Principal, Dean Hassall Consulting

As Principal of Dean Hassall Consulting Pty Ltd (DHC), Dean applies over 25 years of industry experience by leading a boutique consultancy that provides advisory services in the areas of major public venue and events management and operations, facility development, and venue business improvement strategies. Government and corporate venue owners and developers, venue managers and operators, hirers, and service providers to the events and entertainment industry—all of DHC’s clients rely on strategic and operational input based on business management expertise honed within the venue management profession.

Prior to his 13 years of consultancy services both around Australia and internationally, Dean has previously held a number of senior management positions in the sport, major venue and event industry in Queensland, including:
• Chief Executive Officer, North Queensland Fury Football Club
• Assistant General Manager, Suncorp Stadium, AEG Ogden
• Manager – Business Development, Sport and Recreation Queensland
• Manager – Venues & Operations, 2001 Goodwill Games Brisbane
• Venue Manager, ANZ Stadium, (now Queensland Sports & Athletics Centre), Nathan, Brisbane
• Venue Manager, The Sleeman Sports Complex, Chandler, Brisbane
Numerous Board and Committee representations have been fulfilled by Dean, including former Vice Chairman of the Brisbane Racing Club, acting as the Queensland Government’s representative on the Board of the Major Sports Facility Authority (now Stadiums Queensland) and a past Director of Queensland Athletics.

Dean is a long-term member of the Venue Management Association’s Venue Management School Committee and is the current Chair of the school. Dean is a graduate of this school and in 1998 was awarded the Ogden IFC Scholarship as outstanding student. For over 18 years, Dean has been an Instructor at the Venue Management School and has lectured internationally on behalf of the Venue Management School as guest instructor at the IAVM Venue Management School when held in Oglebay, West Virginia. In 2020, Dean was selected as a resident instructor for the IAMV Venue Management School now held annually in Tampa Bay Florida, only the second Australian based industry professional to achieve this honour.

In 2010, Dean Hassall was elected to the Venue Management Association Council as the Allied Member Representative and served until May 2017. In May 2011, Dean was announced 2011 VMA Allied Venue Professional of the Year.

Educational qualifications include a Bachelor of Human Movement Studies from the University of Queensland, a Graduate Certificate in Management from Queensland University of Technology and a graduate of the VMS Graduate Institute Oglebay USA. Dean has been awarded the CVE, the elite credential of the International Association of Venue Managers; which designates recipient as an expert in venue management (all areas) and wholly dedicated to advancement of the venue industry.

Chief Executive Officer, ASX Australia & New Zealand

Andrew is currently the Chief Executive Officer at ASX Australia & New Zealand. Previously, Andrew was the Chief Operating Officer at Australia’s home of live sports and entertainment, the Melbourne & Olympic Parks (M&OP) precinct.
The former Gold Coast Suns (AFL) Chief Executive Officer and experienced sports, events and venue management professional is responsible for the development and operation of a precinct which is notably acclaimed for hosting the Australian Open Tennis, one of only four Grand Slam events in the World and a key element of Victoria’s globally renowned Major Events reputation.
The precincts iconic venues, Rod Laver Arena, AAMI Park, John Cain Arena, Margaret Court Arena, CENTREPIECE at Melbourne Park and Kia Arena also host the city’s most celebrated national and international live music, sports, entertainment, conference and gala events.
He has a strong background in venue development, having overseen the development of the $144 million Metricon Stadium at Carrara, led the client team in the construction of the iconic $268 million AAMI Park and is currently leading the $272 million Stage 3 Redevelopment at M&OP.
He is a graduate from the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) Senior Executive Symposium and was the recipient of the prestigious AFL Graeme Samuel Scholarship.
Andrew qualified as a Certified Practising Accountant, is an Accredited Venue Manager (AVM) and a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD).

