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Program
Day 1
( 05/21/2023 )
Day 2
( 05/22/2023 )
Day 3
( 05/23/2023 )
Grand Hall, Level 2
4:00 PM
5:15 PM
Registrations Open
5:15 PM
5:30 PM
Official Opening
Our Congress Master of Ceremonies, Jarrod Walsh, kicks starts the 2023 Asia-Pacific Venue Industry Congress with our Welcome to Country performance from Aunty Joy Murphy and Uncle Ron Murphy, and opening remarks from the VMA President.
5:30 PM
6:30 PM
Shane Jacobson - A Long Road to Success
Shane Jacobson delivers a highly entertaining and engaging presentation about his unique life. His keynote centres around his best-selling book ‘A Long Road to Success’ and talks about the quintessential Australian sense of humour and the dying art of joke and yarn telling. His Keynote is packed full of funny and memorable stories from his extraordinary life.
6:30 PM
8:30 PM
Welcome Reception
Proudly presented by Quayclean
Join us on the Trade Floor and Grand Hall Terrace with its spectacular views over the Melbourne skyline for our ultimate welcome to venue experience for our delegates.
Join us on the Trade Floor and Grand Hall Terrace with its spectacular views over the Melbourne skyline for our ultimate welcome to venue experience for our delegates.
Grand Hall, Level 2
8:00 AM
8:45 AM
Registration & Trade Floor Opens
8:45 AM
9:00 AM
MC Welcome
9:00 AM
10:00 AM
International Keynote Address - Technology & Innovation
Proudly sponsored by WJHW (A PMY Group Company)
Technologist, innovator and inventor, Skarpi Hedinsson provides his global insights into the convergence of innovation and technology in the venue business.
Technologist, innovator and inventor, Skarpi Hedinsson provides his global insights into the convergence of innovation and technology in the venue business.
10:00 AM
11:00 AM
Morning Tea
11:00 AM
12:00 PM
Wayfinding – How Marvel Stadium is leading the way with Technology
The AFL envisions Marvel Stadium to be one of the world’s most connected and innovative sports and entertainment facilities, focussing on technology that delivers unparalleled digital experiences for guests.In collaboration with commercial partner Telstra, recent enhancements to the venues Wi-Fi and 5G networks have laid the foundation for a novel, human-centric design approach to addressing common fan problems.In this session, AFL Technology Chief Rob Pickering is accompanied by representatives...
The AFL envisions Marvel Stadium to be one of the world’s most connected and innovative sports and entertainment facilities, focussing on technology that delivers unparalleled digital experiences for guests.
In collaboration with commercial partner Telstra, recent enhancements to the venues Wi-Fi and 5G networks have laid the foundation for a novel, human-centric design approach to addressing common fan problems.
In this session, AFL Technology Chief Rob Pickering is accompanied by representatives from Telstra and Google to discuss a ground-breaking 5G-enabled augmented reality (AR) feature that will allow users to engage with content, digital character exhibits, immersive fan experiences and in-venue wayfinding.
view moreIn collaboration with commercial partner Telstra, recent enhancements to the venues Wi-Fi and 5G networks have laid the foundation for a novel, human-centric design approach to addressing common fan problems.
In this session, AFL Technology Chief Rob Pickering is accompanied by representatives from Telstra and Google to discuss a ground-breaking 5G-enabled augmented reality (AR) feature that will allow users to engage with content, digital character exhibits, immersive fan experiences and in-venue wayfinding.
12:00 PM
1:00 PM
Keynote - Leadership in the Spotlight
Join Becc Barry as she interviews Annabelle Herd, CEO of ARIA and PPCA, to delve into the world of leading, challenge and change in our dynamic music industry.
1:00 PM
2:00 PM
Lunch
2:00 PM
3:00 PM
Counter Terrorism Update
Covid may have dimmed the spotlight for the last few years but the issue has not gone away. While the threat assessment may have recently been downgraded in Australia and NZ our venues remain prime targets for terrorism related threats and actions. With the emergence of Christian based terrorism, a growing sovereign citizen movement and increased militancy over past lockdowns it’s only a matter of time before our venues are back in the firing line.
3:00 PM
3:45 PM
Afternoon tea
3:45 PM
5:15 PM
Promoters Panel
Proudly sponsored by Big Screen Video
Let the fun begin. No Congress is complete without our Promotors Panel. Tim Worton CVE, brings together a stellar line up of industry heavyweights talking all things innovation and adaption in the promoting game, all the big touring announcements and what we can expect to see at our venues.
Let the fun begin. No Congress is complete without our Promotors Panel. Tim Worton CVE, brings together a stellar line up of industry heavyweights talking all things innovation and adaption in the promoting game, all the big touring announcements and what we can expect to see at our venues.
