From Sunday 10th – Friday 15th November 2024, The Venue Management Association (VMA) hosted its highly anticipated Venue Management School (VMS) and Leadership Institute (LI), marking the 29th Edition of these landmark programs for the venue management industry.
This year’s educational programs saw a record turnout, with 119 participants enrolling across all year levels. Of these, 66 students graduated, adding to the growing community of venue management professionals who have benefitted from the school’s immersive learning experiences.
With the guidance of 23 industry-leading instructors from Australia, New Zealand, and the USA, students had the opportunity to learn from the best in the business, enhance their skills, and form connections that will benefit them throughout their careers.
This year’s cohort represented over 50 venues and organisations, with students traveling from all corners of Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, and the USA. The diverse group shared insights and experiences, further enriching the school’s learning environment.
The week culminated with a memorable Graduation Dinner for Year 2 and LI students. During the event, several prestigious awards were presented, including the Momentus Technologies Year 1 Bursary, and the ASM Global Year 2 Scholarship.
Abbie Potter, Venue Operations Manager, Melbourne Fringe, was presented with the Momentus Technologies Year 1 Bursary, recognising her as the top-performing Year 1 student. This bursary covers her enrolment in VMS Year 2, ensuring she can successfully complete the program. Having only recently joined the VMA to take part in the VMA Quayclean Mentor Program, Abbie was encouraged to apply for a scholarship by her mentor, Heather Clarke. In August, she was awarded the Event Health Management Innovation Scholarship, and now she has also received the Year 1 bursary. We look forward to welcoming Abbie back to School for Year 2!
As the highest performing Year 2 student, Daniel McPherson, Operations Leader – AAMI Park, Melbourne & Olympic Parks, was awarded the prestigious ASM Global Year 2 Scholarship, granting him the incredible opportunity to attend the IAVM’s Graduate Institute program in the United States. Daniel was also honoured to receive last year’s Momentus Technologies Year 1 Bursary, recognising his hard work and dedication in his first year at VMS. Please join us in congratulating Daniel on his back-to-back achievements at the Venue Management School!
Once again congratulations to both Abbie and Daniel on these remarkable achievements!
At the Graduation Dinner, VMA President Phil King AVM concluded by thanking all involved in making the 2024 Venue Management School such a success. “This is a truly special event for everyone who has been part of it, and I’m looking forward to what 2025 will bring for our graduates and the VMA community,” he said.