Group Director, People and Culture (APAC), ASM Global (Asia Pacific)

Rebecca (Becc) Barry is the Group Director, People and Culture for ASM Global (APAC). Becc has held a number of senior positions across her career, including the establishment of the team to operate Stadium Australia ahead of the Sydney Olympics in 2000.
With VenuesLive for a number of years, Becc was most recently the General Manager, Organisational Development based in Sydney and prior to that relocated to Perth for two years and led the establishment of the permanent and casual teams for Optus Stadium as the General Manager, Human Resources.
Becc spent ten fabulous years at the RAS of NSW as the General Manager, Human Resources. In this role she also oversaw the successful development of the Sydney Royal Easter Show Event Volunteer Program consisting of over 400 event customer service volunteers.
Becc has also worked for the Rugby Football Union at Twickenham in London, as well as in the hospitality and publishing industries.
Her expertise spans recruitment, training, performance management, industrial relations, policy development and change management.
Becc has a Bachelor of Commerce degree majoring in Human Resources and Industrial Relations and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She is an Accredited Venue Manager and a Certified Professional with the Australian Human Resources Institute.

Venue Management Consultant

Kim Bedier is a seasoned venue executive, recognized for leadership excellence. She is passionate about great guest experience both front and back of house, and creating and fostering positive work cultures that focus on belonging, equity and continuous learning.

Kim’s career has taken her from Northern Canada to Southern California with stops in primary and secondary markets, new construction and historic icons, NHL/NBA arenas, convention centres, and complexes. She has successfully collaborated with boards, private management and ownership, and a variety of government and not for profit entities.

Kim most recently was Senior Vice President and General Manager for Honda Center/OCVIBE in Anaheim, California, home of the National Hockey League Anaheim Ducks. She was responsible for Honda Center and the development of OCVIBE venues including a 5700 seat concert hall, located in a 95 acre mixed use district being built around Honda Center.

As Director of Venues and Events for the City of Tacoma, Washington, Kim led the iconic 21000 seat Tacoma Dome, the Greater Tacoma Convention Center, Cheney Stadium (AAA Baseball), and historic theatres.

Kim’s first job after graduating from university took her to the village of Igloolik in the Eastern Canadian Arctic, where she managed the construction of a recreation complex under the midnight sun.

Kim holds the Certified Venue Executive (CVE) designation from the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM). She served as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Association in 2015. During her tenure as an IAVM senior leader, she created the Legacy Program, facilitated initiatives for women in leadership and strongly advocated (and continues to advocate) for diverse and inclusive representation. She has encouraged and mentored many IAVM members and is a sought-after educator and speaker. Kim currently serves on the Diversity and Inclusive Leadership Committee and the Industry Affairs Committee and has never lost sight of her mantra “leave it better than you found it.”

Kim is former Chair of the Board of Regents of the IAVM Venue Management School and currently Dean of the IAVM Leadership Institute. She is also on the faculty of the Asia-Pacific (Australia) Venue Management School and Leadership Institute.

Kim was named one of five inaugural “Women of Influence” in venue management by trade publication Venues Today and received the Ray Ward Award for recognition of her contributions to education at IAVM’s Venue Management School. In 2018 she was named Venue Executive of the Year by the International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA) (and was nominated again in 2023). In 2022 industry publication Pollstar/Venues Now included her as a “Women in Live” honoree.

Heather is currently the Precinct Manager, Walsh Bay Arts Precinct in Sydney for Create NSW. A public arts and cultural hub on Sydney’s waterfront. As a new redevelopment, which is home to nine resident arts companies, she is the lead advocate for the development of the precinct through leasing, marketing and venue hire.  

Prior to joining Walsh Bay she was the General Manager, Event Operations and Planning at the Sydney Opera House. For fifteen years she was responsible for the stewardship and oversight of all event activity, including the planning and execution of events and the design & implementation of policies, systems and procedures.

Heather’s work as an event professional started in Adelaide as a stage manager and then moved into production and event management. This has seen her work with some of the country’s most well-known Choreographers and Directors and she has worked for many of Australia’s major arts companies including Opera Australia, Sydney Festival, Bell Shakespeare, Performing Lines, Meryl Tankard Australian Dance Theatre and Belvoir.

Heather joined the VMA board in 2020 and is a graduate from the VMS Leadership Institute. She has completed the Diploma in Venue Management and the Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Venue Management. She is also a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Heather is passionate about the industry which continues to deliver her with an extremely rewarding career and is thrilled to be joining the instructor team at VMS.

