Meetings & Events Australia

Board of Directors

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About MEA • Board of Directors• MEA Management

Meetings & Events Australia Ltd is an independent non profit body with a national office and seven branch secretariats around Australia. Each branch runs an education program through out the year. Most activities are open to members and non-members. Contact the particular branch for further details.

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors consists of 5 members, inclusive of 3 office bearers and 2 additional executive members.

Chair

Ms Anne Jamieson
Chief Executive Officer – Saxton Speakers Bureau

View Bio

	Board Members
Ms Kate Smith AMM Managing Director – WALDRONSMITH Management View Bio As Managing Director of WALDRONSMITH Management, Kate Smith brings to the role 30 years experience in the business events industry, primarily in the hotel and conference management sectors. Kate offers clients substantial knowledge and expertise in the strategic planning and delivery of international and national conferences throughout Australia. Understanding the complexity of the market, Kate works extensively with suppliers and major stakeholders in the industry to ensure effective relationships produce outstanding results for clients and their delegates. Kate is actively involved in the business events industry and is genuinely passionate about the role that she undertakes.
Alana Hay AFMEA Director – Milestone Creative Australia Pty Ltd View Bio Alana is the founder of Milestone Creative Australia, which celebrates 10 years in 2018. Aland is an industry professional with 25 years' experience, and has been instrumental in the acquisition, development and marketing of the largest and most prestigious Business and Major events and destinations in Australia. Alana is active in the industry, has served 2 years on the MEA Board and prior to that, 8 years on MEA NSW Branch. She is an Accredited Fellow Member of MEA, was awarded Sales, Marketing or Business Development Person of the Year and the National Award for Event Marketing at the Meetings & Events Australia National Awards in 2018.
Michael Firman AFMEA General Manager (Vic) – Harry the Hirer View Bio I have been working in the meetings and events industry for over 25 years. After competing my graduate diploma of Australian Tourism in 1992, I began working for Club Méditerranée as a 'gentil organisateur' working as a group leader and entertainment officer for resort guests, conference delegates and incentive groups. Upon returning to Melbourne in 1998, I commenced a career in events working with Staging Connections as a Venue Services manager, posted in venues such as Carlton Crest (Pullman Albert Park), Park Hyatt Melbourne and Crown Towers. In 2005, I worked for a short time with Haycom Staging before commencing a career in the exhibition industry in 2006 with Expohire, which became Exponet in 2008, where I remained as the Melbourne Sales Manager for 8½ years. For the past 4 years I have been employed as the General Manager of Exhibitions at Harry the hirer.
	MEA Chief Executive Officer
Ms Robyn Johnson Chief Executive Officer – Meetings & Events Australia View Bio Robyn Johnson is the Chief Executive Officer of Meetings & Events Australia that is a not for profit organisation representing 600 members in the events sector. Meetings and Events Australia offers professional development and educational programs, accreditation and recognition. It provides a forum for members to discuss current issues to improve the delivery of events. Prior to this role Robyn was the Managing Director of an event management company that organised international and national conferences for the association, government and corporate sectors. Robyn is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has a solid background in developing and implementing business strategies for organisations. Linda Gaunt is the Chief Executive Officer of Meetings & Events Australia - MEA (formerly the Meetings Industry Association of Australia). Linda has held this position for the past three and a half years, during which time she has driven a positive change management process for the association. As Chief Executive Officer of MEA, Linda is a member of the following Boards and Councils: • The Industry Advisory Board to Tourism Australia • The Industry Advisory Council to Service Skills Australia • The Virgin Blue Industry Advisory Board • The Business Events Council of Australia • The Federal Minister for Tourisms Business Events Strategy 2020 Group Linda is also a member of: • The Australian Institute of Management • International Special Events Society Prior to taking up her current position in 2005, Linda was the Deputy CEO and Director of Education and Training of the Australia Institute of Management. Linda is the Telstra 2005 South Australian Business Woman of the Year as well as the South Australian Hudson and Community Business Woman of the Year 2005. Born in Belfast Northern Ireland and completing her schooling in Adelaide, Linda holds post-graduate studies through to a doctorate in business administration. Linda is enjoying the challenges and rewards that holding the role of Chief Executive of MEA has brought, and believes her background working within Association Management with various industry bodies will assist her drive MEA to greater heights ongoing. One of Linda's key strengths is her understanding of membership organisations and the importance she places on maintaining and growing membership. Each of the organisations that she has worked for in the past have been membership based and she understands well the commitment necessary to represent members at all levels and to provide value to members to retain their commitment to the organisation.

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