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.

Wayne Middleton is 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).

Michael Cox is the Director of Operations at Qudos Bank Arena, having oversight of the total operation of the Arena including the delivery of the Arena’s Technical Operations, Ticketing, Assets (including Presentation Services), Events Services and Security Divisions.

Michael commenced his career in the Venue Management Industry in 1999 at Qudos Bank Arena (formerly the Sydney SuperDome) in Venue Operations. In 2005 Michael joined the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games Corporation, focusing on logistics, site management, licensing and merchandising and sports presentation for the Melbourne Exhibition Centre. Michael returned to Qudos Bank Arena in 2008 and has held a number of management positions before being promoted to his current role where he oversees the delivery of the Arena’s operations for the world’s largest events from Sir Paul McCartney, P!NK and Bruce Springsteen to Cirque du Soleil, Motocross, World Cups and National and International sporting fixtures.

A respected and dedicated venue professional, Michael was invited to be a part of the Live Entertainment Industry Forum (LEIF), which was an initiative of the VMA and Australia’s biggest promoters of entertainment and sport to support the COVIDSafe reactivation of events and live audiences across Australia.

Michael has completed a Bachelor in Management from the University of Technology Sydney and has graduated from the VMS in 2009 and the LI in 2016, achieving his AVM accreditation in 2018.

Leighton Wood recently retired as CEO of Grande Experiences, the creators of multi-sensory art and cultural experiences at THE LUME, Melbourne and 10 other like event products across the globe.
Prior to this he was Chief Operating Officer for 10 years at the award-winning Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC). At MCEC he oversaw a team of more than 800 employees across Operations, Food and Beverage, Technology, Planning, Security & Safety, Sustainability and Capital Works while also managing the working relationship with MCEC’s Private Public Partnership (PPP) partners. Leighton was responsible for the day to day delivery of the MCEC product and provided high level strategic advice to the Executive Team and Trust, particularly in the areas of future business planning and ongoing organisational improvement. He is passionate about sustainability and drove significant reductions in MCEC’s environmental footprint.
He is currently President of the Venue Management Association of Asia Pacific.
Prior to MCEC, Leighton was CEO of various organisations, including the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games, Melbourne Major Events Company, Sport Knowledge Australia and the Princess Alexandra Hospital Foundation.

Kim is Senior Vice President and General Manager for Honda Center in Anaheim, California, USA, home of the National Hockey League Anaheim Ducks. She is also responsible for the development of ocVIBE venues including a 5700 seat concert hall, amphitheatre and urban park, located in a 95 acre mixed use district being built around Honda Center.
Kim was formerly Director of Venues and Events for the City of Tacoma, Washington, USA where she was responsible for the iconic 21000 seat Tacoma Dome, one of the largest wood domed structures in the world, the Greater Tacoma Convention Center, Cheney Stadium (AAA Baseball), and historic theatres. Kim also led the City’s Office of Arts and Cultural Vitality, and was seconded for a year to lead the Community and Economic Development Department in addition to her venue duties.
Kim joined the City of Tacoma from Comcast Arena (now Angel of the Winds Arena) in Everett, Washington where as General Manager she opened the facility in 2003. Comcast Arena was awarded the inaugural Venue Excellence Award for Arenas from the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) in 2010. She previously held venue leadership positions at the Air Canada Centre (now Scotiabank Arena) in Toronto and at the Crystal Centre in Grande Prairie, Canada, with a stop at the Olympic Medals Plaza at the Salt Lake City Olympic Games.
Kim received a degree in Recreation and Physical Education from Acadia University in Wolfville, Canada. Her first job after graduation took her to 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 IAVM. She served as Chair of the Board of Directors in 2015. During her tenure as an IAVM senior leader, she created the Legacy Program, fostered initiatives for women in leadership and diversity and inclusion, and championed the shift to effective board governance.
Kim is former Chair of the Board of Regents of the IAVM Venue Management School and currently Dean of the Graduate Institute. She was a guest instructor at the Asia-Pacific (Australia) Venue Management School in 2007 and joined the faculty of the inaugural Asia-Pacific Venue Management Association Graduate (Leadership) Institute in 2014.
Kim was named one of five inaugural “Women of Influence” in the venue management industry by trade publication Venues Today in 2007. She has received the Ray Ward Award for recognition of her contributions to education at IAVM’s Venue Management School. She has been declared one of “10 Women Buyers You Should Know”, one of “Ten Leading Women Venue Executives” and an “Entertainment Venue Executive Luminary”. In 2018 she was named Venue Executive of the Year by the International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA).

