Event Details

The VMA Professional Development Workshops are designed for operational/ frontline staff and aspiring managers ready to take the next step in their careers. These face-to-face half-day workshops will enhance skill sets and allow attendees to take the next step in their career.


Now more than ever, is the time to invest in your team. Keep your young professionals engaged and eager to progress within the venue management industry.

Agenda

12:00 - 12:50
Registration and Lunch
12:50 - 13:00
Welcome
13:00 - 14:00
How to Present and Interact with Confidence and Influence
Who we hire, who we do business with, and who we date is largely based on non-verbal communication, and having an awareness of the totality of your communication can make you a more effectiv...
Who we hire, who we do business with, and who we date is largely based on non-verbal communication, and having an awareness of the totality of your communication can make you a more effective and influential leader. This session will cover how to develop and utilise the right speaking tone and cadence (interspersed with the use of pauses and inflections) and will provide you with great takeaways on both reading body language cues from others, as well as refining your own. By interpreting nonverbal cues, we can glean people’s true intent, and we can ensure that our words hit with greater impact. This can occur whether it’s a one on one meeting with a supplier or team member, or delivering a toolbox talk or even a keynote presentation. This session will open your eyes to new communication channels and indicators that are there for you to use once your mind is calm, present and non-judgmentally curious.
view more
14:00 - 15:00
Client-Centric Excellence: Unveiling the Journey Through the Eyes of the Client
When you think of your client, who comes to mind? Can you name their intentions, motivations, and pain points? Better yet, do you know why they are choosing your company among competitors?In...
When you think of your client, who comes to mind? Can you name their intentions, motivations, and pain points? Better yet, do you know why they are choosing your company among competitors?

In this session, we delve into the ICC Sydney vision known as ‘The Client Journey’. Understanding every customer’s experience at each stage of the client journey is crucial for turning business insights into long term improvement strategies. Through operations, we uncover what sets outstanding experiences apart, leaving both end-user clients and event organizers captivated. This session will provide essential tips for effective pre-event briefings and meticulous preparation, breaking free from silo thinking, and fostering a culture of heartfelt engagement and organizational empathy. These practices are used to craft unforgettable event experiences that resonate deeply with clients.
view more
15:00 - 15:30
Afternoon tea
15:30 - 16:30
Keynote Address - Women in Leadership
Hera Yaghlejian talks with Houri Tapiki to explore the unique experiences and challenges of women in leadership, while also delving into the broader principles of effective leadership.
16:30 - 16:45
Workshop Wrap Up

Speakers

  • Malu Barrios (Director of Event Services at ICC Sydney)

    Malu Barrios

    Director of Event Services at ICC Sydney

    Malu Barrios has spent over 20 years at Director level in the events industry; developing and implementing venue management strategies across a variety of major convention centres and event venues throughout Australia.

    She is a seasoned ASM Global executive, having successfully launched three of the global venue management group’s facilities prior to undertaking her current role of Director of Event Services at ICC Sydney.

    Malu previously held the position of Events Director of the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, General Manager of the Darwin Convention Centre, and General Manager of Sydney Exhibition Centre @ Glebe Island, where she ensured the seamless transition of events from the interim facility to ICC Sydney. Malu was also associated with the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW as General Manager of the Sydney Showground where she contributed to great cultural and corporate change within the organisation.

    Malu was an instrumental member of the ICC Sydney opening team and has since overseen the delivery thousands of world class events since it’s opening in December 2016.

    In her role as Director of Event Service, Malu oversees the teams involved in ICC Sydney’s event planning, event operations, customer service and live events. Her team is often considered to be the engine room of ICC Sydney, working hand in hand with clients to bring their extraordinary event visions to life.

    Under her guidance, ICC Sydney’s operations have gone from strength to strength and have been recognised with numerous industry accolades. This includes the Exhibitions and Events Association of Australasia (EEAA) Best Venue Team in 2018 and 2019 and being awarded the Best Event Venue – Capacity over 1500 from the prestigious Meetings and Events Australia (MEA) 2019 National Awards, amongst others.

    She has a global reputation for being a first-class leader and is well recognised for her expertise and advocacy of business events and venue management. Malu was recognised as the inaugural Unsung Hero of the event and exhibition industry by the EEAA in 2017 for her significant contribution over many years.

    view more
  • Houri Tapiki (General Manager at Theatre Royal Sydney)

    Houri Tapiki

    General Manager at Theatre Royal Sydney

    With over two decades of experience in Venues, ticketing and events, Houri Tapiki has a wealth of experience both in Australia and globally leading large-scale projects and events within the Entertainment industry.

    Prior to joining Trafalgar Entertainment, Houri held a Senior Management position at Ticketek, leading the Client Services teams nationally, working closely with major Theatres, Arenas and Stadiums across the country.

    She was also an instrumental part of the pre-opening and opening team for Dubai Opera, a 2000-seat multi-format theatre located in the heart of Downtown Dubai.

    Houri has a passion for building exceptional customer experiences and a dedication to consistently exceeding customer expectations. In February 2021, Houri joined Trafalgar Entertainment as Head of Customer Experience for Theatre Royal Sydney before being promoted to General Manager in December of the same year.

    In all leadership roles she has held, Houri Tapiki goes beyond the operational aspects, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence in every project she undertakes.

    view more
  • Scott Taylor CPP, JP (Managing Director of Praesidium Risk and Resilience)

    Scott Taylor CPP, JP

    Managing Director of Praesidium Risk and Resilience

    Scott Taylor CPP is a Combined Communications Expert and Security, Safety and Risk Specialist with 29 years global industry experience. He is an industry thought leader who is Internationally Board Certified in Security Management and has shared his knowledge and expertise globally through specialist consulting and contextualised training. He has trained with the leading authorities on body language, deception detection statement analysis and facial micro-expressions and is a sought-after industry spokesperson. Hs is an accomplished keynote speaker who site on numerous International Security Councils to ensure he stays abreast of best practise in his field of expertise which directly translates into heightened outcomes for his clients.

    view more
  • Heripseme Yaghlejian (Business Development & Partnerships Manager at ASM Global - ICC Sydney)

    Heripseme Yaghlejian

    Business Development & Partnerships Manager at ASM Global - ICC Sydney

Tickets

Ticket Pricing
VMA Member

VMA Member Ticket

Standard Price A$149
Non Member

Non Member Ticket

Standard Price A$300
VMA Member Group of 5 Ticket

The VMA is pleased to offer VMA Members a special discount of 5 tickets for $600.

Standard Price A$600
Non Member Group of 5 Ticket

Not a VMA Member? Still enjoy a great discount when you register 5 employees.

Standard Price A$1,000

Venue

Sydney Masonic Centre

Goulburn Street 66
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

If you have any questions please contact Amanda Jamieson

Contact Organizer

+61 409225203

Show on map