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MEA Board announces review of accreditation programs
At the recent MEA Board meeting, directors took the decision to review our current industry accreditation program. Key accredited members will be asked to join the review committee with the view to enhancing the program from commencement of application to finalisation. Outcomes will include:
• An ethics panel
• Increased post accreditation marketing
• Review of application process
• More information will be shared on-going.
At the recent AIME exhibition in Melbourne it was announced that MEA has secured two new national supporters. mice.net magazine and Staging Connections have joined Qantas and AIME in the prestigious role of MEA national supporter.
MEA has many sponsors around Australia in various capacities and we thank each of them for their commitment to the industry. The accolade of national supporter is not bestowed lightly and we offer our sincere thanks to Helen Batt-Rawden from mice.net magazine and to Karen Bolinger from Staging Connections who have both on behalf of their companies worked diligently with MEA to become national supporters of their industry association.
For more information on the criteria required to become a national supporter of MEA please contact our national office on (02) 9929 5400.
- Linda Gaunt, chief executive officer
Moreton Hire’s Paul Hodgson recently attained MEA Associate Fellow Status (AFMEA).
Paul has been with Moreton Hire, Melbourne for the past three years. Commencing as an account manager in exhibitions Paul gained a solid understanding of the exhibitions and events industry by working on an array of exhibitions nationally. Moving into a business development role for the past two years, Paul has concentrated mainly on new business in the exhibitions field, along with the advertising and exhibiting for Moreton Hire. 
Previous to Moreton Hire Paul managed a satellite office for a national promotional and marketing agency. This diverse role enabled Paul to conceptualise, create, and roll out many national advertising and marketing campaigns. Paul is a member of the MEA functions committee Victoria, Victorian committee member of the Fred Hollows Foundation, and chair of the Victorian Fred Hollows Foundation Junior Committee.
The state and national MEA Awards online judging took place earlier this year and we had a great team of hard-working awards judges. Congratulations to those who entered into the MEA Awards.
Around the nation state award celebrations have taken place recognising their local industry colleague’s hard work and excellence. Congratulations to those who entered into the MEA Awards and reached state and national finalists level.
The Meetings & Events Industry National Award presentation and gala dinner will be taking place at the 21st National Conference in Alice Springs from May 10 – 12, 2008.
On Monday, May 12, join the industry as MEA rewards excellence and merit.
Don’t miss out on a great night of celebrations as well as a conference to remember!
Recognising our national award winners, the night will surround you with glitz and glamour celebrated in black and silver style, an awards ceremony, a milestone birthday and a gala dinner. A perfect combination to match the beauty of Alice Springs!
MEA was delighted with the large number of applicants for this year’s Young Professional Scholarships sponsored by Ungerboeck Systems International (USI). Ungerboeck Systems International is the leading provider of integrated software solutions for the business events sector and have been supporting this great initiative for a number of years.
The scholarships, offered on a national basis, entitle seven young industry professionals to attend the MEA National Conference in Alice Springs in 2008, and include full conference registration, accommodation, and air travel.
The seven successful candidates who’ll be at the conference are: New South Wales: Alicia Hutchinson, Tourism Australia. Victoria: Lauren Broadfield-Glass, Event Planners Australia. Queensland: Michelle Stewart, Gold Coast Tourism. South Australia: Joshua Gronow, Elite Audio Visual. ACT: Daniel McAlpine, National Convention Centre Canberra. Western Australia: Annette Beattie, Hyatt Regency Perth. Tasmania/NT: Kiera Petrie, The Best Conference & Events Company (NT).
Student Scholarships were also run in NSW and Victoria for students in their final year of undergraduate or TAFE equivalent studies in courses related to the meetings and events industry and the successful recipients will join the Young Professionals at the MEA Alice Springs conference.
The Victorian scholarship, sponsored by ICMS Pty Ltd together with fundraising activities of the MEA Victoria members was won by Simon Patterson of Holmesglen TAFE. The NSW scholarship sponsored by AV1 Audio Visual Production was won by SophieRose Wachtel, International College of Management Sydney.
Scholarships for the 2009 conference open later in the year. For more information contact the MEA national office on (02) 9929 5400.
