Posted on April 19, 2023
Blog
Conferences
Event Management
A strong industry benefits everyone
There’s a saying that ‘A rising tide lifts all boats’, and for us, that encapsulates the role of a powerful industry body.
Cliftons are proud supporters of our industry body,
Meetings & Events Australia (MEA). Our CEO, Vanessa Green, serves on the board, and our Head of Marketing, Andra Wilkin, is on the NSW committee.
We’re spotlighting what Meetings & Events Australia does and some of the benefits you and your organisation can get as members.
Connecting with industry peers
A powerful benefit of any industry association is the networking opportunities, and MEA is no exception. MEA holds events geared towards connecting with industry peers throughout Australia, frequently showcasing the newest venues and giving you ideas for your own future events.
For example, MEA’s recent NSW kick-off event for 2023 was held aboard the luxurious vessel, The Jackson. Over one hundred event professionals came together to experience great food, top-tier service and a site inspection of a brand-new venue – all with Sydney’s iconic harbour as a backdrop. You can keep an eye on upcoming events on the MEA calendar.
Boosting your career with mentoring
Guidance from those who’ve walked the path before you can be incredibly powerful in helping you carve your own career path. Since 2008, MEA’s Mentor Program has supported hundreds of people in their career’s early stages to greater success.
This mentoring program relies on the ongoing support of sponsors like EventsAir, high-level sector mentors, generously sharing their industry know-how and insights to develop future leaders. It’s a rewarding experience for mentors and mentees, helping shape a strong and vibrant events sector for Australia.
Whether you’re looking to boost your career or ready for an opportunity to give back, you can find out more about the MEA mentoring program here.
The latest industry knowledge
A commitment to education and continuous learning can help accelerate your career progression, and this is something that MEA does incredibly well.
As a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), MEA provides many avenues of education, including:
- A Diploma of Event Management (SIT50316)
- Bespoke training workshops tailored to your organisational requirements
- Events Essentials units for people starting out and needing a solid foundation to build an events career
- A library of on-demand webinars for MEA members.
If you’re keen to explore professional development and education opportunities, you can learn more about the curriculum, enrolment requirements, and custom training at the MEA website.
Shine a light on your success
As an industry association, MEA knows the members are the real stars. That’s why they also run an annual awards program, allowing members to highlight their achievements and get industry recognition.
The MEA awards have 38 awards across nine diverse categories. This includes the prestigious Outstanding Contribution Award, which honours the achievements of a remarkable individual from our sector who has been at the forefront of discussion and industry change, and who continues to nurture the future leaders of events in Australia.
MEA’s National Awards Night will be held on the Gold Coast on the evening of 8 June, where the industry will celebrate the achievements and excellence of their peers on a national scale. Book tickets here.
An annual conference to hear from the best of the events industry
In addition to an ongoing events program throughout the year, MEA hosts an annual conference, Evolve. Evolve is the Australian events industry’s leading professional development and networking conference, bringing together individuals, influencers and representatives of businesses that deliver, host or supply to events. It brings together the breadth of the industry in one event, with a conference program curated by the events industry for the events industry.
MEA Evolve 2023 will be held 7-8 June 2023 at The Star Gold Coast, with registrations now open. Cliftons will be there, and we’d love to see you too!
Keen to join?
As Australia’s oldest and one of the most significant events industry associations, MEA offers membership options for individuals and businesses, with opportunities for event owners and operators, event venues, and event industry suppliers. Sign up today for a 12-month membership and beat the rate increase later this year.
Join now to access amazing learning and networking opportunities, job listings, a member directory, and discounted options to promote your business through MEA communications channels. Cliftons know that together, we are stronger. That’s why we look forward to continuing to raise the profile of meetings and events with Australian business and government audiences as part of MEA and hope to connect with more of you through this dynamic forum over the coming months.
About Cliftons
Event Solutions
If you’re ready to start bringing your event plans to life, talk to our
team to discuss your goals.
Start with a no-obligation chat about what you want to achieve, and our team can guide you through the services we offer.
In the spirit of reconciliation Cliftons Event Solutions acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
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