Glen Crighton Manager, Presenter Services, Auckland Live, brings a rich and extensive background in the performing arts industry, spanning three decades. He began his journey straight out of high school, studying theatre and working at the Hagley Theatre Company, Christchurch before further developing his technical and production skills at the esteemed Toi Whakaari New Zealand Drama School in Wellington.

Glen’s career trajectory led him to The Edge, now known as Auckland Live, which manages the Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre (2,100 Proscenium Arc Theatre), The Civic Theatre (2,300 Proscenium Arc Theatre), Auckland Town Hall (1,500 Concert Hall), Bruce Mason Theatre (1,100 Proscenium Arc Theatre), Aotea Square (25,000 Public Civic Square), The Cloud (4,500 Events Centre), Shed 10 (3,000 Events Centre), Viaduct Events Centre (4,500 Events Centre).  Initially taking various roles within the Technical and Venue Event Planning team, Glen subsequently transitioned to managing the Account Managers team, a role which he has undertaken for the past 17 years. In this capacity, Glen plays a crucial role in fostering and managing relationships with key commercial theatre clients and major hirers, including the Royal New Zealand Ballet, New Zealand Opera, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, and Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra. He also oversees bookings for a plethora of major festivals and liaises with a wide array of local and international promoters, such as Live Nation, TEG, Frontier, Adrian Bohm, and Brent Eccles Productions, among others. Glen’s responsibilities extend to developing new commercial models and partnerships, business development, contract negotiations, managing commercial musicals at The Civic Theatre, as well as experiences and exhibitions, public gatherings, live performance, and cultural and community events across the suite of Auckland Live venues.

Glen is an VMS graduate 2009 and LI in 2014, achieving Accredited Venue Manager (AVM) in 2018.

Managing Director, Thinking Outside

Anthony is the current Managing Director of Thinking Outside. Previously, Anthony Duffy was the owner and Managing Director of VIPeople; a division of Venue Industry Professionals Pty Ltd. Anthony has been a part of the venue industry for over 30 years at some of Sydney’s iconic sports and entertainment facilities.
Prior to the establishment of VIPeople in 2001, Anthony was employed as part of the management team at venues such as Accor Stadium, Allianz Stadium, Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney Aquatic & Athletic Centres and Sydney International Tennis Centre.
During this time Anthony has held executive event and operational management positions, overseeing the delivery of major events across various sporting codes including: Rugby League, Rugby Union, AFL, Soccer, Tennis, Swimming, Athletics and Cricket, along with major outdoor concert productions. The highlight of these roles was assuming responsibility as Manager, Events for the delivery of Accor Stadium (then Stadium Australia) operations during its opening and the ensuing initial twelve months of event delivery.
Incorporated in Anthony’s extensive venue experience is the management of the event day workforce, with responsibilities including all aspects of staffing operations such as recruitment, training, event day management, rostering and employee relations for a workforce of up to 1,000 staff.
Prior to the 2000 Olympic Games, Anthony was seconded by SOCOG to manage front of house operations at the Beach Volleyball venue. This position was responsible for staffing, ticketing and customer service at one of the most successful Olympic venues… Bondi Beach.
As the owner and Managing Director of VIPeople (a division of Venue Industry Professionals Pty Ltd) Anthony oversees the multitude of significant staffing solutions contracts that VIPeople delivers across Australia. His focus is on guest services, business continuity and improvement strategy, assessing client needs, monitoring service standards, and maintaining and strengthening existing relationships, along with new business development.
Anthony has established a reputation as one of the industry’s leading trainers in the field of customer service, focusing on event day staff. In recent times, Anthony is currently establishing a new company, “Thinking Outside…” delivering signature programs such as “Service Excellence in Venues and Events”, working with a range of high-profile clients, including:
• Taronga Zoo
• Stadiums QLD
• Netball QLD
• West HQ
• Michael Cassel Group/Harry Potter & the Cursed Child
• Disney Theatrical
Anthony is a former lecturer with the University of Technology (holding a Master of Management Degree from that institution) and possesses a Certificate IV in Training and Assessing. In addition, Anthony is a graduate and instructor (21 years) of both the Venue Management School (VMS) and Leadership Institute (LI). Previously, Anthony has served as Chair of the VMS and currently, as the Dean of the LI.
In 2010, Anthony was awarded the inaugural “Allied Venue Professional of the Year” by the VMA Council and in 2013 was awarded “Accredited Venue Manager” status by the Venue Management Association.
In 2015, Anthony was one of only four Australians to be awarded the coveted IAVM’s “Chairman’s Citation”, recognising his commitment to development of education in the industry, primarily through the establishment of the Australian Leadership Institute.
In 2019, Anthony was awarded a “Fellowship” with the Customer Service Institute of Australia”.
In 2020, Anthony was re-elected to the VMA Board, having previously served as a Board Member for 12 years.

