Program finalised for the 31st Asia-Pacific Venue Industry Congress

Set to be held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre from 19th to 21st May, the Asia-Pacific Venue Industry Congress is once again set to present the venue management industry’s opportunity to come together to connect, share and learn.

Looking forward to the Congress, VMA President, Phil King AVM noted “with under two weeks to go until doors open our Congress program is confirmed, and the keynote program on offer this year is one of our strongest yet.”

On Sunday night, the Congress’ Opening Keynote - Disrupting Tradition: The Rise of LIV Golf will see Paul Yeomans, Chief Executive of PMY Group and Gabriel Clark, Vice President of Event Operations and Workflow at LIV Golf, will explore the disruptive impact of LIV Golf, showcasing its revolutionary event formats enriched with cutting-edge data analytics.

Following the opening session, delegates will come together on BCEC’s Sky Terrace for the Congress’ official Welcome Reception with its skyline views over the Brisbane CBD.

Monday features morning International Keynote Enrique Uriel Arias, Chief Information Officer at Real Madrid take delegates through Digital Revolution - The Real Madrid Journey.

Before lunch, the Congress’ International Panel - A Global Perspective on Revitalising Fan Engagement with Bryan Perez, Chief Executive of AXS; Mason Donley, Senior Vice President - Ticket Sales, Service and Operations for the LA Kings; Matt Baker, General Manager of Members and Customer Experience at Venues NSW, and Paul Samuels, Global President of Partnerships at AEG.

Monday afternoon wraps with our always entertaining Promotors Panel and After 5! Networking drinks on the trade floor.

Tuesday starts with International Guest Speaker - Eric Hart CVE President and Chief Executive of the Tampa Sports Authority in Florida as we look at A View from the US - Same, Same but Different.

Tuesday wraps up with the popular Ice Cream Party at afternoon tea followed by a final keynote on the topic of Navigating the Future of Venue Management: Trends, Impacts, and Strategies.

On Tuesday night, the 2024 Congress will see the announcement of the Venue Industry Awards winners at the Gala Dinner to celebrate the industry's night of nights.

With three rooms going across the three days of Congress, the event will address topics including:

• Ticketing in 2024

• Letters from the trenches - Venue Management in Council

• Effective networking skills - Young Professionals stream

• State versus State - the competitive acquisition landscape

• Share the Dignity

• Enhancing Visitor Experience through Digital Immersion

• The view from the kitchen

• Leadership in the Venue Management industry - Young Professionals stream

• Living the Dream - The Reality of Producing Live Theatre

• Managing venues in Asia

• Production, Rigging and AV Round Table

• The rise and rise of heritage venues

• Can the live event industry truly 'work from home'?

• Master Class - Managing in a Crisis

• Harnessing Venue Legacy: Shaping for Lasting Benefits

• Gimmick or Game-Changer: Debating Innovations in Event Technology

Looking forward to the Congress, VMA Chief Executive, Michael Brierley advised “the success of your Congress is a factor of many elements: the delegates in attendance, the remarkable quality of our speaker line-up and the corporate support we receive.

“This year’s Congress aims to provide something for everyone.”

Registrations for the Congress are still open at vma.org.au/congress

Click here for more information on the Australasian Leisure Management industry Calendar.

Image: BCEC’s Sky Terrace.