5:30 PM
6:30 PM
After 5! Networking Social Function
Proudly presented by Grosvenor Engineering Group.
Join us on the tradefloor for our traditional networking function to reconnect with delegates, exhibitors and sponsors. Drinks and canapes included.
Join us on the tradefloor for our traditional networking function to reconnect with delegates, exhibitors and sponsors. Drinks and canapes included.
7:00 PM
10:00 PM
Monday Night Dinner at Botswana Butchery
As Monday night is a free night for all, why don't you join other VMA Delegates at Melbourne's famous Botswana Butchery for a great night out and a once in a lifetime culinary experience, complete with a selection of free-flowing wines, tap beers and soft drinks from 7pm-10pm. Check out all the inclusions on our Social Events page.
This is a ticketed event and numbers are strictly limited to 120. Ticket Price - $175 per head.
Please note this event is not included with any delegate packages.
This is a ticketed event and numbers are strictly limited to 120. Ticket Price - $175 per head.
Please note this event is not included with any delegate packages.
Auditorium, Level 3
8:00 AM
8:45 AM
Registration & Trade Floor Opens
10:00 AM
11:00 AM
Morning Tea
11:00 AM
12:00 PM
Cultural engagement - working with first nation stakeholders
Cultural engagement is an essential aspect of building sustainable relationships with First Nation stakeholders. This session aims to explore how organisations/venues can work with First Nation communities to build partnerships that are mutually beneficial and respectful. The panellists will explore various methods for engaging with First Nation communities and how it can lead to successful collaborations, examine the challenges and potential pitfalls of cultural engagement and offer practical s...
Cultural engagement is an essential aspect of building sustainable relationships with First Nation stakeholders. This session aims to explore how organisations/venues can work with First Nation communities to build partnerships that are mutually beneficial and respectful. The panellists will explore various methods for engaging with First Nation communities and how it can lead to successful collaborations, examine the challenges and potential pitfalls of cultural engagement and offer practical solutions for overcoming these obstacles.
view more1:00 PM
2:00 PM
Lunch
2:00 PM
3:00 PM
Pill Testing – Harm reduction or implied endorsement?
It seems a festival season does not go by without the tragic news of a drug related patron death. The ACT now has an official policy to allow pill testing at venues, QLD has approved pill testing at music festivals and the NZ Government has committed $4M to fund a pill testing program at festivals, but there is firm opposition from other States and Territories. Let’s learn first-hand from those on the ground what a pill testing regime looks like. Let’s break down the myths and understand the pro...
It seems a festival season does not go by without the tragic news of a drug related patron death. The ACT now has an official policy to allow pill testing at venues, QLD has approved pill testing at music festivals and the NZ Government has committed $4M to fund a pill testing program at festivals, but there is firm opposition from other States and Territories. Let’s learn first-hand from those on the ground what a pill testing regime looks like. Let’s break down the myths and understand the process, the protocols and outcomes, and most importantly what it delivers for your patron.
view moreBreakout, Level 3
Meeting Room 1 & 2, Level 38:00 AM
8:45 AM
Registration & Trade Floor Opens
10:00 AM
11:00 AM
Morning Tea
11:00 AM
1:00 PM
Technical, Rigging & Production Round Table
A facilitated round table discussion addressing the most relevant topics and challenges facing Technical & Back of House Operations.Expect insightful and candid discussions and open dialogue between Venue Operators, Service Providers & Hirers Representatives on a range of topics including Workplace Health & Safety and the need for consistencies across the Asia Pacific venue industry, Contractor Management, Event Rigging, Staffing and Resources and the current challenges faced across the industry...
A facilitated round table discussion addressing the most relevant topics and challenges facing Technical & Back of House Operations.
Expect insightful and candid discussions and open dialogue between Venue Operators, Service Providers & Hirers Representatives on a range of topics including Workplace Health & Safety and the need for consistencies across the Asia Pacific venue industry, Contractor Management, Event Rigging, Staffing and Resources and the current challenges faced across the industry and Scheduling.
Come armed with your questions. Nothing is off limits !
view moreExpect insightful and candid discussions and open dialogue between Venue Operators, Service Providers & Hirers Representatives on a range of topics including Workplace Health & Safety and the need for consistencies across the Asia Pacific venue industry, Contractor Management, Event Rigging, Staffing and Resources and the current challenges faced across the industry and Scheduling.
Come armed with your questions. Nothing is off limits !