IAVM International Exchange Guest Instructor

Assistant General Manager, Arena Operations, Capital One Arena, Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE)

Darius U. Dunn, CVE, CSSP serves as Assistant General Manager, Arena Operations of Capital One Arena for Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) in Washington, DC – home to Washington’s NHL Capitals and NBA Wizards. MSE owns and operates Capital One Arena along with six professional sports teams, five venues with 600+ employees.

With thirty plus years of industry experience, Darius has an abundance of executive level facility operational knowledge. His event experience started with the 1989 through 1992 stadium concerts: The Rolling Stones, The Grateful Dead and The Who, to the 1996 Atlanta Centennial Olympic Games and stretches to the 2018 NCAA Men’s Final Four and beyond. 

His career began at Philadelphia’s Veterans Stadium, working venue operational support to a host of major events including primary tenants NFL Eagles and MLB Phillies, World Cup Soccer, Billy Graham Crusade and nine sold-out stadium concerts. Since then, he has opened two new 10,000 seat arena construction projects and has managed event logistics of over ten intercollegiate sport programs and special events on five university campuses that have included stadium, arena, and theatre responsibilities. Darius’ venue experience includes FOH & BOH operations, booking, food and beverage operations, parking, and project management.

Darius has a passion for emergency preparedness training, providing both clients and patrons a great event experience; as well as being a vocal proponent of valuing and investing in employee development. Achieving IAVM’s Certified Venue Executive designation in 2013 and being an instructor at the industry’s signature Venue Management School, he continues to volunteer on association committees and paying it forward to an industry he loves.

Chief Operating Officer, Gema Group

Dwane joined the Gema Group as Chief Operating Officer in 2020, bringing with him 28 years’ experience in event delivery, catering and kitchen operation. Dwane is a graduate of the Venue Management School as well as holding a Diploma in Commercial Cookery. Dwane has worked in some of the world’s best hotels, stadiums and venues with stints in London, Indonesia and Thailand, as well as a major presence here in Australia. Working for chains like Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts, Emirates, Intercontinental Hotels and the Savoy Group. Working his way up through the kitchen to become the Group Executive Chef before making the switch to food and beverage operations and management. Dwane is part of the executive management team and oversees Gema’s group day to day operations in all 3 functional areas of the groups venue management, major event delivery and aviation lounges. Managing a national workforce in excess of 5000 staff members across events like the Melbourne F1, Moto GP, V8 Supercars, APT cup tennis as well as venues like GIO stadium, Brookvale oval, Cbus Super stadium, Queensland County Bank stadium, Central Coast stadium and Pointsbets stadium, to name a few.
Dwane joined the Gema Group following 8 years at the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW and Sydney Showground as the head of Catering & Customer Service. In his previous role Dwane managed the day to day operations of all event and non-event day catering and held the sites liquor licence. He has delivered 14 Sydney Royal Easter Shows, large scale music festivals and gala dinners for 2,500 people.

