhibition stands.
Pan has five years experience as a designer in the exhibition and event industry, having formerly worked for the D3 Group and Cityneon
Singapore
.
Jim Delahunty, CEO, Exhibition Hire / Expo Hire said the series of new appointments would help the company maintain its status as one of
Australia
’s leading suppliers to the exhibition and event industries.
“Each person brings a range of valuable skills and experience to Exhibition Hire / Expo Hire and together they will ensure our clients get the best value for their marketing dollar and stand out from the crowd on the exhibition floor,” said Delahunty.
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Sofitel Sydney Wentworth appoints new Business Development Manager, MICE
 2 November 2009:
Sofitel Sydney Wentworth has appointed Ryan Delzoppo to the position of Business Development Manager, MICE.
Ryan has considerable experience in the hotels and the luxury sector at large, previously working with boutique facilities company Huntly servicing and coordinating high end property management and services such as concierges, valet drivers, as well as estate and building managers.
In his role as Guest Relations Manager and Butler at the prestigious Mayfair Hotel in London, Ryan had a strong VIP and events focus, with responsibilities that ranged from managing successful United Nations talks featuring the UN Secretary-General, Prime Ministers, Foreign Ministers and leaders from multiple countries to hosting multiple high level celebrity, fashion and media guests during events like London Fashion Week.
Ryan has also held positions with The Westin Hotel and popular
Sydney
tourist attraction, the
Sydney
Tower
.
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New appointments highlight client service focus at Staging Connections
Russell Bennett joins Staging Connections as General Manager of South East Queensland
Russell Bennett joined Staging Connections recently as General Manager of South East Queensland (SEQ) operations. Russell joins Staging Connections with over twenty-seven years experience in the events industry and brings a wealth of expertise to his new role. Russell was most recently GM for Staging Dimensions and Lighting Dimensions; and prior to that he was National Director of Marketing for Gearhouse Group Australia. Russell is the current president of the International Special Events Society (ISES) in Queensland.
Kelly Davies, Business Development Executive, Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre
Kelly Davies has been appointed Business Development Executive for Staging Connections’ venue partner, the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC). Kelly has over thirteen years experience in business development and sales and marketing. Her sales experience includes working in the audiovisual industry with Soundcorp, AV Central and Sony Australia. Kelly will manage all Staging Connections business development activities at the GCCEC and she will also manage sales enquiries for events to be held at GCCEC and will work closely with both the local Staging Connections team and the GCCEC sales teams.
Angela Murphy, Business Development Manager, Staging Connections Melbourne
Angela Murphy has been appointed as Business Development Manager at Staging Connections in Melbourne. Angela has worked in business development, sales and account management for the past ten years and has an indepth understanding of customer service.
Most recently Angela was Business Development Manager at Haycom Staging and prior to that Angela worked with The Sun Theatre in sales and marketing. Angela also has sales experience in corporate as national sales manager for Next Wave Telecommunications and worked in HR for Shell Australia for ten years.
Philip Black, Director Sales and Marketing said that the appointments continue to demonstrate Staging Connections’ commitment to the events industry and to providing a superior service to clients.
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MCVB expands business development team
7 October 2009
The Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau (MCVB) has recruited Angela Uhlig in a newly created position to co-ordinate its Business Development Events Program.
 Angela’s impressive professional background includes her most recent position as Director Sales & Marketing - Business Tourism for Business Events Cairns & Great Barrier Reef. Angela held this position for more than five years, and was instrumental in increasing business tourism for the destination to the highest level on record.
She also brings with her extensive experience in the hotel industry, through senior positions with Millennium Hotels & Resorts, Thistle Hotels UK, Accor
Australia
and Accor United Kingdom.
Sandra Chipchase, CEO of MCVB, said, “Fostering relationships with Convention Local Hosts, and working with Melbourne’s academic and business luminaries are integral elements of this role, and are areas of Angela’s expertise. Angela has recently returned to her home town of
Melbourne
, and we look forward to the key role which she will play in driving business for MCVB and for
Melbourne
.”
