An Introduction

As many of you would have already read, this year marks the 10th anniversary of EAN and to celebrate this milestone we are planning a series of special Networking events around the country to both celebrate and say thank you to all those members and partners who have supported us over the years.

Our first such event will be held in Brisbane on the pool side terrace and in the pavilion at Royal on the Park on the 15th October. If you are in Queensland, don't miss out on this great event, as we have a really great night planned. Next up will be Sydney at the Intercontinental Sydney on the 26th November - the venue of our second ever event back in September 2005.

Later this month also sees the start of our special FREE webinar series that will be hosted by Craig Rispin, EAN's Futurist-in-Residence. Our webinar series kicks off on the 21st October and will feature special guests whilst also allowing you to get your questions answered in every episode. This 'Automate your success series' will focus on technology that actually works for EAs and PAs in the situations they find themselves every day. Wouldn't it be great to have technology that actually helped you be more successful, really productive and save your time? Well, that's what this series aims to help you uncover. Craig will help you look amazing, save you time and increase your personal productivity massively. Plus these new technologies are so lovely to use - they will put a smile on your face!

Just some of what we will be covering in the coming months includes the following, although we will be testing these with our audience as we proceed.

• Personal productivity technology that helps you get your job done more easily
• New hardware and software tools specifically for EAs
• Collaboration tools to help you get more done
• Cloud computing to help you simplify complicated tasks
• Outrageous outsourcing - have simple tasks done overnight while you sleep

Two weeks ago saw the official launch function of Elite Assistants' new recruitment service in Sydney and the event was a huge success. Co-hosted by Cruise Bar in Sydney, two weeks post its own relaunch after a massive refurbishment of the venue and the Overseas Passenger Terminal, over 150 people attended what was a really wonderful occasion to mark this new milestone in our history. Also in September we had our annual Brisbane conference, again another really successful event with too many highlights to mention here. We have a full report below and all we can say is, that if you are an EA or PA in Melbourne or Perth and you want to know what all the fuss has been about in Sydney, Canberra and Brisbane where the event has been held to date, read below for more details. Several months ago we wrote about our plans to launch an EAN Charitable Trust, an entity that will ostensibly be invigorated and led by the input, actions and creativity of members. We mentioned we planned to send out a survey about this as soon as we could and we want to let you know that this is still in the pipeline. We have put some great ideas around the structure and the kinds of activates we think might work so as soon as we can get these finished we intend to send out a survey to members so you can have your say on what will essentially be your charity.

It's be a crazy few months here at EAN with so much going on. In addition to the above, our latest round of Diploma qualifications kicked off in August and September and we are already taking enquires for the next intake in March. Spring has well and truly sprung and as always we seem to be busier than we ever imagined possible, with so much in the pipeline still ahead of us. But as always, whilst it's incredibly busy, we are also as always truly excited and thrilled about what is coming up at EAN and what we are doing for you, our members and supporters.

EAN Brisbane Congress

As we pass the half way stage in this current series of conferences, with three already having been held in Sydney, Canberra and Brisbane, we now look forward to the final two conferences in our series in Melbourne in November, and then Perth in February. So far the series has resonated exceptionally well with visitors. After selling out in Sydney in March, the first time we've ever achieved such a result, we also had really strong support in Canberra in July and then Brisbane in September. Looking at the feedback from the Brisbane event, the feedback from those who took time to fill in the surveys was mostly really positive, with some 69% of respondents rating it good or excellent in relation to the overall conference program.

Just a few of the quotes from attendees at this Brisbane conference include:

"My first conference, but definitely not my last! For EA's undecided on attending, I can say it's definitely worth the investment.a I left the conference with renewed motivation and new friends. Can't wait to see what the EAN Team have in store for us next year!" - Kathleen Downey, LogiCamms

"The event was a great way to block out time to really concentrate on development ideas, career pursuits and everyday ideas to make work life easier. It was fun, interactive and a networking goldmine. Very thankful for the support and validation I walked away with." - Carly Drew, FTI Consulting

"I took away plenty of motivation and inspiration from the EAN Congress but I also took practical tips that I will implement." - Alexia Wynn, Commonwealth Bank

Looking at specific feedback on speakers, there were a number of great highlights, with the Executive Panel discussions as always featuring very favourably. But the absolute highlight for all those who hung around to the end was Keith Abraham, whose topic was ‘Discover the secrets for living with passion, loving what you do and living life your own way’. From those surveyed, every single person rated him as either very good or excellent. Close behind Keith was Steve Bradbury, winter Olympic gold medallist, who gave an amazing presentation on being the ‘Last Man Standing’, as he was globally proclaimed after his victory. It was really inspiring hearing his message of how that impacted him and what he learned to take away from it, ultimately realising that he had to be in the position to be there to win and the many, many years of hard work he had to put into his career to achieve what he did.