1:00 PM
2:00 PM
Lunch
Grand Hall, Level 2
8:00 AM
9:00 AM
Registration & Trade Floor Open
9:00 AM
10:00 AM
Crowd Management - Integrating advanced ticketing and security screening technology with crowd modelling to deliver great user experience at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
This case study will discuss a Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) and Arup project to enhance the user experience at Gate 2 of the MCG, on event and non-event days. The discussion will focus on how advanced ticketing and security screening technology can be integrated with crowd modelling analysis to deliver great user experience and improvements to venue operations at Australia’s largest stadiums over the short, medium, and long-term.
10:00 AM
11:00 AM
Morning Tea
11:00 AM
12:00 PM
Catering: Non-alcoholic beverages - Disruption in the Market
The continual growth in lifestyle choices has exploded into the beverage market. With forecasts that consumption volumes of no- and low-alcohol beverages in Australia will grow by +16% over the coming two years, how is your venue positioned for this social transition?
How do venues, caterers, commercial partners (existing and new) align with patrons’ expectations? How are your geared to stock and sell? Our panel know their business, and this is the hottest topic in their game at the moment.
How do venues, caterers, commercial partners (existing and new) align with patrons’ expectations? How are your geared to stock and sell? Our panel know their business, and this is the hottest topic in their game at the moment.
12:00 PM
1:00 PM
Melbourne Arts Precinct - A Transformational Development
The Melbourne Arts Precinct is a globally significant space of gathering and creativity. Through the Victorian Government’s $1.7 billion investment, the Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation project will enhance this living heritage through the major rejuvenation of Arts Centre Melbourne, delivering The Fox: NGV Contemporary, joined together by a beautiful new green public space, supporting biodiversity and connecting to the city through Federation Square. Hear about this significant undertak...
The Melbourne Arts Precinct is a globally significant space of gathering and creativity. Through the Victorian Government’s $1.7 billion investment, the Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation project will enhance this living heritage through the major rejuvenation of Arts Centre Melbourne, delivering The Fox: NGV Contemporary, joined together by a beautiful new green public space, supporting biodiversity and connecting to the city through Federation Square. Hear about this significant undertaking that is transforming the arts in Melbourne.
view more1:00 PM
2:00 PM
Lunch
2:00 PM
3:00 PM
The Changing face of Ticketing
Ticketing in our industry always remains dynamic. With our global players having to constantly adapt to a changing landscape and consumer expectations they are now faced with a new challenger who believe they have what it takes to cement its position as a major force down under.
3:00 PM
3:45 PM
Afternoon Tea and Ice Cream Party. Proudly sponsored by Feld.
3:45 PM
5:00 PM
The Future of Venue Investment
Proudly sponsored by VITEC
To foster economic growth, tourism, and cultural activities, governments at all levels have financed extensive cultural, sporting and conference infrastructure. However the cost of large infrastructure can be politically sensitive. Will government investment continue? When do commercial organisations step in? What does the future look like? The discussion will consider the direction of venue investment.
To foster economic growth, tourism, and cultural activities, governments at all levels have financed extensive cultural, sporting and conference infrastructure. However the cost of large infrastructure can be politically sensitive. Will government investment continue? When do commercial organisations step in? What does the future look like? The discussion will consider the direction of venue investment.
7:00 PM
11:00 PM
Gala Dinner & Venue Industry Awards
Proudly sponsored by 24/7 Software
Join us in the iconic Members Lounge at the famous MCG for our industries night of nights. Celebrate 30 years of the VMA.
Join us in the iconic Members Lounge at the famous MCG for our industries night of nights. Celebrate 30 years of the VMA.
Auditorium, Level 3
8:00 AM
9:00 AM
Registration & Trade Floor Opens
9:00 AM
10:00 AM
Accessibility – practical do's and don’ts to manage your patron experience
With 1 in 5 Australians identifying with having a disability, how good are our venues at ensuring an equitable experience for that 20% of our patrons. How good are we at guiding and accommodating blind or low vision patrons, offering appropriate signage and website formatting? Are we providing relaxed environments, sensory/quiet rooms and noise cancelling headphones for those with autism? Do we provide Auslan interpretation for those who are deaf? Hear from our panel with lived experiences of at...
With 1 in 5 Australians identifying with having a disability, how good are our venues at ensuring an equitable experience for that 20% of our patrons. How good are we at guiding and accommodating blind or low vision patrons, offering appropriate signage and website formatting? Are we providing relaxed environments, sensory/quiet rooms and noise cancelling headphones for those with autism? Do we provide Auslan interpretation for those who are deaf? Hear from our panel with lived experiences of attending our venues to see if our language, actions and our front line performance makes the grade.
view more10:00 AM
11:00 AM
Morning Tea
11:00 AM
12:00 PM
Digital Fan Engagement
As we enter a new era of technology, digital fan engagement not only offers venues and sports entities a direct route to their fanbase, it also offers them an opportunity to take control of fan data, opening up new lucrative revenue streams, and giving fans their own “slice of the team” as part of the deal. In the sports industry, the lack of in-fan experiences brought about by pandemic restrictions has accelerated the rapid technological changes that are ushering in a new era of online interact...