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Russell Bennett - Exit stage left
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Mark Keegan farewells Russell Bennett
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9th September
After 8 years at
Brisbane
based event services supplier - Staging Dimensions, initially as Sales & Marketing Manager and from 2003 as General Manager, Russell Bennett has resigned to take up a leadership role with a leading audio visual company.
In his time at Staging Dimensions, Russell was instrumental in developing & growing our business both locally and nationally. His ability to open new doors for Staging Dimensions in areas that prior were difficult to penetrate is a testament to his marketing skills, event experience and the respect he commands in a constantly evolving industry. His integrity and passion together with his peerless managerial abilities has helped us achieve many new goals and has provided a very solid foundation for our future.
Mark Keegan said , "Yes, we are sad to be saying goodbye to Russell but we also wish him all the very best in his new role and look forward to continuing our friendship and business relationship with him in his new role.
“We are currently looking for a replacement, but in the interim I will be more involved the day to day running of the business until a suitable replacement is found. They are big shoes to fill”, says Keegan
Bennett will finish on 23rd September.
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It's Ready Set Go for Jon Smith
Monday, 27 July 2009
Jon Smith, one of
Australia
’s most experienced event producers has recently joined the team at Ready Set Go. After an on and off relationship with the Staging Connections Group over the past 17 years, Jon has decided to concentrate on what he enjoys doing most, producing great corporate events.
Jon said: “Staging and I have slowly grown in different directions and I was looking for a more creative challenge. I wanted to go somewhere where the creative is at the centre of their core business.”
Dave Deveny, Managing Director of Ready Set Go said: “We’re very excited to have Jon join the team. He will increase our creative strength both on an academic level as well as a day-to-day one. Jon’s first project will be as producer for the Myer Christmas Parade. For some, surely a baptism of fire but, we’re confident Jon will take it in his stride”
 Jon Smith
Originally trained as an industrial designer, Jon is known and respected as one of the most experienced and creative event producers in
Australia
.
While he spent the early years of his career working in retail design, visual merchandising and exhibition design, his first real experience as a special events producer began back in 1988 when he was responsible for the launch of the first Batman movie for Warner Brothers.
In the 20+ years since he took to the world of special events, he has held senior design and management positions with Expo Hire, Staging Connections, Epicure Catering and Limelight Events.
In 2000 he established his own company and spent the next three years working as a freelance Event Producer undertaking some of the most complex events ever staged in
Australia
, including production of
Victoria
’s Centenary of Federation celebrations.
In 2004 he returned to Staging Connections as Creative Director across the Australian,
New Zealand
and
Pacific Rim
region.
Widely known as the founder of the Melbourne Chapter of the International Special Event Society, Jon has been variously described as a ‘deep thinker, a straight talker, and a fountain of ideas’.
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New appointments set to strengthen Exhibition Hire’s Victorian branch
23 July 2009
Exhibition Hire / Expo Hire today announced the appointment of Ali Halabi as Custom Account Manager and David Bathe as Account Manager, to further strengthen its Victorian office.
With more than seven years experience in the exhibition and event industry, Halabi brings valuable knowledge of contractor and venue management to the Exhibition Hire / Expo Hire team, and will now be responsible for building on the existing portfolio of custom stand clients.
Prior to joining Exhibition Hire / Expo Hire, Halabi spent more than six years at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, where his responsibilities ranged from client relationship management to contractor management and overseeing all aspects of event building.
Having previously worked for Moreton Hire in areas such as exhibitions, custom stands and party hire, Bathe will bring a wealth of relevant industry experience to his new role, and will be responsible for maintaining account contacts and managing exhibitor sales and service needs.
Bathe has a strong understanding of
Melbourne
’s events industry, having previously worked for the City of
Port Phillip
, managing the St Kilda,
Port
Melbourne
Town Halls
and offsite Civic Events.
