A hot line-up of industry experts to navigate the risks of business events in the post-COVID era

August 16, 2021

Planning and executing events in the post-COVID era is a risky business. From negotiating contracts with suppliers to buying the best insurance, and simply understanding terms such as force majeure, there is a lot to wrap your head around to ensure you’re ready for any situation that develops. The good news is you’re not alone and it’s also not too late to tune in to the ‘Risky Business’ webinar hosted by  MCI Australia and Melbourne Convention Bureau’s (MCB) tomorrow 18 August at 10am (AEST).

Moderated by MCB’s Chief Executive Julia Swanson a panel discussion will delve into all of these topics, and help you understand not only the conversations you should be having, but also the questions you should be asking to prepare yourself and your organisation for your next business event.

Speakers:

Julia Swanson – Moderator

Chief Executive, Melbourne Convention Bureau

Since joining MCB in 2010, Julia has led the business development, bidding, convention servicing, research & Government relations teams on the successful acquisition and delivery of some of the world’s largest and most prestigious business events. She has personally led the bids for some of the most highly acclaimed global medical conferences including the International AIDS Conference 2014, World Congress of Cardiology 2014 & the World Congress of Nephrology 2019. In 2020 Julia was appointed to the Leadership Team of The Association of Australian Convention Bureaux (AACB), a demonstration of her leadership and expertise in the business events industry in Australia. She is also currently on the board of the BestCities Global Alliance. Prior to joining MCB, Julia was the Area Director of Sales and Marketing VIC/SA/WA with IHG (InterContinental, Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn hotels) overseeing the Sales & Marketing performance of 8 hotels as well as new hotel openings across the region.

Matt Crouch - Panellist

Solicitor and Principal, Matt Crouch Legal

Matt Crouch is well-known as the legal expert in the conference and events sector, having specialised for over 35 years in assisting event participants of all kinds, particularly PCOs, event managers (including many who operate in-house, within associations) venues and others.  Matt practices as a solicitor, teaches event-law and frequently contributes legal columns in events industry publications.  You may have seen him at one of his many presentations at events-industry conferences, webinars and professional development sessions.  Matt’s approach is always to speak plainly, to unpack legal complexity and provide practical solutions.

Al Dart - Panellist

Broking Director for Conferences, Exhibitions & Expos, Poke Insure

Al Dart specialises in insurance for the Business Event, Live Entertainment & Leisure sectors, working with PCO’s and Event Managers to ensure appropriate protection from financial loss should an unforeseen event occur. Al is Managing Director at Spoke Insure, with a background in Underwriting on behalf of the largest Events and Entertainment insurer at Lloyd’s of London.

Laura Reddaway - Panellist

Sales Manager for Conferences & Events, CENTREPIECE at Melbourne Park

Laura holds over a decade of experience as a dedicated events specialist working across world-class venues, leading event companies and trade shows.  She lives and breathes events and is most passionate about creating meaningful connections and moments, which is why she’s so excited for the opening of CENTREPIECE at Melbourne Park. In her role as Sales Manager at CENTREPIECE, Laura draws on her experience as both a client and supplier when working with Associations, PCO’s and the Melbourne Convention Bureau to create memorable, magnetic experiences for her clients.

Steph Bee - Panellist

Director of Operations, MCI Australia

Stephanie has extensive industry experience and the successful delivery of national and international conferences to her credit. Joining MCI in 1999, she has worked on over seventy (70) major conferences ranging in size from 100 to 12,000 attendees. Stephanie is a three-time recipient of the Meetings and Events Australia Award for Excellence for managing Australia’s best meeting, both under and over 500 delegates.

Start to unpack navigating the risks of business events in a post-pandemic era and register your spot today! https://bit.ly/3jfzHV0