Venue Management Association announces Joel Edmondson as new Chief Executive

Venue Management Association (VMA) has today announced the appointment of Joel Edmondson as its new Chief Executive.

Edmondson will replace VMA’s Chief Executive of more than six years, Michael Brierley, who will remain with VMA in a part-time capacity as the Association’s Company Secretary.

Joining the peak body for venue industry professionals in Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia, Edmondson has more than 15 years of senior management experience, including a decade of strategic development within the music industry, most recently as Chief Executive and Creative Director for Queensland Music Festival (QMF).

Prior to that, Edmondson served as Chief Executive of QMusic, the Queensland music industry development association, best known for delivering BIGSOUND, the Southern Hemisphere's premier music industry conference, export showcase and festival of new music.

Announcing the appointment, VMA President, Phil King stated “Edmondson is the right leader for VMA.

“Joel’s broad experience within the music industry and his knack for business development will play a vital role in guiding the industry on a continued path of trajectory, in addition to increasing the Association’s international footprint.

“The VMA is coming off back-to-back record years for their annual congress. Membership is at an all-time high and next month, the VMA is hosting its second annual weeklong Institute of Venue Safety and Security at Sydney Olympic Park. The Venue Management School and Leadership Institute are taking registrations, and is again anticipated to sell out. Joel is entering the VMA at a very exciting time and I look forward to working with Joel on this growth journey.”

Looking forward to his new role, Edmondson advised "the VMA plays a critical role in the venue management industry across the Asia-Pacific region. That it still flourishes after 32 years reflects the enduring importance of community, collaboration, and professional development to the sector's commercial success.

“I am proud and honoured to have been invited to lead the next phase of the VMA's evolution and growth. As our industry is increasingly challenged to adapt to new economic, social and cultural realities, I am committed to ensuring that the VMA's contribution to sector development is of the highest strategic value and impact.

“In considering the VMA CEO role, I was especially attracted to the VMA Board's ambitions to increase the Association's international footprint and be at the forefront of innovation in member services. I'm looking forward to the process of getting to know more of the VMA's membership and to better understand how to achieve these goals together."

King added “I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Michael for his leadership of the VMA. Michael has been instrumental in taking the Association from strength to strength and his changes will no doubt have a direct impact on the future successes on the industry. I look forward to continuing working with Michael to deliver long-term growth and value for all our stakeholders”

Edmondson’s employment with the VMA will commence on 29th July 2024.

Image: New VMA Chief Executive Joel Edmondson. Credit: Joseph Byford.