“Our clients expect us to provide quality products and service, including innovative custom stand solutions, on-time without fail,” said Jim Delahunty, CEO, Exhibition Hire / Expo Hire.
“These latest appointments to our
Melbourne
team provide further evidence that we’re doing everything we can to ensure these expectations continue to not only be maintained, but surpassed. We have a solid team that has done great work over recent years and this team has now been made even stronger,” said Delahunty
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ACTA appoints new account manager
16 July 2009
 The Adelaide Convention Tourism Authority (ACTA), has announced the appointment of Stuart McLeod who is joining the company’s sales & marketing team as Account Manager. In the position, Mr McLeod will be responsible for attracting and securing convention, corporate meeting and incentive opportunities to
Adelaide
and
South Australia
from
New Zealand
as well as the
Canberra
and
Brisbane
markets.
Stuart joins ACTA from the Hyatt Regency Adelaide where he held the position as Associate Director of Sales focussing on securing conventions and meetings from
Sydney
and
Brisbane
markets. Stuart also has a strong background in Revenue Management within Hotels and brings additional knowledge and strength to the ACTA team.
In welcoming Stuart to the team, Damien Kitto, Chief Executive of ACTA said “It has been great to attract a person of Stuart’s experience and creativeness, which is needed in these challenging and competitive times. His skills and knowledge combined with his hotel background will be very valuable to our sales and marketing team,” he said.
“Furthermore, Stuart will focus on ramping up sales & marketing activity in
Canberra
which is an important market presently as it contains a number of Federal Government departments and associations and ACTA hopes to increase its share of events from clients operating in this market.”
Upon commencing in his new role, Mr McLeod said “I am very excited to be given the opportunity to join the team at ACTA and to the new challenges ahead. I look forward to strengthening relationships within these markets and increasing ACTA market share moving forward.”
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Changes at Sydney Showground
Jimmy Busteed
Recently appointed to the newly created role of Senior Manager, Business Development is Jimmy Busteed, who is moving up from the position of Exhibition Sales Manager of the Sydney Royal Easter show which he’s held over the past four and a half years.
This new challenge will see Jimmy responsible for seeking out business opportunities from corporate clients as well as the business development activities associated with growing the conference, exhibition and special events sectors at the Showground. With an extensive background in event sales, we are sure he will be successful with this challenge.
Kim Seccombe
Another familiar face at Sydney Showground is Kim Seccombe, who after six years within the sales department has accepted the role as Senior Manager, National Accounts.
This newly created role will see Kim looking after the needs of more than 30 of the Showground’s existing and valued clients for major events, including the Home and Giving Fair, Big Day Out and the Sydney World Masters Games.
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High profile event expert joins Staging Connections Sydney
Kim Gerard has joined Staging Connections in Sydney as NSW Sales Manager.
Kim has an extensive career in the events industry spanning over ten years. She began her career in event management roles within large corporate enterprises and then went on to work in an agency environment. During this time she engaged Staging Connections and developed a strong understanding of event staging from a customer perspective. It is this understanding and experience which Kim now brings to the Staging Connections business.
"Kim brings an impressive portfolio of live event projects across a wide range of industries to her new role at Staging Connections. Kim has worked on high profile award winning events for IBM and she also produced offshore events in China for Microsoft.
"Her extensive experience will be an invaluable resource for our customers who continue to rely on Staging Connections to deliver inspirational event staging services within the framework of outstanding customer service," Staging Connections’ Director of Sales and Marketing, Philip Black said.
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Award winning sales professional takes top sales role at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
A sales professional with a string of awards to her name, Anne Jamieson, has been appointed Director of Sales at
Australia
’s premier business events venue, the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Anne will replace Melissa MacCourt, who leaves MCEC after three years in the role, in June.
Anne’s experience is extensive and includes senior executive roles at The Westin Melbourne, Novotel Melbourne on Collins, InterContinental Hotel Groups, Radisson and Sheraton Hotels.
