Join us for the next After 5! Networking event in Melbourne at Abbotsford Convent from 5.30 pm – 7.30 pm.
After 5! Networking events are FREE for all VMA Members and their invited guests. This is a brilliant opportunity for you and your guests to come together to maintain and develop new venue industry connections, so don't miss out!
Not a financial VMA Member, please contact Amanda Jamieson on (07) 5575 9185 or membership@vma.org.au to secure your attendance.
Come join us at 5:00 pm to take a behind-the-scenes look at the Abbotsford Convent and see how this 19th-century convent, and national heritage venue, is utilized as an arts, educational, and cultural hub. The grounds, historic buildings, and gardens are occupied by and host artisans, community and cultural events, and cultural institutions.
Join us and our guest speakers on the night Lizzie Gregory, Executive Manager of Event Operations - Venue and Event Services
Alyce Kirwan, Event Manager - Venue and Event Services, along with Facilitator Matt Howe AVM as they discuss the recent Taylor Swift concert, its impact, and the requirements to create such an event.
Executive Manager Event Operations - Venue and Event Services at Melbourne Cricket Club
Lizzie Gregory has been with the MCC since 2016 and is currently the Executive Manager – Event Operations. Leading the planning and execution of all major events at the MCG including the recent Taylor Swift concerts, the AFL season including the AFL Finals Series and Grand Final and the Boxing Day Test. This includes the delivery of ticketing services, event operations and the work force . Lizzie has extensive experience in the sports and entertainment industry previously having worked at the Melbourne Football Club and Ticketmaster.
Managing Director of Avision Advisory
Matthew has over 20 years of experience in the venue and events industry, commencing in production and stage management. His career has taken him from theatres and touring productions to holding senior executive positions in some of the world-leading venues and precincts.
His executive leadership roles include iconic venues such as Crown Resorts Melbourne, Melbourne and Olympic Parks, Southern Cross Station and Federation Square.
He has led large-scale operational teams delivering iconic global events and critical infrastructure operations across master planning projects, commercial developments, significant capital works programs, and technology innovation projects across significant infrastructure and public precincts.
A leader committed to long-term success working across all levels to deliver strategic, operational outcomes. He is a passionate coach, mentor and enabler of leading event management and public precinct teams.
Matthew is deeply committed to protecting critical social infrastructure and public safety and is a regular contributor to the Barrington Centre Executive Consequence Management Course specialising in Strategy in Action.
As a Non-Executive Director of the Venue Management Association (Asia Pacific), he continues his commitment to developing the industry’s future leaders and the long-term development of the venues and events sector.
Event Manager - Venue and Event Services at Melbourne Cricket Club
Alyce Kirwan has worked at the MCC since 2011 and has been involved in different roles across the club including the membership department and facilities team. She is currently working as an Event Manager and is responsible for delivering the hirers requirements for their events at the ground. Alyce led the 2024 Taylor Swift |The Eras tour concerts at the MCG and has previously looked after the Ed Sheeran concerts, marquee AFL matches including Anzac Day and the King’s Birthday Big Freeze, as well as the AFL Grand Final parade.
Just four kilometres from Melbourne's CBD and spread over 16 acres, Abbotsford Convent is Australia's largest multi-arts precinct—a place of art, culture and learning.
Renowned for its rich history, its striking built and natural landscapes, and the remarkable community-led campaign to preserve it from commercial development, the site was enshrined on Australia's National Heritage List in 2017. Today, this nationally and internationally unique precinct is managed by the Abbotsford Convent Foundation, a not-for-profit, social enterprise.
The Convent is home to a vibrant creative community, wellbeing practitioners, a gallery, cafes, a radio station, two schools, and an abundance of green open space.
1 St Heliers St, Abbotsford VIC 3067
Abbotsford, VIC, Australia