The MEA National Conference is fast approaching and before you know it we will be meeting again at this national event in Alice Springs.
Those of you who have attended a MEA National Conference in the past know that it facilitates great networking opportunities and also allows delegates to take part in a fantastic educational program.
This year will not be an exception. We have a great conference program in store for you over the three days of the conference and a social program to complement this year’s unique destination.
You can download the day by day program from the conference website. www.meetingsevents.com.au/alicesprings. There is still time to register as an exhibitor at this premier event, due to attract more than 450 delegates. For more information on how to become an exhibitor please contact MEA national events manager Anna Tartakovskaia on (02) 9929 5400.
Don’t Forget: Conference registrations close on Wednesday, April 23, 2008.
 
This highly regarded intensive training program will be held for the first time in Queensland in June 2008.
Conrad Jupiters on the Gold Coast will be the venue for the program, which is designed for those with less than three years’ experience in the meetings industry. The 3.5 day course aims to provide participants with a comprehensive knowledge of the scope of the meetings and events industry, a methodology for organising meetings and events, and interactive opportunities for participants to develop and broaden their current skill base.
The program is conducted by industry professionals and practitioners to ensure relevance and currency.
Any enquiries regarding this course should be directed to Sasha Turner at sturner@mea.org.au.
From April 2008, the new Premium Economy cabin and seating will be offered progressively on Qantas international Boeing 747-400 aircraft and on its fleet of new A380 being delivered from August 2008.
The Qantas Premium Economy cabin would appeal to economy travellers seeking more space, comfort and an enhanced level of service. The Premium Economy seat was designed by Marc Newson – the designer of the award-winning Skybed sleeper seat. The seats offer extra width and recline, more legroom, and an in-arm digital wide screen television monitor, as well as laptop power connection.
Premium Economy will also include a self-service bar offering a selection of refreshments throughout the flight, in addition to the regular choice of meals designed by Neil Perry’s Rockpool Group, premium wines, superior tableware and soft furnishings.
Other key features of Premium Economy include:
the world’s best Premium Economy recline and leg room – nine inch seat recline and up to 42 inch seat pitch • extra wide, 19.5 inch seat width • ergonomic cushioning • larger, in-arm touch screen video monitor • multiport jack with USB (A380 only) and RJ45 ports • a six-way adjustable headrest • an integrated leg rest with fold-out footrest, and • a wide centre console with a fixed cocktail table and in-arm meal table.
Premium Economy customers will also have a dedicated check-in area.
Premium Economy will be located on the main deck of B747 aircraft with 32 seats in a two-four-two configuration. On the A380, the cabin will be located on the upper deck with 32 seats in a two-three-two configuration.
MEA is pleased to be the official partner of the AEE show seminar program for a second year.
After a very successful program in 2007, MEA will manage an informative and relevant seminar program with a range of topics suited to all event and meeting managers in the corporate, association and government sectors.
Speakers from a wide range of industry segments will ensure that this year’s program will be stimulating and educational and seminar attendees can earn professional development points which go towards accreditation or recognition programs for MEA members.
The seminars will be held in conjunction with the show on Wednesday, May 21 and Thursday, May 22, 2008, at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre and advance bookings are recommended.
For more information on the seminars visit www.australianeventsexpo.com/
 
MEA’s 2008 directory, “Who’s Who in Meetings & Events” is the biggest and brightest yet! As well as being sent to MEA members, more than 3500 have been distributed to meeting planners Australia-wide including in excess of 450 to hosted buyers at AIME in Melbourne.
The so called “industry bible” is a comprehensive directory with key contacts, descriptions of services and features an easy-to-follow index of categories and locations. The online version is up and running too with a great search engine at www.meetingsevents.com.au/whoswho.
In addition, the 2008 edition carries a great feature on the meetings & events industry award winners and lists accredited and recognised MEA members – those with demonstrated achievements and dedication to the meetings and events industry – both are a great place to start when looking for meeting managers or suppliers.
The Who’s Who is free for meeting planners. Contact MEA on (02) 9929 5400 or email mea@mea.org.au for your copy.
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