Her accolades include Best Performance and Risk Taker Starwood Hotels and Resorts 2007, MEA Hall of Fame for Best Conference Venue, AHA Award for Best Hotel Local 2007 whilst at The Westin; and winner of the InterContinental Hotels Group “Sales Team of the Year” for impact and influence.
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre chief executive Leigh Harry says Anne brings a wealth of knowledge and experience and will be a valued member of the senior management team.
“We’re entering an exciting and challenging time with the Melbourne Convention Centre opening its doors in June. The centre has already secured 49 major international conventions and a predicted 190 national pieces of business. Anne will be instrumental in building on that phenomenal momentum.”
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Pages Event Equipment defies downturn with big staff expansion in
Melbourne
Following the successful win of 3 major new contracts in
Victoria
,
Pages Event Equipment
has recruited an additional 6 staff to assist with the expected growth over the next 12 months.
Pages is further expanding their Sales and Operations Team in
Melbourne
with the announcement of 6 new staff at the
St Kilda Rd
office which manages Pages Sales and Operations in
Victoria
,
Tasmania
and
South Australia
.
Terry Hooten has joined the company as Contracts Administrator.
Terry brings a wealth of operational and quality assurance experience to Pages following an outstanding career with the Australian Jockey Club (AJC) in
Sydney
. Previously he worked for the Sydney Olympic Co-ordinating Organising Group (SOCOG).
Heading up the Operational side of Pages Melbourne is Tali Filihia, Tali has transferred from Pages Sydney to run operations below the border.
Tali has worked for Pages since 2005. He has been involved in many various National events including the V8 Motor racing, APEC, World Youth Day 08 and the Golden Slipper Racing Carnival.
To assist Pages operationally with event deliveries, an additional 3 staff have been employed following their successful trial period at the 2008 Cox Plate and The Austral
ian
Tennis Open 2009.
Also joining the Pages Melbourne team is Natalie McNamara. Natalie joins Pages as an Administration Assistant and will be involved in the Administration side of some of
Australia
’s largest events.
Pages Managing Director Attila Boros said…
“In the last week, Pages have been announced as the successful bidder for a Victorian State Government Project, A Victorian Local Government Project and a National Exhibition for the
DaVinci
Museum
. – With continued growth in
Victoria
we saw the need to expand operationally. With the quality of staff recruited, and the our Key Performance Indicators on target, we have forecast a growth expansion of 25% for 2009/10 in
Victoria
”
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Staff changes Cairns & Region Convention Bureau
Angela Uhlig leaves CRCB after a distinguished six-year tenure as Director of Sales and Marketing. We wish Angela every success and happiness for the future as she returns overseas.
Johanne Flynn will step into the role of Acting Director of Sales & Marketing until a firm appointment is made. Johanne joined the Cairns & Region Convention Bureau over fourteen months ago as Sales Liaison Executive. Prior to joining the Bureau, Johanne spent two years as a PCO, followed by six years with the award-winning Cairns Convention Centre and twelve months teaching Event Management in Kuwait. Amba Thistlethwaite continues her service and Sharon Kennedy has now joined the Bureau on a contract basis in the role of Business Events Executive.
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Novotel Forest Resort Creswick appoints new Director of Sales and Marketing
15 March 2009
 Accor Hotels has appointed Garry Tanner as Director of Sales and Marketing for the Novotel Forest Resort Creswick responsible for both rooms and conference sales.
Professional and dedicated, Garry brings both practical knowledge and an impressive track record to his new role.
In a career spanning both sides of the Tasman and some of the biggest names in the hotel industry, Garry’s resume is notable for his many successes in securing large corporate accounts.
As Business Development Manager for both Grand Hyatt and Park Hyatt Melbourne, Garry secured long-term partnerships with the Australian Tennis Open and several Formula One racing teams during the Australian Grand Prix.
