The White Party – ISES Melbourne chapter annual presentation dinner

Published On:August 16, 2010

Report by Trevor Connell – photography by Nigel Welch

The ISES regional conference may have been postponed through lack of interest but there was plenty of support for the annual gala dinner put on by the Melbourne chapter.

Laser Funk

The dinner was held at the Hilton on the Park Melbourne which has recently undergone a $40 million refurbishment. While the Grand Ballroom can accommodate up to 1000 guests, this event (for 140 guests) was held in just one sector of the ballroom where the new features were evident. These futures include the LED lighting in the ceiling discs and embossed wallpaper – which looks quite stylish and came up well when projected on. The conference and events floor has a great foyer with views to the MCG (where, on this night Essendon were thrashed by Collingwood)

The event had quite a spectacular opening – Laser Funk – a debut new act produced by Creative Entertainment Concepts and Genius Laser Technology features musicians on drums and laser harp and laser emitting trumpet and sax.

This concept came about 12 months ago at last year’s ISES gala dinner when Nic Yates (Wacky Entertainment) got chatting with Arthur Ipsaros (Genius Laser Technology) about how they could interactively combine the laser technology with live performers.

The ISES Michael Milburn Lifetime Achievement Award for Commitment to the Special Events Industry in Victoria

Some years ago the ISES Melbourne chapter instituted an annual award for outstanding service to the industry in Victoria. This year the award has been renamed in honour of Michael Milburn who passed away last year.

The award was presented to Peter Jones by Roz Harvey, a long time friend and business partner of Michael Milburn.

In his acceptance speech Peter Jones pointed out that it was Michael who got Peter involved in ISES and then into the presidency for three years. Peter pointed out that although he is no longer involved with ISES on a day to day basis he is still representing the industry as chairman of Victorian Events Industry Council (VEIC). This organisation is a peak body for the Victorian Business Events industry.

Peter said that “Being involved in VEIC ensures the industry in Melbourne continues with $85 million support from the Victorian government to make sure the major events come to Melbourne. The whole strategy around tourism and marketing of Victoria is based around events. Queensland has a reef; Sydney has a harbour; Northern Territory has a rock; Tassie has wilderness and Victoria has events and that is such an important part of the business we work in and is worth $2.5 billion a year to Victoria.”

Peter Jones spoke to ASE about the award and some of his memories of Michael Milburn.