As we enter a new era of technology, digital fan engagement not only offers venues and sports entities a direct route to their fanbase, it also offers them an opportunity to take control of fan data, opening up new lucrative revenue streams, and giving fans their own “slice of the team” as part of the deal. In the sports industry, the lack of in-fan experiences brought about by pandemic restrictions has accelerated the rapid technological changes that are ushering in a new era of online interaction. The panel will look at the rise of digital fan engagement and where we are headed in 2023 and beyond.
view more12:00 PM
1:00 PM
Evolving Venue Operations For Success: A people-first, tech-enabled approach
Championing and embedding change in the dynamic event environment can be challenging. Join Melbourne & Olympic Parks and 24/7 Software for a conversation to hear their insights on leveraging technology to improve processes, enable people and deliver outstanding customer outcomes across a busy event precinct.
1:00 PM
2:00 PM
Lunch
2:00 PM
3:00 PM
Sustainability – Delivering a sustainable tour
It takes more than just a sound bite from an artist to deliver a sustainable tour. It is easy to capture your commitment in marketing, but all stakeholders need to buy into the process and make their individual contributions and commitments. From merch, recycling, transportation, green room F&B, ticketing - the commitment is enormous. At a time when artists are increasingly aligning a venue's sustainability credentials with their personal brand values, venues need to respond if they are going to...
It takes more than just a sound bite from an artist to deliver a sustainable tour. It is easy to capture your commitment in marketing, but all stakeholders need to buy into the process and make their individual contributions and commitments. From merch, recycling, transportation, green room F&B, ticketing - the commitment is enormous. At a time when artists are increasingly aligning a venue's sustainability credentials with their personal brand values, venues need to respond if they are going to attract these acts. Let’s hear from our panel on what it really takes to deliver on something meaningful to our future.
view more3:00 PM
3:45 PM
Afternoon Tea and Ice Cream Party. Proudly sponsored by Feld.
Breakout, Level 3
Meeting Room 1 & 2, Level 38:00 AM
9:00 AM
Registration & Trade Floor Opens
9:00 AM
10:00 AM
Web3 and Me - What do blockchain, decentralised and virtual technologies add to my venue?
We've been hearing about blockchain and cryptographic technologies for a few years now. What can they actually do for my venue? This presentation begins with an easy-to-understand primer on what distributed ledger technology and Web3 is all about - trust, transparency and traceability. Covering a wide range of potential applications of this proof of record technology, the presentation then expands on the ways it can be used in the complex world of venues. This technology has the potential to ben...
We've been hearing about blockchain and cryptographic technologies for a few years now. What can they actually do for my venue? This presentation begins with an easy-to-understand primer on what distributed ledger technology and Web3 is all about - trust, transparency and traceability. Covering a wide range of potential applications of this proof of record technology, the presentation then expands on the ways it can be used in the complex world of venues. This technology has the potential to benefit many parts of our organisations - from marketing and ticketing to venue management, asset management, and even building design. Our engagement with venues has changed this decade - the presentation will also introduce concepts such as virtual experiences as an extension of being physically present at an event.
view more10:00 AM
11:00 AM
Morning Tea
11:00 AM
12:00 PM
Crisis Management - Events in extreme conditions
Extreme weather conditions can affect all of our venues – regardless if they are indoor or out. Decisions need to be made in real time that significantly impact on the safety and welfare of our patrons. Just how bad is this thunderstorm going to be, will this wind gust blow down our temporary infrastructure, how much rain are we going to get over our site in the next day? Join our expert from the Bureau of Meteorology as we walk you through how to interpret the BOM site and access that data that...
Extreme weather conditions can affect all of our venues – regardless if they are indoor or out. Decisions need to be made in real time that significantly impact on the safety and welfare of our patrons. Just how bad is this thunderstorm going to be, will this wind gust blow down our temporary infrastructure, how much rain are we going to get over our site in the next day? Join our expert from the Bureau of Meteorology as we walk you through how to interpret the BOM site and access that data that may save your event and patrons and relate that to real life scenarios as they have played out at our venues.
view more12:00 PM
1:00 PM
Mental Health - Why prevention-based education is needed for the complex gig economy.
The session outlines the complexities of working in the entertainment industry. Entertainment Assist will share strategies and program information to enable industry workers to self-manage and support others through practical frameworks, facilitation, resources, support pathways and professional services. It is the organisation's aim to educate and remove stigma by identifying signs and symptoms of mental health.
1:00 PM
2:00 PM
Lunch