A move to
Auckland
and the Carlton Hotel saw Garry’s success in the sports market segment continue, developing a multimillion dollar portfolio of sporting organisations together with increasing local and Australian business by 300%.
Returning to
Australia
as Director of Sales and Marketing for Stamford Grand North Ryde and Group Director of Sales and Marketing – Consortia, Garry spearheaded a campaign which resulted in securing the hotel’s largest account.
In 2007 Garry joined Accor Hotels as Director of Sales and Marketing for the Novotel Melbourne on Collins, responsible for increasing revenue and market share together with the management of the rooms sales budget and strategy.
Announcing Garry’s appointment, General Manager Philip Johnson said that the experience Garry brings to the Novotel Forest Resort Creswick could not have come at a better time.
“The hotel industry is facing tough times ahead and we are delighted that we have someone as qualified and spirited as Garry to lead our sales and marketing effort,” he said.
“I am thrilled to become part of the team at the Novotel Forest Resort Creswick,” said Garry. “This role gives me the opportunity to not only promote a brand new state-of-the-art property in a beautiful part of the world but to also represent one that is environmentally responsible with a strong corporate conscience,” he said.
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New senior management appointed at Sofitel Sydney Wentworth
12 March 2009:
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Marc Cherrier
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Jakki
Temple
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Sofitel Sydney Wentworth hotel has welcomed a new senior management team, including a new General Manager, Director of Sales & Marketing and Executive Assistant Manager.
New General Manager, Frenchman Marc Cherrier, joins the iconic hotel in
Sydney
after 19 years in senior management roles in Asia, most recently as General Manager of the popular Novotel Peace hotel in the
Beijing
and prior to that, General Manager at the Novotel Xinhua Wuhan.
No stranger to the luxury Sofitel brand, Mr Cherrier was also based for a time at the five-star Sofitel Central Hua Hin Resort in
Thailand
as Resident Manager. Before his lengthy residency in Asia – including roles in
Beijing
,
Shanghai
,
Qingdao
and
Hangzhou
on mainland
China
- Mr Cherrier was based in the
United States
and
London
.
Sofitel Sydney Wentworth has welcomed
Jakki
Temple
to the position of Director of Sales & Marketing. Ms Temple joins the Sofitel team from her role as Director of Sales & Marketing for the Accor Group’s stable of
Darling
Harbour
hotels, incorporating the Ibis, Novotel and Grand Mercure Apartments. Prior to this, Ms Temple was responsible for Sales & Marketing for Accor’s Sydney Olympic Park hotel precinct during the busy Sydney 2000 Olympic Games period.
Michael Daviss has been appointed Assistant Executive Manager for Sofitel Sydney Wentworth. Mr Daviss has worked with Accor Hotels and Resorts for 10 years, previously General Manager of the All Seasons Northern Territory, the
Novotel
Darling
Harbour
, and in the luxury sector working with Accor and Sofitel Hotels and Resorts in
French Polynesia
.
Sofitel Sydney Wentworth is back at the top of
Sydney
’s five-star hotel list, winning the title of “Deluxe Hotel of the Year” in the 2008 Australian Hotel Association (NSW) Awards after a $10 million revitalisation.
A long-time institution in Sydney, the Wentworth upgraded more than 100 rooms and suites to Club Sofitel status, while the hotel’s entire fifth floor has been redeveloped to create a stylish executive lounge called ‘Club Sofitel’, and a spectacular new
restaurant Garden Court
, both curved around the urban oasis of the hotel’s rooftop courtyard.
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Sofitel Brisbane Central announces the appointment of Mr Daniel Finch as Business Development Manager–MICE
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Daniel Finch
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11 MARCH 2009:
Sofitel Brisbane Central announces the appointment of Mr Daniel Finch as Business Development Manager–MICE. Daniel has worked in the luxury hotel industry for over 13 years, spending time in
Sydney
and
London
before relocating to
Brisbane
seven years ago.
