Business Events Mornington Peninsula (BEMP) has announced the re-establishment of its Business Events Advisory Group, bringing together leading tourism and hospitality operators from across the region to help shape the future of the Mornington Peninsula’s growing business events sector.
The Advisory Group has been formed in response to strong industry feedback highlighting the importance of business events in driving visitation during shoulder and off-peak periods, while supporting local employment, accommodation, hospitality and visitor experiences across the region.
Following an expression of interest process, eleven industry leaders have been appointed to the Advisory Group:
- Torie McKinnon, Managing Director, Moonraker Dolphin Swims
- Gabriella Iacuone, SMASH Marketing
- James McPherson, Founder, JimmyRum
- Karl Henry, Resort Manager, RACV Cape Schanck Resort
- Jessica Wood, General Manager, The Dunes Golf Links
- Sarah Hughes, Manager Events, McClelland Sculpture Park and Gallery
- Jennifer Illig, Searoad Ferries
- Nicola Kirk, Jackalope Hotel
- Melanie Robinson, Sales Manager, Melbourne Racing Club at Mornington Racecourse
- Emma Dolling, Enchanted Adventure
- Sherelle Fyfe, Business Events, Alba Thermal Springs and Spa
A total of 24 industry representatives were invited to participate in the process, demonstrating the strong interest and commitment from local businesses to further grow the region’s business events market.
The Advisory Group will be led by Mornington Peninsula Regional Tourism Board Director Jason Burnett, who brings more than three decades of international experience in the business events sector and has served on the Board for the past 18 months.
The re-establishment of the Advisory Group also reinforces the Board’s continued investment and commitment to the business events sector, including the appointment of dedicated Business Events sales resource Penelope Takenaga, alongside the leadership of Chief Executive Officer Angela Cleland, who also serves in an executive role on the Board of Business Events Victoria.
Together, Ms Takenaga and Ms Cleland bring more than 20 years of combined experience in the business events industry, supporting the continued growth and strategic direction of the sector across the Mornington Peninsula.
Chair of the Mornington Peninsula Regional Tourism Board, Roger Lancia, said the establishment of the Advisory Group reflected the Board’s commitment to listening to industry and working collaboratively to strengthen the visitor economy year-round.
“Business events play a critical role in helping drive visitation outside of peak holiday periods, supporting local businesses, jobs and investment across the region,” Mr Lancia said.
“The calibre of operators who have joined this Advisory Group highlights the passion and commitment our industry has toward building a stronger, more sustainable visitor economy for the Mornington Peninsula.”
“Importantly, this group ensures industry has a direct voice into the future direction of Business Events Mornington Peninsula. The Board is listening, and we are committed to working alongside businesses to continue growing this important sector.”
Business Events Mornington Peninsula was established as a specialist business unit of the Mornington Peninsula Regional Tourism Board to position the region as a leading destination for conferences, incentives, corporate retreats and business events.
The re-establishment of the Advisory Group forms part of the organisation’s ongoing commitment to industry collaboration, destination development and driving midweek and off-peak visitation outcomes for the region.