Andrew Travis is 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).

Anthony Duffy is 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.

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.

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.

Katherine is the Senior Account Manager within Presenter Services at Arts Centre Melbourne (ACM), Victoria Australia. Having attended VMS Australia (2010 and 2011), she was the first student to receive both the Year 1 USI Bursary and Year 2 AEG Ogden Scholarship. She attended the 2013 IAVM GI at Oglebay, WV. In 2014, she commenced as an Instructor and committee member at VMS Australia. In 2019, she was the visiting guest Instructor at the IAVM Venue Management School, in their inaugural year at Saddlebrook, Florida.
Her venue career started in Front of House in 2000. She specialised in customer service both at the Arts Centre Melbourne and as Usher Manager at Royal Opera House, Covent Garden.
In 2007, she was appointed as Operations Manager, Sidney Myer Music Bowl – one of Melbourne’s most iconic outdoor performance venues. 2009 – 2015, she was an Event Manager at ACM, responsible for the relationship management, venue scheduling, contracting, coordination, and whole event overview of events across ACM – in most cases more than 30 performances/week. This iconic precinct manages 7 performance venues and is the Melbourne home of Opera, Ballet, Theatre, Symphony etc.
As of June 2015, Katherine leads the Account Management team at ACM, delivering all Performing Arts Events across the precinct, approximately 2500 performances/events in a normal year. The department is responsible for Relationship, Event and Venue Management (booking and scheduling, contracting, ticketing and marketing, event preparation and post event settlement/review). Relationship management continues to be a strong passion for Katherine, as her career progresses.
Alongside venue management, Katherine is a Biochemistry Graduate from the University of Melbourne. Katherine is an LGBT+ advocate and mentor. She is also passionate about Equality, with a particular focus on, LGBT+, Gender Diversity, First Nations and Refugees. She is the Secretary of the Board of Consort of Melbourne as well as the Principal Soprano. She’s also recorded several podcast for 3MBS and “She Inspires Me”.
She performs regularly with chamber/early music groups in Melbourne and around the world. Key performances including: Homophonic (Annual LGBT+ Festival) 2010 – Present, World Premiere of Deborah Cheetham’s ‘Eumeralla’ (Melbourne 2018) and all subsequent performances (2019 onwards), Port Fairy Spring Music Festival (Various), Taylor Mac’s 24 Hour Show (Melbourne Festival 2017), Notre Dame (Paris, 2016), Westminster Abbey (London, 2016 – for members of the Royal Family) and The Rolling Stones (Melbourne 2014). More details (including recordings) via www.katherinenorman.com.au.
When she is at home, Katherine and her wife enjoy: Artisanal home produce (e.g. homebrew, salami, prosciutto, cheese, curing and smoking bacon etc) planning trips in their VW Van and doting on their two Wheaten Terrier dogs.