During his time in the
UK
he managed events for world figures President Bill Clinton & Secret Service, President George Bush & Secret Service and the annual Prince Charles Charity Gala Dinners. Daniels history with high calibre events is further illustrated with his experience in managing business for U2’s European World Tour, Madonna's European World Tour and the European and Asia-Pacific Louis Vuitton Fashion Shows and Company Conferences.
With an impressive portfolio in five star hotels he most recently held the position of National Director of Sales and Revenue for an Australian Hotel Operator. As Business Development Manager-MICE for Sofitel Brisbane Central Daniel Finch is responsible for the biggest conference venue in the city, driving residential conferencing, unique groups, functions and management of MICE accounts for the five-star hotel.
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New General Manager to lead Exhibition and Events Association of Australasia forward
Thursday 5 March 2009:
The Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia (EEAA) has announced the appointment of Margaret Crichton to the position of General Manager.
Previously Manager of Customer Care at Reed Publishing’s division Catch, Crichton has vast experience in business administration and general management and has worked for a variety of large corporations in addition to operating smaller family-owned businesses.
“I have no doubt Margaret will be a valuable asset to the future direction and growth of EEAA. With her extensive experience spanning a variety of fields, I’m confident she will help position the Association as the industry’s leading body and ensure members’ interests are always addressed,” said Matthew Pearce, President, Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia.
Crichton has experience in areas including marketing, customer service and office management and has a Bachelor of Business, majoring in Marketing from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS).
“I look forward to the challenge of leading EEAA to the next phase of its growth and developing further schemes to advance the profile, status and influence of the Association on behalf of its members. I hope to draw on my previous experience to ensure member objectives are always the priority,” said Crichton.
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Technical Direction Company looks towards the Future
9th February 2009
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Herbert Van Daalen
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Technical Direction Company is proud to announce the opening of its new office and warehouse in
Brisbane
as of February 9, 2009. This is in addition to the existing office in Rosebery,
Sydney
, which has been operating since 1981.
Responding to forecasts of a general recession in
Australia
, TDC founder Michael Hassett says “Uncertainty is no excuse for inactivity. We became market leader through forward-thinking and now more then ever we need to be flexible and responsive to best support our clients through these times.”
Michael Hassett has appointed Herbert Van Daalen as Manager of the new office. Herbert joined TDC in late 2008, after many years experience in the
Queensland
audio visual industry for companies such as Stagecraft, Jack Morton, Caribiner and Rathe Campbell.
“The
Brisbane
office will allow TDC to further support key clients in the corporate, concert touring, broadcast and theatre markets,” Herbert says.
In addition, Herbert sees the new
Brisbane
office as a great opportunity to further its rental of, LED screens, large venue projectors and cameras to
Brisbane
audio-visual companies.
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Angela Esdaile - Dreamworld’s new events manager
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Angela Esdaile with Mohan
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With her feet firmly planted on both sides of the event fence, Angela Esdaile, a former conference organiser and self confessed ‘laid back event manager’ knows the pressure event buyers and social club members face when tasked with organising a function that has to appeal to a broad range of people. Angela will be drawing on that knowledge in her new role as National Manager - Events for Dreamworld.
“I spent seven years with one of Australia’s biggest banks managing their state-wide staff benefits program and I know what it is like to have to keep pulling successful social events, top-end incentives and conferences out of the hat month after month, all while sticking to a rigid budget.
“I was organizing a corporate conference in February, a family event in March, a race day in May, and an end-of-year social day in December. The pressure was always there and when you can find a venue with an events management team that helps ease the workload, you tend to stick with them.”
Fortunately for Dreamworld and WhiteWater World, Angela was a fan of the theme parks and held more than half a dozen events onsite during her role with the bank.
“As a client, I booked everything from a family fun day at WhiteWater World for 500 people at $50 a head to a high-end Christmas Snow Ball with a dance floor and five piece band for a $150 a head. I loved working with the team – which strangely enough is now “my” team.
“They would go “yep”, we can make that happen and I would book the event, knowing that all the pieces of the puzzle would be pulled together on the day.”
