We are delighted to announce the results of the 2023 Board Election.
This year’s election called for nominations to fill one vacant Active Board position and one Allied Board position.
We are pleased to welcome back returning Allied Director – Anthony Duffy AVM.
In addition, we proudly introduce our newest Board Member, Malu Barrios, who will commence her three year term on the 16th of May.
Malu Barrios
She is a seasoned ASM Global executive, having successfully launched three of the global venue management group’s facilities prior to undertaking her current role of Director of Event Services at ICC Sydney.
Malu previously held the position of Events Director of the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, General Manager of the Darwin Convention Centre, and General Manager of Sydney Exhibition Centre @ Glebe Island, where she ensured the seamless transition of events from the interim facility to ICC Sydney. Malu was also associated with the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW as General Manager of the Sydney Showground where she contributed to great cultural and corporate change within the organisation.
Malu was an instrumental member of the ICC Sydney opening team and has since overseen the delivery thousands of world class events since it’s opening in December 2016.
In her role as Director of Event Service, Malu oversees the teams involved in ICC Sydney’s event planning, event operations, customer service and live events. Her team is often considered to be the engine room of ICC Sydney, working hand in hand with clients to bring their extraordinary event visions to life.
Under her guidance, ICC Sydney’s operations have gone from strength to strength and have been recognised with numerous industry accolades. This includes the Exhibitions and Events Association of Australasia (EEAA) Best Venue Team in 2018 and 2019 and being awarded the Best Event Venue – Capacity over 1500 from the prestigious Meetings and Events Australia (MEA) 2019 National Awards, amongst others.
She has a global reputation for being a first-class leader and is well recognised for her expertise and advocacy of business events and venue management. Malu was recognised as the inaugural Unsung Hero of the event and exhibition industry by the EEAA in 2017 for her significant contribution over many years.
Malu first became a member of the Venue Management Association in 2008.
VMA President Leighton Wood said, “On behalf of the members I take this opportunity to welcome our newly elected Directors onto the Board. The depth of experience and passion in our industry ranks is amazing and we are delighted that these talented venue professionals will be joining the Board as the Association enters the next phase of its growth. I would also like to thank our members for their engagement in the nomination and voting process.”