As always, with any conference, we received some great constructive advice for ways to improve the event, and in particular some of the sessions that maybe didn’t shine in the ways that others did, and we will be working hard to ensure that next year in Brisbane is even better. Looking ahead to Melbourne and then Perth, we have amazing speakers lined up in both cities which we are really looking forward to, with as always great Executive Panel Discussions.

So if you haven’t taken the opportunity to register for those events yet, we urge you to do so, we know you won’t regret it. And remember, as with all our conferences, the earlier you register, the cheaper it is to attend.

and the winner is...
congratulations to our passport program winners from the Brisbane 2015 conference. See the winners list yourself using the link below.

I need an urgent conference space (in or near the Sydney CBD) for about 60 people...

I am interested in what organisations do to recognise longevity of staff service....

I need to arrange an executive dinner in Oct '15 for about 20 people in Brisbane CBD...

Does anyone have any good suggestions for an easy Board Paper app? We've been using a file-share app...

I read somewhere about the idea of having a few small market stalls around the venue featuring local designers...

Want to join in the conversation?

Visit our chatrooms today.

EAN are extremely excited to introduce Order-In as our newest nsw regional partner. Please see below an introduction from Order-In and more information on what they have to offer.

Spring has sprung and warmer weather is on its way. It's the perfect chance to get your next corporate function outdoors. Why not host a BBQ? It's so quintessentially Australian and it's a lovely way of bringing people together after a chilly winter. We've got sizzling-great menus that'll leave you wishing for more. Our flavour of the moment are the Mexican quesadillas, but the prawn and chorizo skewers are tasty too. They're perfect when partnered with a crisp salad, condiments, crusty bread and a dessert.

Corporate BBQ's

There are more than a few things to consider when planning an off-site BBQ, particularly when you have a big group. If you'd like some help arranging the details - it's as easy as a phone call to Ellen in our Events department. From venues, permits and equipment hire to alcohol and staff. We set up, clean up and pack up so you can sit back and enjoy.

If you are keen to manage the details yourself, this is the checklist that we use when planning a corporate event:

• BBQ and gas bottles - Very important not to run out
• Chef and staff - Size dependant
• Tables - Are they needed to cook on? Is this a sit down or casual stand-up function?
• Cutlery, crockery and glasses - Disposable or ceramic really depends on how casual the event is
• The bar -Glasses, ice, alcohol and soft drinks and more
• Responsible service of alcohol - Very important
• Permits for gatherings at public spaces - An important detail
• Marquees or tents - For shade if the day is going to be hot or shelter if it is going to rain
• Rubbish - Prepare a plan for where you are going to dispose of the rubbish
• Access to toilets - Be sure that your guests don't have to walk too far

Order-In is a market-leading corporate catering service with a difference. Take a look at our BBQ menus today. It's the best catering experience you'll ever have. OrderIn.com.au

contact - Ellen@orderin.com.au
phone - 1300 851 900

Luna Park Venues named Best Function Caterers at Restaurant and Catering Awards

Luna Park Venues has been named the Best Function/Convention Centre Caterer (Sydney Metropolitan) at the prestigious Restaurant and Catering Awards for Excellence held in Sydney overnight. Luna Park Sydney, which is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year, outperformed eight other finalists to take out the top honour recognising the talents of its functions and catering team. The dedicated and skilled team, comprising of catering, events and food and beverage staff, work cohesively to ensure that hosting an event at Luna Park Sydney is an enjoyable and stress free experience. Internationally trained Executive Chef, Mark Taylor, and his first class culinary team are renowned for preparing exceptional dishes created using high quality, local produce.

Luna Park Venues, offers 14 different settings and spaces for functions and conventions, ranging in size from 30 to 1,300

They have hosted a raft of Sydney's leading business lunch events and stellar award and functions evenings during the past year, including the annual Australia Day Lunch, Big Sports Lunch and Landsdowne Lunch. James Granter, General Manager (Sales) of Luna Park Venues, was thrilled to be named the best function caterer in Sydney. "It has been our goal to provide the very best catering Sydney has on offer in our stunning harbourside venues, our whole team can rightly be very proud and we congratulate Mark who has led our professional catering personnel for over 10 years," Mr Granter said. The judging criteria encompassed many facets of the catering experience, including food and staff service, the function area setup and food presentation.

Luna Park Venues will progress to nationals held in Brisbane on 26 October.
Media Contact: Taylor Campbell | 0419 526 008 | taylorc@avviso.com.au

About Luna Park Venues
Luna Park Sydney is one of the city's most sought after meeting, exhibition and conference centres, offering 14 unique multipurpose waterfront venues and unrivalled views of the cityscape, capturing the iconic Harbour Bridge and Opera House. The versatile and multipurpose venue spaces at Luna Park Sydney can accommodate for functions of varying sizes and scopes from small, intimate cocktail gatherings of 30 people through to sit own banquets of 1,300 guests, as well as large-scale exhibition and conferencing services.

