MEA has been very fortunate to have the continuing support of Ungerboeck Systems International (USI) over a number of years for our Young Professional Scholarships.

These scholarships entitle successful applicants – one each from NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, ACT, WA and TAS/NT to a complimentary MEA conference registration, return airfares to the conference destination and accommodation.

Local branch committees and USI representatives interview the short listed candidates and it is often a difficult decision to select the most deserving winners.

Our recent scholarship winners attended the MEA National Conference in Melbourne and here are just a few comments about their experiences:

“Winning the Ungerboeck Systems International NSW Young Professional Scholarship started a fantastic year for me. As a young professional, I thoroughly enjoyed learning some life-long skills to take back to the work place. It was also a great honour to be with the ‘cream of the crop’ of Australia’s meeting and events industry. Also to be highlighted as a scholarship winner made my journey that little bit easier to network.

“I would like to thank the sponsors of the Young Professional Scholarship as it really gave me the opportunity to mix with the best in the industry and learn important skills to take my career to the next level. Also to my employer vervecreative for letting me leave the office when we are extremely busy! Finally MEA, your leadership really supports the young professionals and we are looking forward to the advancements this year. See you all in Brisbane next year!”
- Sarah Harvey, project coordinator, vervecreative, NSW

“Being the fortunate winner of the 2009 MEA VIC/USI Young Professional Scholarship, I was given the overwhelming opportunity to attend this year’s MEA National Conference. With broad education sessions, inspirational plenary sessions, non-stop entertainment at all social functions and endless networking opportunities, I truly felt… with one grasp I could benefit from the knowledge and experience of my mentors.”
- Ashleigh Rimmer, event coordinator, Law Institute of Victoria, VIC

“Each session I attended gave me new perceptions and understandings of the meetings and events industry; whether it be directly or indirectly related.

"Overall, the 23rd MEA National Conference has allowed me to become more conversant with the industry and I feel extremely proud to be a part of it. It has extended my network base; making life-long colleagues/friends.
“I am motivated to continue my representation on the ACT Y MEA committee and to be an active member of the industry itself. I would like to thank MEA and Ungerboeck Systems International for giving me this incredible opportunity.”
- Emma Papas, events assistant, National Convention Centre, Canberra

“It was an absolute honour to be chosen as the WA representative for the 2009 Ungerboeck Systems International Young Professional Scholarship. The opportunity to attend the annual MEA conference has been invaluable in developing my own skills and expanding national recognition of the company I represent. The opportunity to listen to a variety of speakers offering different methods on various topics directly and indirectly relating to my profession was also advantageous.”
- Veronica Thomas, production manager, Phenomenon Event Services



Following the enthusiastic uptake of the programs MEA hopes to continue the existing programs and offer the opportunity to members in other states in the not too distant future.

The MEA / Business Events Australia NSW Mentor Program graduation was held at a reception at L’Aqua hosted by Dockside Group. Mentees were presented with certificates by Joyce DiMascio, head of Business Events Australia who spoke of the value of the program.

Participants in the program were:
• James Pegum, Parrimark Technology • Steve McKenzie, ASP Events • Gerard Ryan, Fabmosphere • El Kwang, Dockside Group • Simon Baggs, Lateral Marketing & Management • Meri Took, Staging Rentals & Construction Services • Tom Rutherford, fnb • Annabel Norris, Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre • Rosemarie Sama, Reed Travel Exhibitions • Caroline Hong, Australian Society for Ultrasound in Medicine • Donna Kessler, Tourism Portfolio • Ruth Lilian, L & R Contract Services • Ashleigh Basha, Hayman Island • Suzie Terenowski, Hilton Sales Worldwide • Elizabeth McKinnon, Constellation Hotels • Larissa Centorino, Dockside Group • Katie Boone, Business Events Sydney • Genevieve Tilleard, Australian College of Health Service Professionals • Christian McNally, Moreton Hire • Jane Hardie, EastSail • Sophie Rose Wachtel, Romeo’s Chair • Margot McTaggart, Great Southern E-vents • Sallie Rodd, Commonwealth Bank • Dennis Mehling, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth

The MEA / Melbourne Convention & Visitors Bureau VIC Mentor Program graduation was held during a plenary session of the MEA National Conference at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre. Mentors and mentees were acknowledged for their participation and mentees received a certificate from Sandra Chipchase, Chief Executive Officer of the MCVB.

Participants in the program were:
• Carson White, ICMI Speakers & Entertainers • Mark Bergin, EventOFFICE • Benjamin Stein, Telstra Corp • Rochelle Choyna, Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre • Peter Gray, Motivating People • Bea Tomlin, Safe not Sorry • Craig Bond, The Sebel & Citigate Albert Park Melbourne • Julie Allen, The Full Pretzel • Patrick Doyle, Durham AV • Phil Clark, t7 event solutions • Fiona Mercer, Staging Connections • Cathy Ashton, Melbourne & Olympic Parks • Jenna Lipshut, Melbourne Convention & Visitors Bureau • Laura Redaway, Aged & Community Service • Amy Byrne, State Library • Anthea Scerri, Novotel on Collins • Anna Solich, Melbourne Convention & Visitors Bureau • Michelle Young, IHG • Belinda Keay, Melbourne & Olympic Parks.

Top