Another successful YMEA event was hosted by Great Southern Railway on the 27th October 2010, aboard luxurious carriages from the great Australian Train Journeys fleet.

Guests were greeted by Jos Engelaar and Renee Cornelissen from Great Southern Railway’s. Guests then preceded to the Outback Explorer lounge for a fantastic networking opportunity, accompanied with sumptuous five star canapés.

A life learning curve was presented by Vivienne McCabe, Associate Professor (Hospitality Management) and Academic Director for the Le Cordon Blue program at the University of South Australia. Vivienne shared with the group, her theory of time management using the ‘McCabe Menagerie.’ This easy to follow theory encouraged everyone to face their challenges by squashing the ants in life and setting aside time to go elephant hunting every day!

Ending the night with a highly entertaining and knowledgeable tour of all the different carriages, was a highlight for all guests. It seemed evident that holding a business meeting on the way to an interstate destination could certainly be an effective use of time and a unique experience for all delegates involved.

Cara Finneran
Adelaide Convention Bureau

YMEA hosted more than 50 young industry professionals on Wednesday 25 August at the stunning Sofitel on Collins. Guests were treated to a beautiful menu of fine wines and tasty canapés throughout the night and enjoyed a range of interactive activities and speed networking games. The group was also given the opportunity to take a guided tour of the glamorous penthouse apartment on level 50 which encompassed breathtaking décor and an amazing view of the Melbourne skyline. YMEA guests commented on the relaxed atmosphere and were pleased to have made new contacts while relishing the chance to learn all about this very special hotel property.

Networking can be extremely daunting for both young industry professionals and even those with a lot more experience. This month’s YMEA event focused on making networking a more fun and vibrant activity for our YMEA members.

Set in the funky Canton Lounge Bar and facilitated by funny man Malcolm Dix our young members were instantly at ease in the setting and with the task that lied ahead. Similar to speed dating guests were paired up with another guest they did not know with 5 minutes to create a lasting contact and exchange business cards where applicable. With four rounds of 5 minute sessions the energy was high, the laughter infectious and the event was shedding a whole new outlook to networking.

The last hour of the event was used to continue traditional networking with drinks and canapés flowing. Due to the effectiveness of the speed networking activity we found all our guests were mingling a lot more than usual and ensuring they spoke to most people at the event.

All our feedback was tremendous;

“It was fantastic to be able to broaden our networking prospects with like-minded people”

“We both thoroughly enjoyed the speed networking”

Although numbers were lower at this event in comparison to previous events the moral was much higher and we had guests that didn’t want the night to end. In conclusion we believe by introducing this method of networking guests were able to make great potential business contacts just by briefly talking with someone which will hopefully result in bigger numbers to our next function.

Veronica Thomas
WA YMEA Committee Member

 

YMEA NSW members are now questioning everyone they know as to whether they are the 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th born child in their family, after an inspirational presentation from world renowned psychoanalyst Jackie Furey on Thursday 3 June 2010 at Merivale’s, Establishment.

Jackie, director of Bedrooms to Boardrooms, says ‘life is all about our relationships – both personally and professionally. Our reputation is key to our success in all areas of our lives.’ She discussed the differing traits shown by adults due to their position within their family, and how this affects one’s work and daily life, thus aiding YMEA members with understanding and building workplace relationships.

With over 50 attendees, it was a wonderful opportunity for guests to network (having plenty to talk about and compare) with peers and the chance to begin the development of strong business relationships.

“Thank you to the YMEA Committee for organising such an excellent educational event last night. I really had a great time!”

David Quinn | Business Development Executive | Australian Jockey Club Ltd

“I truly enjoyed being your guest speaker and especially enjoyed chatting to everyone afterwards.  What an inspirational group of people.  It was fantastic to be in a room of such positive energy and generosity of spirit”.

Jackie Furey | Bedrooms to Boardroom

We look forward to seeing you at our next event!

SophieRose Wachtel
YMEA NSW Committee Chair

 

 

The second event for SA YMEA was held at the Mercure Grosvenor Hotel Adelaide on Thursday 8th April 2010. The theme of this event was "Women in Business" and guests who attended the event, enjoyed a delightful breakfast hosted by the Mercure Grosvenor. They also had the privilege of hearing from guests’ speakers, Jacqui Chapman, Business Development Executive of the Mercure Grosvenor Hotel Adelaide and Sandra Klein, Sales Manager of the Adelaide Event & Exhibition Centre. Both Jacqui and Sandra, who have young children, spoke of their previous experience within the events industry and how they created a balance between their work and life.

To finish off the morning, The Mercure Grosvenor offered a site tour of their property, which show cased the great facilities they have and the unique history of the hotel.

SA YMEA would like to thank the Mercure Grosvenor Hotel Adelaide for sponsoring the event and Jacqui Chapman and Sandra Klein for their time.

 

 

The SA YMEA group held their first event for the year at the Glenelg Pier Hotel on Wednesday 13 January. Victoria Walter from the Glenelg Pier Hotel took the group on a site visit of their absolute beachfront function rooms and catering areas.

 

Keynote speaker Georgie Maddox from Maddox Events provided a wine tasting and spoke about her rise up the corporate ladder and reasons for starting her own successful event management company in the McLaren Vale. After 3 years of business, Maddox Events has branched out into other regions including the Adelaide Hills, the Claire Valley and bringing the wine tourism experience to Adelaide CBD venues.

 

The group of young professionals who attended this session were highly motivated by the presentation; we may just see a budding YMEA member follow Georgie's example.

 

Thank you to Glenelg Pier Hotel for sponsoring this event.

 

Brylee McFarlane

Event Planners Australia