Last night our CEO, Anne Jamieson, was presented with the Outstanding Contribution by an Individual award at the Victorian Tourism Awards ceremony held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Anne was acknowledged for her exceptional contribution to the business events, accommodation and tourism industries as both a business leader and mentor throughout her 35-year career.
"I am incredibly proud and honoured to be recognised with this award and to join the company of past winners. When I started in the industry, over 30 years ago, I had no idea my career in the tourism and events industry would become my “place”. This industry, which I am so passionate about, continues to evolve and grow and constantly achieve new milestones. I am really proud to have been a part of this and in some small way contribute to its evolution. I am so very pleased this is my career of choice and to have my work and service recognised by my peers as we celebrate excellence in our industry. A huge congratulations to all winners and their ongoing contributions which make this a thriving and exciting industry to be involved in."
Anne has had an ongoing commitment to the business events sector, including her current role as CEO of Saxton Speakers. In the past 12 months, she has lead us through rebranding our organization, overseen the acquisition of the newest addition to our Saxton Brand Family, signed hundreds of new speakers and managed the pitching, booking and delivery process for over 1200 events across the globe.
During her nine-year tenure at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre (MCEC), Anne helped secure some of the largest events ever hosted in Melbourne, including the World AIDS Congress, PAX gaming expo and the International Congress for Diabetes. She was on the leadership team that secured the State Government Funding for the expansion of the MCEC, as well as redirecting the Centre to more sustainable business practices through its locally source food philosophy and food waste reduction procedures.
In her eight years on the board of the not-for-profit Meetings & Events Australia (MEA), Anne worked with fellow board members to achieve a 10% year on year increase in membership and created MEA’s successful and profitable accredited educational program. Throughout her tenure, she worked hard to lobby the State and Federal Governments to recognise the role that the events industry plays in the economy.
Anne continues to volunteer on the Board of the Victorian Tourism Industry Council and is the Chair of its Events Policy Committee, which acts as an industry voice alongside Government, representing key stakeholders.
“Anne’s passion for the events and hospitality industry was honed earlier in her career in the accommodation sector, having worked across Australia and the Asia Pacific in senior sales and marketing roles in leading international hotel brands. Since that time, she has brought that passion and professionalism to so many areas of the tourism and events sector. Her time serving as the Chair of the Victorian Event Industry Council and now as Deputy Chair of the Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) has delivered her incredible energy and enthusiasm to these important bodies for our industry”, said Felicia Mariani, CEO, VTIC
Throughout her career, Anne has mentored numerous female staff members into senior management roles, historically held by men in the 1980s and 1990s. She is currently mentor to four mentees that she meets with monthly, helping them progress their careers or manage challenging situations within their current workplace.
Congratulations to Anne on this wonderful recognition of many years of hard work.
