The upcoming Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia (EEAA) conference in Melbourne in November will feature a stellar line-up of speakers to focus on key areas for the industry, including the “internationalising” of local events.
EEAA chief executive, Joyce DiMascio, said the conference program this year will focus around three key areas: “Internationalising” events, products and services; the security landscape around events and what’s driving consumer engagement.
“We are honoured to have the CEO of Austrade, Bruce Gosper, and Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) Director – Australia and New Zealand, Bonnie Shek head the line-up for the international theme.” DiMascio said.
“Matt Jones, Director & Creative Strategist of Better Happy will deliver a wake-up call about customer communications and behaviour. In addition, a panel including Victorian Police will address the topical subject of event security.”
“We always aim to deliver outstanding content and this year will be no exception. The program is intensive, strategic and challenging and directly aligned with issues that matter to the industry – right here, right now,” DiMascio said.
The EEAA has made strides to strengthen ties between members and Austrade this year. The government export agency will be attending the EEAA conference with CEO Bruce Gosper confirmed as one of the speakers. Other speakers confirmed include those from the Hong Kong Trade Development Council to discuss successful launch of new initiatives, potentially to benefit Australian members.
“The program also includes speakers from within the EEAA community. Our Members are always keen to hear from organisers of trade and consumer exhibitions so we’ll have an interesting panel discussion with Reed Exhibitions Executive Director, John Gorton; Gaming Technologies Association CEO, Ross Ferrar; Exhibitions & Trade Fairs MD, Gary Daly; National Media MD, Mark Harvey; and WALDRONSMITH Management MD, Kate Smith,” DiMascio said.
The conference commences in Melbourne on 19 November with the 2014 Conference and Awards for Excellence on Thursday, 20 November. The Awards night will honour the high achievers in the industry in the Melbourne Room at the MCEC.
“This year’s Conference encourages in-depth discussions with top-tier speakers, offers great networking and will be a rewarding experience for attendees.
“The industry has undergone many changes in 2014 following the closure of the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre – events have relocated to other venues and cities. New events have been launched. The conference, which coincides with the end of the 2014 event season, will provide an important opportunity to assess where the industry has landed,” DiMascio said.
