 
You will see from the articles in this edition of the “MEA National Newsletter” that we are entering very exciting and busy times at MEA. We have on-going activity occurring in each state and territory, and our intention is to increase this. The recent accreditation of MEA as a Registered Training Organisation has provided much potential for MEA to offer relevant corporate training as well as our on-going industry specific professional development. For more information on MEA’s registered training organisation status please see page 7 of this edition of mice.net. I look forward to further updating you on each of MEA’s exciting initiatives into the future.
Alice Springs is a thriving, spirited outback centre - as famous for the personality of its locals as the natural wonders that surround it. The region lies in the hearts of all Australians. This region holds not only one of the most culturally significant icons of Aboriginal and Australian culture, Uluru/Ayers Rock, it also holds onto the true outback spirit that made this country great. Whether you’re a born-and-bred Australian or visitor from abroad, touring Alice Springs and the centre gives you an appreciation of the vast and unspoiled wonders of Australia’s interior.
Nature overwhelms you in the Northern Territory. The skyscrapers are made out of rock, not steel, and one of the best shows in town is the million-star display at night. The large population of unique animals, birds and reptiles proves that this arid climate is more than hospitable. Wallabies, dingoes, emus, tiny geckos and huge eagles are just some of the long-established locals you’ll see around the region.
The town of Alice Springs is the product of another breed of the region’s immigrants, the 19th century pioneers who opened up this country’s interior. Since their arrival, Alice Springs has evolved into a modern outback town, with all the creature comforts of a capital city. It is the hub of Central Australia, making it the perfect base for your explorations of the region, as it did for the first explorers, from Uluru in the southwest to Tennant Creek in the north.
A great base from which to explore its surrounding natural wonders, the town itself defies most travellers’ expectations combining a strong sense of its outback history with all the convenience of modern facilities. Most of all, it is the uncomplicated yet vibrant personality of Alice that leaves a lasting impression on visitors.
 The Aboriginal presence here is strong, their cultural and spiritual connection to this region echoes in every rock and landmark. You’ll have numerous opportunities to learn about and understand Aboriginal culture when you visit the Alice.
We look forward to welcoming you to Alice Springs and the Northern Territory!
AIME 2008, Australia’s largest meetings and incentives event, is pulling out all stops with a range of new initiatives planned for the event on February 19 and 20.
Ten new, 45-minute master classes on the hot topics in events – green issues, food selection, sponsorship, Gen X & Y, incentives, technology, parties and new ideas – will feature big names and expert panels.
Anyone looking for that wow factor will find AIME’s new product showcase a wonderful new addition. This area will feature first time exhibitors and companies launching new products.
Networking will be better than every at AIME 2008 with a new Melbourne venue for the welcome reception, and the first night of AIME left free of official functions. The Globe Restaurant & Bar will be the place to be seen during the last hour of AIME each day, to mingle over a drink or two.
 Hosted buyers will find AIME’s new zoning of appointments by region a real winner. No more rushing from one end of the exhibition to the other for appointments. And they are sure to appreciate the complimentary flights, provided to all interstate and international buyers who qualify.
MEA is delighted to welcome additional Meetings & Events Industry Award sponsors:
Virgin Blue
– Meetings & Event of the Year Awards
Sydney Showground – Platinum Award
Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre
– Environmental Contribution Award
These sponsors join the already announced sponsors of the awards program:
Dockside Group (Venues of Australia)
– Meetings & Event Management Awards
AIME 08 – Products & Services Awards
Ungerboeck Systems International
– Venues Awards
Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre – Outstanding Contribution Award
ICMS Australasia
– Convention Bureau / Tourist Organisation
VIRGIN BLUE SPONSORS YMEA
We are also very pleased to announce Virgin Blue as our National YMEA sponsor. This sponsorship support will allow MEA to further develop our YMEA activities around the country to support young, upcoming professionals in the business events industry.
USI believes that its high profile presence as the events industry’s premier software provider naturally deserves the company’s contribution to ensure the future growth and development of talented and mature leaders, mentors and business owners. Ungerboeck Systems International, fo r its part, reaps its reward from its contribution to the MEA’s Young Professional Scholarship Award through USI’s continued recognition as a key corporate financial supporter that has identified the value in supporting and nurturing the development of Australia’s future events industry leaders.
"The Young Professional Scholarship gives people like me, young professionals working in the industry an amazing opportunity to learn directly from industry professionals and also gives us a chance to meet and build those ever important business relationships."
Dennis Stockman, Education Officer - Public Programs
Australian War Memorial, Canberra
"I would encourage anyone working in the meetings and events industry who meets the specified criteria to apply for this scholarship. It has been a wonderful experience for me."
Alicia White, Will Organise
The following members have recently attained MEA Associate-Fellow status (AFMEA):
Sonja Soderbom – Tour Hosts
Michelle Mann – Conrad Jupiters
Karine Bulger – Meeting Planners
This training course is only offered by MEA once a year. It is an exclusive MEA Executive Certificate course, accessing up-to-date industry information presented by current industry high-achievers.
Held in Sydney from December 3-6, it is designed for those who have between one and three years’ meetings industry work experience and who need an intensive training experience to move them along their career path. Each day of training offers students an opportunity to learn from the best in the industry and exchange thoughts and ideas by way of working together in small groups.
Due to the nature and popularity of the course, only a limited number of places are available. Students who have registered for the course so far are coming from all over Australia, possessing different levels of experience in the meetings and events industry.
This is a learning opportunity not to be missed! Book your place on-line via the MEA website www.meetingsevents.com.au or for more information call the MEA National Office on 02 9929 5400.
We look forward to seeing you in December!
I have just been reading an article entitled “Destination Dilemma” which illustrates some conference stories from hell – all because the organiser chose the wrong destination or venue (this was not an Australian article I might add). Destinations that were too wonderful to work in (often called Paradise) where delegates sat in their suits in a dark room looking at a screen knowing that metres away people were lying on the beach enjoying themselves. Dreary venues (usually near a roundabout just off a major motorway) where delegates were locked in a room for four days and spent every night propping up the bar talking to the same grey suits and eating buffet-style conference food.
I am here to tell you now that MEA 2008 will be none of the above. In Alice Springs delegates will have the right balance of work and play – the sun will shine and the fabulous surroundings will provide an amazing backdrop for an award-winning social program. Our hosts are getting ready right now for our arrival and registrations will commence very soon so make sure you are one of the early birds.
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