Gavin Taylor, Managing Director of Ticketmaster Australia, is a seasoned venue, business management, and sports administration professional with experience across commercial and government sectors. Gavin moved to Melbourne from Perth in January 2021 to take up the role with Ticketmaster, where he will be responsible for managing all aspects of the company’s client related businesses as it relates to the Australian market. Prior to this role, Gavin held the position of Chief Executive Officer at the West Australian Football Commission, the largest not for profit sporting governing body in the State, as well as General Manager at Perth Stadium Management, which operated the award-winning Subiaco Oval. Gavin has also had experience in the government sector and has owned successful small businesses across the health and hospitality industries. Gavin has deep industry knowledge in business strategy, government relations, organisational change management, events and facilities management. A demonstrated history in developing and fostering strong client and stakeholder relations, and building teams with a strong focus on service excellence, underpin some of leadership values which all are exhibited in his role as Managing Director. Gavin holds a Bachelor of Social Science with a specialisation in Leisure and Sports Management from Edith Cowan University, Diplomas in Management (Government & Venue Management) and is an Accredited Venue Manager (VMA). Gavin is a member of the VMA’s Venue Management School Committee and has been an Instructor since 2015.

As a professional in the venue industry for over 20 years, Mark has held senior positions at venues around Australia, overseeing a number of major international sporting and entertainment events including all codes of football, cricket, court sports, motor sport, concerts, and festivals. Through his career, Mark has worked with all manner of venues in both private and public sectors, including stadia, arenas, race tracks, and community leisure facilities. Mark has held senior, Executive, and consulting roles with some of Australia’s leading organisations. Mark is currently General Manager at The Gabba. Through a COVID ravaged year in 2020, Mark led The Gabba team to be amongst the first venues to welcome fans back in significant numbers as well as delivering the historic 2020 AFL Grand Final. His experience covers the full gamut of venue management including all operational and event delivery areas, contract management and venue design and development. He is an enthusiastic and dedicated venue professional and brings an interactive approach to his VMS sessions. Mark has been active in the development of the venue industry in local and international markets as a Board Member with VMA for five years as well as being a member of the IAVM Diversification Committee, and a member of the IAVM Certification Board for the past five years. Mark graduated the Venue Management School in 2003, was awarded his AVM in 2013, and achieved his CVE qualification in 2015.

Tammy Koolbeck CVE began as Executive Director of the Iowa State Center in August 2015 and currently serves as Executive Director for Stephens Auditorium. She is only the 5th Director to lead the organization since the venues opened in 1969. She works for the Ames- based company, VenuWorks and has worked in the venue management industry for over 25 years.

Before to coming to Ames, Tammy was a senior member of the VenuWorks corporate staff as Senior Vice President/Chief Marketing Office. Prior to her corporate work, Tammy was Assistant Executive Director of Marketing and Programming for the U.S. Cellular Center Arena/Paramount Theatre and General Manager of the Cedar Rapids Ice Arena. Tammy started in the public assembly management field as the Director of Marketing for the Five Seasons Center and Paramount Theater. Her past work experience includes hotel, convention and visitor bureau and professional sports.

She served as the 2019-2020 Chair for the International Association of Venue Managers Board of Directors and is currently heavily involved in the Association’s federal and state advocacy efforts. In 2014 and in 2021, she was honored with IAVM’s Chairman Citation. She currently serves as 2nd Chair on IAVM’s Board of Regents and the Industry Affairs Committee and serves as a mentor.

In September 2019, Tammy was selected by VenuesNow in its inaugural class of VenuesNow All-Stars – one of 50 industry leaders who were chosen because of their abilities to lead, innovate and commitment to diversity in the live entertainment and venue management sectors. She was also honored 2021 as a Women of Live, one of 52 women chosen throughout North America and Europe in the live entertainment industry.

Tammy is a Past President for the Event and Arena Marketing Conference, the premier gathering for arena marketing professionals from the United States, Canada, and Europe. In 2007, she was awarded EAMC’s highest honor, the Gigi Award of Excellence. Tammy also received the prestigious Women of Influence Award from Venues Today in 2010.

Tammy’s current community involvement in Ames includes serving as Ames Community Arts Council Board President, Ames Noon Rotary Board Member and KHOI Board Member. Since moving to Ames five years ago, she has also been involved in leadership positions with Go Red for Women/Story County and Ames Convention and Visitors Bureau. She is graduate of Leadership Ames.