Forthcoming Events in Sydney
Tuesday, April 5 -Educational & Networking Event (Speed Networking)
Tuesday, May 3 - Educational & Networking Event
Tuesday, June 7 - Educational & Networking Event
Friday, July 15 to Sunday, July 17 - Regional
Education Conference (REC)
Forthcoming Events in Melbourne
Tuesday, April 12 - Event Business in the Streets of
Melbourne (What’s Involved in the Staging of Public
Events)
Tuesday, May 6 - Entertainment is the Word (The Dos
and Don’ts of the Best Entertainment for Your Event)

BRENDAN BURKE

ISES SYDNEY CHAPTER PRESIDENT

PETER JONES

ISES MELBOURNE CHAPTER PRESIDENT

I was not surprised to hear the comment from an ISES member who said on her way to the Special Event Conference in the US, “I’m going to learn so much from what they all do…their events are better than what we do here!” I was disappointed, yes, for the initial thought, but relieved in the end to hear her comment after she returned: “I can’t believe what we’re doing in the events industry here is more often than not miles in front of what is being done overseas! They could learn a lot from us!”

Having been to these industry events overseas, I can only agree with this wholeheartedly and I wish that more ISES members could experience this themselves. While we might be small in numbers, we more than make up for it in the delivery of our events and services. We all regularly hear comments from international clients working in Australia on the outstanding level of service and quality of the product that is delivered. This is one of the key reasons that Australia is such a preferred destination in the MICE industry.

But that doesn’t mean we can sit back and relax! As an industry we need to continually improve and develop otherwise we will be left behind, as we all know our industry is very competitive. The saying “you’re only as good as your last event” is so true, and one of the great benefits of an organisation such as ISES is that we endeavour to educate our members, ensuring that they do provide the best possible product and service every time. I believe this is best achieved by working with and learning from other members of the industry and that’s one of the great things about being an ISES member! If you’re not a member and would like to find it more, then please contact either the ISES Sydney or ISES Melbourne secretariat. We will welcome you with open arms… and a glass of champagne!

It’s time to start working on your 2005 ISES Esprit Awards entries. The ISES Esprit Awards are awarded annually at ISES Eventworld - A Conference for Professional Development. This year the conference is being held in Los Angeles from August 11 to 13.

Recognition by your peers as a nominee or a recipient is one of the many reasons why you should enter the Esprits. Don’t forget about press releases to your clientele and the promotional benefits for future business. The Esprit is a well recognised international event industry award. Being showcased for your creativity and innovation will increase your profile. The deadline for entries is May 2. For more information visit www.ises.com

There is no doubt that in recent years, corporate entertainment has been established as an industry in its own right. With the increasing importance of customer recognition and face to face marketing, growing numbers of event organizers are being tasked with entertaining clients and staff in exciting, original and memorable ways. Keeping up with the latest trends is no easy task. Single Market Events has created a highly targeted event RSVP ’05 which recognizes the importance of special events, showcasing suppliers to the special events industry and just as importantly attracting those persons responsible for organising corporate events.

If you do visit the event, being held at Wharf 8 on June 1 and 2, take the time to stop in at the ISES stand and say hello.

The Business Events Council of Australia (BECA), of which ISES is a member, has elected Geoff Donaghy as its Chairman, succeeding Leigh Harry, CEO of the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre. Mr Donaghy is a director of the Board of Management of Ogden IFC. One of BECA’s tasks this year will be liaising closely with Tourism Australia regarding its establishment of an Events Unit, which is a key recommendation of the Federal Government’s Tourism White Paper.