Event Details

Join us for an engaging and thought-provoking session with Steve Mackenzie, CVE, from Momentus Technologies, VMA's innovation partner. Steve will delve into the complex topic of technological disruption and its impact on our industry. Alongside our esteemed guest speaker Dwane Goodman, COO, Gema Group, he will explore whether technology is ultimately a friend or foe to the sector. The discussion will cover the benefits, challenges, and transformative effects of technological advancements, offering valuable insights into how these changes are shaping the future of our industry.

Speakers

  • Dwane Goodman (Chief Operating Officer at Gema Group Pty Ltd)

    Dwane Goodman

    Chief Operating Officer at Gema Group Pty Ltd

    Dwane joined the Gema Group as Chief Operating Officer in 2020, bringing with him 28 years’ experience in event delivery, catering and kitchen operation. Dwane is a graduate of the Venue Management School as well as holding a Diploma in Commercial Cookery. Dwane has worked in some of the world’s best hotels, stadiums and venues with stints in London, Indonesia and Thailand, as well as a major presence here in Australia. Working for chains like Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts, Emirates, Intercontinental Hotels and the Savoy Group. Working his way up through the kitchen to become the Group Executive Chef before making the switch to food and beverage operations and management. Dwane is part of the executive management team and oversees Gema’s group day to day operations in all 3 functional areas of the groups venue management, major event delivery and aviation lounges. Managing a national workforce in excess of 5000 staff members across events like the Melbourne F1, Moto GP, V8 Supercars, APT cup tennis as well as venues like GIO stadium, Brookvale oval, Cbus Super stadium, Queensland County Bank stadium, Central Coast stadium and Pointsbets stadium, to name a few.
    Dwane joined the Gema Group following eight years at the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW and Sydney Showground as the head of Catering & Customer Service. In his previous role Dwane managed the day to day operations of all event and non-event day catering and held the sites liquor licence. He has delivered 14 Sydney Royal Easter Shows, large scale music festivals and gala dinners for 2,500 people.

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  • Steve Mackenzie CVE (Chief Innovation Officer at Momentus Technologies)

    Steve Mackenzie CVE

    Chief Innovation Officer at Momentus Technologies

    Steve has over 40 years of experience in the Hospitality and Events industry, with 30 years specializing in technology. He currently serves as Chief Innovation Officer at Momentus Technologies, a leading provider of venue and event management solutions. Steve has held leadership roles at notable companies such as EventBooking, Oracle, and Stova.

    He has been widely recognized for his contributions, receiving numerous prestigious awards, including the Service and Education Award from IAVM in 2024, the Allied Professional of the Year Award in 2023, and induction into the Event Tech Live Hall of Fame in 2022. He also became a Certified Venue Executive through IAVM in 2022, a significant achievement as he is the first to earn this accreditation without working directly in a venue.

    Steve actively gives back to the industry through teaching and leadership roles, serving as an instructor at IAVM, VMA, and AIPC academies, and a Board member for VMA. He is also an Adjunct Professor at Florida International University and serves on the Customer Experience Advisory Board for Lindenwood University. With over two decades of speaking engagements in more than 25 countries, Steve remains a leading voice in event technology.

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