Chief Executive, Australian Cricketers’ Association

Todd Greenberg is regarded as one of the most accomplished sports administrators in Australia and is currently the Chief Executive of the Australian Cricketers’ Association. Previously, Todd was the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Rugby League (NRL), as well as a director of the Rugby League International Federation and a director of Touch Football Australia. In late 2017, Todd announced an NRL Holden Women’s Premiership would commence in 2018, consisting of four NRL Clubs in the inaugural year (the Broncos, Dragons, Roosters and Warriors.) Outside of domestic competitions, Todd was also responsible for the overall success of both national teams – the Australian Kangaroos (male) and the Harvey Norman Jillaroos (female), together with the success of annual Holden State of Origin men’s and women’s matches. Todd was promoted to CEO in March 2016, having been the NRL’s Head of Football for the previous three years. Prior to his time at the NRL, Todd held several distinguished roles, including six years as CEO of the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and seven years as General Manager of Commercial Operations at ANZ Stadium – one of the premier stadiums in Australia and home of the Sydney Olympics in 2000. Among other achievements, Todd has been a passionate Australia Day ambassador since 2010 and is a New South Wales Sports Administrator of the Year recipient. Todd holds a Bachelor of Sports Science degree from the University of New South Wales, together with a Master’s Degree in Sports Management from the University of Technology, Sydney.

Group General Counsel, ASM Global (Asia Pacific)

Adam is the Group General Counsel for ASM Global (Asia Pacific) and head of the group’s legal function for all ASM Global’s venues, divisions, subsidiaries and investments within a region that covers Australia, New Zealand, Middle East, India and Asia. Starting his career in event management, Adam worked his way up to take on a number of senior roles in venues, based both in Australia and abroad and held positions in venues including Suncorp Stadium, the Beijing Olympic Basketball Arena and the Brisbane Entertainment Centre. Adam then decided to leave the industry and obtain his Juris Doctorate in Law, majoring in Corporate Law and Banking & Finance. Once admitted to the Supreme Court of Queensland Roll of Solicitors and the High Court of Australia Register of Practitioners, Adam took the role as a Judge’s Associate in the Federal Court of Australia. Working with a Judge presiding on both Federal Court and Full Federal Court matters around Australia, hearings covered areas of law from copyright, tax, workplace relations, native title, admiralty and corporations law. After his Federal Court placement, Adam practiced within the Mergers & Acquisitions and Major Project’s legal teams for a number of years at one of Australia’s largest and most prestigious law firms, Clayton Utz. Following a rewarding period in private practice, Adam took the role of Legal Counsel at the International Convention Centre, Sydney (ICC Sydney) which was then under construction in Darling Harbour as part of a billion dollar redevelopment until 2017, when Adam commenced his current position as ASM Global’s Group General Counsel and took on his group wide responsibilities. In his current role, Adam has negotiated and seen through to completion a range of matters both locally and internationally, from large-scale investment acquisitions, joint ventures, naming rights, venue management agreements or extensions, all the way through to venue specific hiring, sponsorship and supply agreements.

Chief Innovation Officer, Momentus Technologies

Steve has 38 years of experience within the Hospitality and Events industry, 29 years focused on the technology side of the business.
He has held leadership roles in event tech companies such as Oracle (formerly Micros-Fidelio), Ungerboeck Software, Aventri (formerly etouches) and is currently Executive Vice President at the recently announced merger between EventBooking and Ungerboeck, the world’s leading venue management software companies.
In 2022, Steve was awarded the Outstanding Contribution Award at the Event Tech Live Awards, and inducted to their Hall of Fame.
He is also a Certified Venue Executive, achieving this accreditation through the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) in 2022.
Steve is very involved in giving back to the industry and currently holds the following volunteer roles:
• On the Board of Directors for International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM)
• Current Chair of the Venue Management School for IAVM
• North American Chapter Chair of the International Convention & Congress Association (ICCA)
• Chair of the Strategic Leadership & Resources Committee for IAVM Instructor at the Venue Management Association Asia Pacific (VMA) Venue Management School & Learning Institute
• Instructor at the International Convention Centre Association (AIPC)
Over the past 20+ years, Steve has spoken in over 25 countries on topics related to the industry, with a focus on technology.

Principal, Reliance Risk, and Consultant to Momentus Technologies.

