Editor’s letter
	The great escape Australian meeting and event planners, hospitality and marketing professionals are in hot demand if the exodus of residents to far-flung destinations is anything to go by.

In the last month or so we have heard of countless departures of very senior individuals to work in countries that are no-doubt offering plenty of opportunities in terms of new challenges and top money.About two years after a “global search” for a new CEO the Melbourne Convention & Visitors Bureau will say goodbye to Garry Kingshott in February when he heads to Mumbai to take up a senior role with Jet Airways (India) Limited; long-time general manager of the Australian Incentive Travel Company, Gillian Taylor, is off to the United Arab Emirates to take up the position of MICE Manager of the Abu Dhabi Tourist Authority; and in October head of the Christchurch Convention Bureau, Mike Kelly announced he was leaving to head up the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre in Thailand.

Their departures follow that of many more industry professionals in recent months, lured by exceptional conditions and great perks.

At mice.net magazine we know of individuals leaving Australia to take up positions in China, Dubai, and many countries in Asia. This is without mentioning those working on upcoming Olympic Games in a variety of capacities.

While these stories are certainly a great thing for the individuals involved – and great to see that Australians and New Zealanders are deemed to have the skills to be considered and hired for these types of roles - is it good news for the industry at large? Are employers in Australia and New Zealand paying those working in the business events industry too little? And what of the cost to employers of hiring and re-hiring staff?

We welcome your feedback.