After 40 years in entertainment Steve Romer retires

After almost four decades of working with some of Australia’s best known entertainment venues, live music festivals, event venues and theme parks, industry veteran Steve Romer is to retire as of on 11th November 2022.

Romer will be leaving his final position as General Manager of The Events Centre Caloundra (TEC) having worked through two years of COVID health directives, while managing more than 350 events helping the venue become one of the busiest regional venues in the country and while generating its highest ever levels of profitability.

During his career, Romer held various leadership roles with venues including Byron Bay’s Bluesfest, the Sydney Entertainment Centre, the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, Blacktown International Sports Park, SeaWorld and Dreamworld.

Reviewing the highlights of his career, Romer was most proud of his contribution to the venue management industry, including nine years as a Board Director of the Venue Management Association Asia Pacific (VMA), including three years as VMA Chairman.

He was instrumental in setting up VMA’s formal affiliation with the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM), where he also served as a Director on IAVM’s Board for three years.

Romer spent five years on the Board of the Talent Development Project (TDP), a professional program nurturing the creative talents of aspiring artists, and most recently served four years on the Board of HOTA (Home of the Arts - Gold Coast).

As the General Manager of the Sydney Entertainment Centre, from 2009 to 2013, Romer was extremely proud to have the venue ranked as the #2 arena in the world in 2012, according to respected industry magazine Billboard.

Romer was also named as the recipient of VMA’s ‘Venue Professional of the Year’ award in 2012.

In retirement, Romer’s plans include extensive travel, spending time with family and friends, and enjoying an active life with his partner Debbie on the Sunshine Coast.

Image: Steve Romer farewells The Events Centre Caloundra.