In support of SITE’s goals to grow its global presence and advance the incentive travel industry worldwide, SITE celebrated the formation of a new chapter--SITE Australia/New Zealand—during IMEX Americas 2019 show at the Sands Expo in Las Vegas, which took place Sept. 10-12. The chapter officially formed in May.
Currently, Australia/New Zealand has 28 incentive travel professionals who are members of the SITE Chapter.
The chapter will operate as a center for networking, organizing meetings and incentive activities and aims to encourage a new generation of incentive professionals to get involved.
Credit: Colin Holden/OdysseyMG
“For our chapter it’s all about networking and getting on the global platform because we are more isolated in our part of the world,“ says Marissa Fernandez, managing director of the Sydney-based Destination Marketing Services and co-president of the SITE chapter with Damion Breust, CEO, Directions, CIM, also based in Sydney.
“We are pleased that SITE Australia/New Zealand has been established as a result of the effort of so many professionals from the Australia/New Zealand MICE community. Having a dedicated SITE chapter in country will highlight and promote these two countries as the incredible incentive destination they are. It will also allow incentive professionals access to networking, education and certification,” said SITE President Philip Eidsvold, CIS, CITP.
The goals for the Australia/New Zealand SITE chapter include: creating SITE awareness and its value proposition; enhancing the country’s positions as leading incentive travel destinations and building a sustainable future for both the society and the incentive travel industry.
Said Colette Baini, Director of the Sydney-based The Conference Room, “In establishing SITE Australia New Zealand, we are realizing our global connectedness. The Australian business event community yesterday was thrilled to welcome SITE global members down under. We look forward to sharing our incentives dreams with this greater community.”
SITE Australia/New Zealand Board of Directors
Damion Breust, CEO, Directions
Marissa Fernandez, Managing Director, Destination Marketing Services
Svetlana Jovanovic, Director, The Unique Tourism Collection
Caroline Gair, Global Director Supplier Relations, cievents
Collete Baini, Director, The Conference Room
Anne Maree Gill, Director of National Sales, Accor
Cathy Favaloro, Director of Sales, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts