The Nibbler snuck in a catch-up with Business Events Geelong’s convention bureau manager just before Chrissy break. Turns out he’s been catching a few waves, cooking plenty of Hello Fresh meals and listening to the wise words of Warren Buffett.
What are you reading?
The truth is I don’t read a lot of books, but I listen to them on Audible. I’m currently into The Warren Buffett Way.
What are you watching?
I feel like I’m rather late to this party, but I have almost finished Schitt’s Creek. Roland Schitt for mayor!
What are you listening to?
Anything that comes on smoothfm.
What are you cooking?
I’ve been getting Hello Fresh boxes delivered and I love them. It’s a great way to get creative in the kitchen while following easy-to-understand recipes.
How are you staying fit both physically and mentally?
I like to hit the waves at 13th Beach two to three times a week for a surf.
What’s the one thing keeping you sane?
The countdown to Christmas break!
What’s something positive you’ve witnessed or experienced since the coronavirus hit?
Spending more time with family, whilst working from home.
What have you learned about yourself amid the pandemic?
Through watching my team and our members, I learned a lesson in resilience. I’ve watched colleagues and operators juggle the pivoting of businesses and home-schooling. I’ve seen conferences and tradeshows taken online due to regulations surrounding mass gatherings.
The lockdowns in Victoria were among the strictest in the world, and while it’s been tough, it’s been inspiring to see people rise to the challenge.
What’s your advice for others in the MICE industry on recovering from the impacts of COVID-19 and adapting to the ‘new normal’?
The MICE industry was one of the hardest hit during the pandemic, and will be one of the slowest to recover.
My advice is to try and focus on the factors that can be controlled – not what can’t be controlled. We’re experiencing a global pandemic right now – it’s okay not to have all the answers while we adjust and adapt to the new normal.