Ms Esdaile says the theme park product is ideal for corporate fun days because it has something for everyone from a two year old to a 92 year old.
“If we were having a family fun day, the kids could get their kicks on the big red car at Wiggles World, the teenagers hit the thrill rides and the older generation could go see the tigers. Making sure everyone is happy is so important when dealing with a broad demographic group.”
When WhiteWater World opened in summer of 2006, Ms Esdaile switched her Christmas Event for 500 to the new water park, adding that “The layout is perfect. It’s open and every ride is easily assessable. No matter where your tables are you feel you are amongst the action.”
Ms Esdaile honed her event management skills between 1996 until 2001 working as a supplier of events with Queensland-based PCO, Events ‘R’ Us.
“That was an amazing place to learn about event organisation,” she said. “Our company did everything from government conferences to opening the biggest retail shopping outlet in the northern hemisphere and hiring the likes of Shirley Bassey and Kylie Minogue. I had events on the go all the time. But the most impressive one had to be the time we had just 30 minutes to transform the Natural History Museum in
London
into a 1920s themed event for 400 people.”
Having worked for two very different companies, Ms Esdaile said she’s ready to bring her experiences to the theme parks.
“I’ve seen both sides of the coin. I’ve had the million dollar budget, and I’ve had to generate my own funds to finance an event. I’m ready to bring that background to Dreamworld and WhiteWater World and to give the client what they want.”
“When the gates close and the last of the day trippers leave, the bottom line is we’ve got this huge venue with dozens of possibilities. There’s a beach, a gold rush town, a main street, a jungle, a bush setting and an adventure zone. I want to put the “fun” back into function and inject more theming into these backdrops. And that includes the food.
Ms Esdaile started her career with Tourism
Queensland
in 1984 in international marketing before moving to Port Douglas in 1991 as Marketing Manager for Santana Corporation. She has two teenage children and is happily married to Geoff.
“My kids love the fact that I work at Dreamworld. My son tells everyone I work as SpongeBob SquarePants and have to rest my arms after flailing them about all day.”
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 MCVB appoints new Director Marketing & Communications
Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau (MCVB) has announced the appointment of Ms Hayley Blumenthal to the position of Director, Marketing & Communications.
MCVB’s CEO, Ms Sandra Chipchase, said: “It was a very hotly contested field as the MCVB’s reputation for innovation and success drew applications from around Australia as well as overseas.
“Hayley has tremendous experience in on-line, consumer and trade marketing having worked for Disney, Warner Bros and L’Oreal. In addition, Hayley’s strategic communication expertise will ensure that the MCVB progresses to a new level in destination marketing and communication delivery.”
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Exhibition Hire appoints account managers to complement expansion plans
12 January 2009
In a move that complements its industry expansion plans, Exhibition Hire today announced the appointment of Richard Blair as Account Manager in NSW and Brad Maye as Account Manager in
Queensland
.
Blair will be responsible for developing strategies to increase the sales and promotion of Exhibition Hire products and services in NSW. Maye will hold the same responsibilities across
Queensland
.
The appointments follow last year’s significant acquisition program, which saw Exhibition Hire acquire the AE Group in February, Onsite Power & Light in August and Expo Hire in September.
“Richard and Brad join us at a very exciting time, as we now have the critical mass to provide further products and enhanced services to our clients in NSW and Queensland,” Jim Delahunty, CEO, Exhibition Hire said.
“Both men boast a wealth of experience and expertise in sales management and their appointments are further evidence of our commitment to creating new business partnerships and consolidating existing client relationships.”
Blair brings considerable sales knowledge to Exhibition Hire, having worked as an Account Manager both in
Australia
and
Europe
for diverse companies including Ford Motor Company and Harry The Hirer.
A graduate of Queensland University of Technology, Maye provides a strong understanding of the events industry in
Queensland
, having served as Sales Manager Corporate and Events for Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre.
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