Wayne Middleton is the Global Vice President, Risk at Momentus Technologies. Previously, Wayne was a risk management consultant and Principal of Reliance Risk. Reliance Risk helps public venues, events, sports and companies in the entertainment industry to manage risk. He has over 30 years’ experience in management and operational roles in the venues and events industries and over 20 years as a risk management professional. He is also a VMS graduate (1996). Wayne holds a Master Degree in Risk Management, a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Diploma in Security Risk Management. He also holds a Certified Venue Executive (CVE) designation awarded by the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM).

General Manager People and Culture, Carlton Football Club

Donna Price is a thought leader in People, Culture and the Customer Experience, having worked in leadership roles within sports and venues over many years.

Donna has held a range of senior line management and People & Culture roles with a range of leading companies, including Westpac Banking Group, ANZ Banking Group, FOXTEL, Victoria Racing Club, Melbourne Park, Marvel Stadium and the Melbourne Cricket Club.

Donna’s most recent role was the GM of People and Culture at the Melbourne Cricket Club, where she also led the CARE Customer Service program that has won numerous awards in Australia and internationally, including the coveted ‘Best of the Best’ award at the Australian Service Excellence Awards, alongside seeing the Melbourne Cricket Club being recognised globally for its customer service focus, culminating in winning the Best Medium Sized Organisation globally for its customer service in 2019.

Donna has been part of the Sports Advisory Group at Deakin University, been a member of a VFL Club Board, and has recently taken on a new challenge, moving to Carlton Football Club, as the GM People and Culture, commencing in February of this year. She has been a guest speaker at numerous conferences, including Victorian HR Summit, and a number of Customer Experience Summits, running MasterClass sessions. She also recently completed the Harvard Business School Program, Transforming the Customer Experience.

Donna’s qualifications include:

Bachelor of Arts (major in Psychology)

Graduate Diploma in Human Resource Management

Masters in Counselling Psychology

Accredited Executive Coach

Accredited Targeted Selection Interviewer, Assessor and Facilitator

Accredited Facilitator and Trainer (AIM)

Registration Occupational Assessor (SHL)

Meagan Walker is Group Director – Arena Operations for ASM Global, overseeing the operations of the ASM Global managed arenas; currently Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Newcastle Entertainment Centre and RAC Arena in Perth.

Previously Meagan was Venue Manager at the Palais Theatre (a Live Nation operated venue). In this position, she oversaw the operations and delivery of over 170 events, managed and collaborated with external stakeholders on the redevelopment of the Palais Theatre’s forecourt, and led a team committed to exceeding patron expectations while also focusing on commercial return.

For five years, Meg was the General Manager – Rod Laver Arena (RLA) for Melbourne & Olympic Parks Trust until February 2022 demonstrating end to end responsibility for the business and operational performance of the Arena. In addition to building strong relationships with key stakeholders, Meg’s main responsibilities included strategic negotiation, successful execution and financial management focusing on commercial outcomes, customer satisfaction & safety, planning and delivery of successful entertainment and sporting events and leading & coaching the RLA team.

Prior to that, Meg was the General Manager –Touring, responsible for booking, managing and contracting, events at RLA,  AAMI Park, John Cain Arena and Margaret Court Arena, and overseeing all non-operational aspects of the hirings.  She has had contractual involvement in international events such as The Australian Open,  FINA World Cup (Swimming), the 2006 Commonwealth Games and the start-up of Melbourne Victory at Olympic Park.

Meg is a current Board Member of the Venue Management Association (VMA) and sits on the VMA’s Professional Development Committee.  In addition, Meg is a past member and Chair of the VMA’s Venue Management School (VMS) Committee, which she served on for 7 years.  She has instructed at VMS since 2007 in Booking & Scheduling, Customer Service, Retailing & Merchandise and Negotiation.  Meg also instructed on Negotiation at the VMS Leadership Institute for 5 years.  She is very passionate about the development of the future leaders of the venue management industry.

Meg was a graduate of the VMS in 2004 and in 2011 completed the Graduate Institute program at the Venue Management School in Oglebay in Pittsburgh, USA.  In June 2016, she was the guest international lecturer in Oglebay.