Press Releases

Driving industry-leading discussions and change

SYDNEY – 30 November 2022: Cliftons CEO Vanessa Green has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the industry body, Meeting and Events Australia (MEA). This was a contested election, voted on by MEA members.

“MEA is the voice of the events industry in Australia, and I’m honoured to have been elected to the board. The events sector is continuing to face the challenges and opportunities of an evolving business world, so the chance to lead discussions and shape our industry is something I’m excited to be a part of,” said Vanessa Green, Cliftons CEO and Meeting and Events Australia board member.

MEA is the largest network of event professionals in Australia. Founded in 1975, it is dedicated to advancing Australia’s events industry. The Australian events sector employs more than 229,000 professionals who stage, produce, manage, support and supply the 480,000+ events held in Australia annually.

“Australia’s events sector is diverse, including major events, festivals, conferences, meetings, exhibitions, launches, seminars and more. My focus as a board member will be on representing the views and needs of Australia’s business, government and association clients who rely strongly on events to communicate with their diverse audiences. The capacity of events to contribute to our national economy is significant, and I’m looking forward to driving the continued growth of our industry and positioning Australia as a leading destination for meetings and events,” continued Vanessa.

MEA CEO Peter McDonald commented, “MEA’s members have deemed Vanessa’s acquired industry and career experience, along with that of the other new Directors, best complements that of continuing Directors for governing the organisation’s forward direction. As the industry continues to adapt to change, I’ll value the fresh energy and perspective Vanessa, and indeed all Board members, will contribute to optimising the opportunities and navigating the challenges that this will present our business.”  

Other new appointments to the MEA board are Alicia Thomas (Royal International Convention Centre), Emma McDowell (Saxton Speakers Bureau), Thomas Staunton (SoldOut Events), and Mike Schrafft (VMS Event & Conference Logistics). They join continuing board members Michael Firman (Harry the hirer), Megan Peters (Lateral Event Management), Paul Davison (Sydney Masonic Centre) and Jess Glass (The University of Queensland), with Peter McDonald of MEA as Company Secretary.