Program takes shape for 31st Asia-Pacific Venue Industry Congress

With just over two months to go until the 31st Asia-Pacific Venue Industry Congress, organisers the Venue Management Association have confirmed the program, locked in sponsors and exhibitors and are currently welcoming delegate registrations.

Being held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre (BCEC) from Sunday 19th to Tuesday 21st May 2024, this annual event is the industry’s opportunity to come together to connect, share and learn.

As the largest gathering of venue industry professionals from across the Asia Pacific region this year’s program is exceptional with 23 scheduled sessions and over 50 speakers confirmed - with the speaker lineup bringing together the best of the global venue industry from Australia, New Zealand, USA, Europe, China, Canada and Singapore.

Last year’s Congress bought together more than 550 delegates from across the world and this year is shaping up to be even bigger.

Sunday kicks off with our opening keynote speaker after which delegates will gather for an official welcome reception on BCEC’s Sky Terrace with its views over the Brisbane skyline for our ultimate welcome-to-venue experience.

Monday 20th May
Monday will commence with International Keynote - Enrique Uriel Arias, Chief Information Officer at Real Madrid, sharing his experience of the Spanish football giant’s digital transformation in delivering innovation for their local audience and 500 million global fans. Before lunch we put ticketing in the spotlight, followed by our third International Keynote.

Monday afternoon features a ‘State vs State’ discussion around the competitive acquisition landscape, as well as ‘In house or out source’ - the changing nature of government management of venues, and wraps up with VMA After 5! Networking drinks on the Moreton Hire Tradefloor.

There will also be concurrent sessions on Monday:

• Letters from the trenches - Venue Management in Council

• The Taylor Swift customer experience and journey

• Young Professionals - Effective networking skills

• The SOH digital experience

Tuesday 21st May
The Congress continues on Tuesday with another full day of great education across all rooms:

• Mega Events - with Eric Hart from the Tampa Sports Authority in Florida, USA.

• Living the Dream - The Reality of Producing Live Theatre

• The rise and rise of heritage venues

• Master Class - Managing in a crisis

• The view from the kitchen

• The Elephant in the Room - Managing venues in Asia

• Can the venue industry truly ‘work from home’?

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

• Young Professionals - Leadership in the venue management industry

• Production, Rigging and AV Round Table

• Harnessing Venue Legacy: Shaping for Lasting Benefits

The day wraps up with the Congress’ traditional Ice Cream Party at afternoon tea followed by our final keynote panel where we look at The Future of venue management - Where to from now? How does it impact me?

Tuesday night sees the presentation of the Venue Industry Award winners at the Gala Dinner in the Plaza Terrace Ballroom.

The VMA note “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.”

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

Image: The Great Hall at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. Credit: Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.