With the International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) on track for its December 2016 opening, AEG Ogden has announced the appointment of two new business development managers. Tina Eggers has been appointed National Business Development Manager and Michelle Nahas has been appointed the Corporate, Government and Events Business Development Manager. ICC Sydney CEO and AEG Ogden Group Director for Convention Centres, Geoff Donaghy said the appointments were timed to capture…

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The Australian Gift and Homewares Association (AGHA) has appointed Omer Soker as CEO.  Previously, Mr Soker served as Executive General Manager to the AGHA board from December 2013. AGHA President Nigel Kirby praised Mr Soker’s appointment and past service to AGHA. Under Mr Soker’s guidance, Australian wholesalers and retailers will be given more support and ongoing challenges such as globalisation and structural threats will be addressed. With…

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After 12 years as Executive Director, Sue Blundell has announced her intention to step down from her role in September 2015. Marc Weedon-Newstead, Chair of the Board of English Australia, said that Ms Blundell had provided strong leadership to the association in its representation and support of the English Language Sector. “All who are involved in international education will be well aware of Ms Blundell’s outstanding contribution, not only to the English language sector but to…

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The Independent Primary School Heads of Australia (IPSHA) have unveiled their 2014-2016 board. Jill Bosanquet will continue her role as Secretary and Carl Salt will stay on as Treasurer.  Garry Brown OAM has been announced as President elect, and incoming State Presidents have also been elected. Judith Butcher was elected IPSHA (NSW) President for NSW. Ms Butler highlighted the fostering of collegial friendships and professional development as benefits of joining IPSHA. Bruce…

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Former CEO at Domestic Violence NSW (previously Women’s Refuge Movement NSW) Tracy Howe has been appointed the new CEO of NCOSS. Ms Howe has extensive experience in the homelessness sector and early intervention for women and children experiencing domestic violence. During her time at Domestic Violence NSW, Ms Howe brought about organisational change and left the peak body in a stronger position to achieve outcomes for women and children and advocate for the broad range of members working…

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The Asia-Pacific Incentives Meetings Expo (AIME) is the place for suppliers and buyers in the business events industry from Australia, Asia-Pacific and the rest of the globe to connect and do business.  The 2015 AIME Conference will be held in Melbourne on the 24-25 February. Here are some of the statistics that the event produces  93 per cent of Exhibitors…

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The largest conference and events centre in the Hunter Valley has booked it’s first event and is set to open in January 2015. Described as having a light-filled design, the 2,000m of pre-function, meeting and exhibition space is set to market the Hunter Valley as a leading Australian Conference destination. The Centre overlooks garden spaces and golf course greens within Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley and will be comprised of flexible conference rooms that can be broken into separate…

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The Swimming Pool and Spa Association of Australia (SPASA Australia) has elected Gary Nye as CEO. Mr Nye has previously held several senior executive positions in the fast food, general merchandise and food industries at companies such as Bilo Supermarkets, Coles Myer and Target. Most recently, Mr Nye was COO of Clark Rubber as well as President of SPRAA for the last two years, where he assisted in developing the Certificate III and IV in Swimming Pool and Spa Service. SPAS Australia…

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Statistics New Zealand has released new figures showing the number of visitors to the country for a conference or convention has risen 4.4 per cent.  Tourism NZ international business events manager Bjoern Spreitz said the findings were valid and warranted. “Tourism New Zealand has significantly increased its efforts in the business events sector of the last few years and the country is now bidding for, and winning, more international conventions than ever before.”  Mr…

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The Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission (ACNC) has released its annual report. More than 60 000 registered Australian charities are eligible for Commonwealth charity tax concessions and must go through the ACNC before being granted reductions. It is the second annual report of the ACNC and the first time the report has been submitted to Parliament.  ACNC Commissioner Susan Pascoe AM said she was proud of the work the ACNC had achieved in meeting the regulator’s legislative…

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