John Benett to leave VMA

VMA President Steve Romer has announced that John Benett is to leave his position as the Association's Executive Officer.

In a statement, Romer announced "on behalf of the VMA Council, I feel it's appropriate to advise our members and many stakeholders of the impending departure of our Executive Officer John Benett.

"Although John won't be leaving the VMA until midway through next year, I believe itâs in the best interest of the Association to inform our members and stakeholders of the planned leadership change in 2010.

"As one of the original founding members of the VMA, John's contribution with the Association over many years will always be held in the highest regard by his many colleagues and friends from the international venue management community.

"I have had the privilege of working closely with John in my capacity as a VMA Councilor since 2002, and most recently as VMA's President over the past 18 months.

"John was appointed as VMAâs Executive Officer in early 2001, and after some eight years of service in this capacity, our membership has grown from 380 members to approximately 650 members today. John's efforts over many years have resulted in improved membership benefits including VMA's web services, newsletters, bulletins, and highly successful 'After Five' functions - all of which will be a positive legacy for the VMA.

"Most importantly, John has been instrumental in growing and delivering the VMAâs two major membership benefits - the Annual Congress and our Public Venue Management School (PVMS). Our professional networking and educational offering is world-class, and I'd like to personally thank John for his enormous contribution with both of these initiatives.

"Over the years, John has been influential in raising the profile of the VMA within the Australasian region. In recent years, and on a global scale, John has facilitated and administered the VMAâs formal affiliation with peak international body, the International Association of Assembly Managers (IAAM). The affiliation has been an amazing success.

"On behalf of the VMA, I'd like you to join me in thanking John Benett for his dedicated and passionate service over many years. Although he's still got PVMS 2009 and Congress 2010 to get through, I'm sure he'd appreciate a chat over a good red wine (Italian of course!) and Cuban cigar when you next see him!

"On a personal note (and for those of you who know John as well as I do), I'm sure youâll agree and appreciate that his personality is 'larger than life'! Although we've had many robust discussions over the years, at the end of the day, John will always remain a good friend.

"In going forward, the recruitment process to replace John will commence late January 2010. The VMA Council expects to have a new Executive Officer in place midway through next year (prior to the expiry of John's contract). It is anticipated that there will be a 'cross-over' period in the second quarter of 2010.

"Once again, and on behalf of the VMA Council, I'd like to thank you in advance as the Association prepares for the change in leadership next year."

For more information go to www.vma.org.au 

21st May 2009 - ROMER RE-ELECTED