EAN's create a unique scent at sanctuary cove resort on the gold coast resort

What happens when you get 20 female Executive Assistants and 1 male into a room full of fragrances? They participate in a very pleasant smelling team building challenge to create an Essence of Excellence! And that's exactly what a group of executive assistants recently did as part of their day famil at InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort on the Gold Coast.The group who are members of Executive Assistants Network (EAN) Brisbane where picked up by coach early Saturday morning and whisked down to this luxurious resort. On arrival they enjoyed welcome mocktails before being taken on a tour through the Resort and The Marine Village Sanctuary Cove. They were then treated to a relaxing seafood lunch overlooking the Beach Lagoon Pool.

Next on the agenda was a boat trip over to McLaren's Landing to experience some of the offsite event options available at this picturesque location. When they got back to the resort, the group then took part in the Be Challenged "Team Building" perfume making challenge which saw the group break into four teams. Each team was given their own customer profile and had to create a perfume/cologne to suit. Each team had to create their fragrance, come up with a name and then prepare their presentation for the judges. Ironically the team with the "Silver Fox" (Damian from EAN) created their "Silver Fox" cologne and after a very entertaining presentation, won the challenge.

The group enjoyed pre-dinner drinks in on the Fountain Terrace before heading off to Dreamworld for some Zombie Laser Tag and time with Tigers. Nick Warner, Business Development Manager from InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort said the group had a fabulous day. "It was terrific to be able to bring this group of EAN's down from Brisbane. We put together a fun itinerary that gave them a taste of what the Resort can offer for meetings, conferences and events. "The EA's commented on how great it was for them to see the resort first hand and experience some of the activities that can be built into their itineraries," Nick said.

For more information on conferencing, or holding a meeting or event at InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort visit www.intercontinentalsanctuarycove.com.

Two days of wine, dining, and flights to remember - Crowne Plaza turns it on for EAN.

Fancy experiencing the best of regional NSW over two days? Well that's exactly what 21 EAs from the Executive Assistants Network (EAN), had the pleasure of doing last month with the help of Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley, Crowne Plaza Newcastle and Crowne Plaza Terrigal. Making the short drive north from Sydney, the group were first treated to a delicious lunch at the ideally located Crowne Plaza Terrigal. To accompany the meal, Julie Goodman of Masterchef fame provided inspiration and intrigue as she shared her story of personal development and success. A trip to the iconic Hunter Valley would not be complete without a wine tasting or two and what better venue to visit than Hope Estate. Following the "necessary" tasting session, owner Michael Hope joined the group to explain his journey and vision for the Valley as a whole, before flying two lucky members of the group in his helicopter direct to Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley. An evening sampling the delectable local produce of the Hunter region was enjoyed by all in the recently constructed Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley Conference and Events centre, one of its kind in the region.

The following morning the EA's teamwork was put to the test courtesy of an interactive treasure hunt around the resort. The winners of this challenge were rewarded with a flight to truly remember over the stunning Hunter Valley courtesy of the resort and Slattery helicopters. Before returning to Sydney the group had the pleasure of dining in the recently revitalised Seasalt Restaurant at Crowne Plaza Newcastle. Following a whistlestop tour of Newcastle's sights and sounds the group made the sort trip back to Sydney; informed and inspired about regional NSW. Business Development Director, Sandra Smith who accompanied the group over their two day experience said the feedback from all those who attended was exceedingly positive.

"The group just loved the opportunity to experience regional NSW, and gain a better understanding of what each property can offer delegates and meeting attendees". "The unique itinerary provided a range of experiences which really helped to showcase the diverse nature of the region", remarked Sandra.

For your opportunity to experience regional NSW or for further information on any of the Crowne Plaza properties, visit the following websites or speak directly to the IHG representative; Michelle Carter.

Crowne Plaza Terrigal: crowneplazaterrigal.com.au
Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley: crowneplazahuntervalley.com.au
Crowne Plaza Newcastle: crowneplazanewcastle.com.au

"My name is Bond..." You know the rest. What you didn't know is that they come in threes and they sing! Welcome to the slickest, coolest and - dare we say it - most debonair show to hit the corporate entertainment scene, bringing the world's favourite leading man to the stage just in time for the much anticipated 007 movie release, Spectre, in November. Tongues firmly planted in their cheeks, James, James and James smoothly and hilariously get amongst the audience whilst belting out an array of magnificent tunes, as memorable as they are unique. Diamonds are Forever, Thunderball, Goldfinger, Live and Let Die, the list goes on! We've shaken in lashings of charm, stirred in some slick moves and more one-liners than Bond could poke his stick at! On top of it all, audiences discover just who the REAL Bond is... OOH James!

Elevate the aesthetics of your event by incorporating some 007 theming to complement the entertainment. With Spectre's opening sequence taking place in Mexico City during the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations, we recommend mixing in trappings of the traditional Mexican holiday - think vibrant colours, whimsical patterns of Latin American art, and skulls - with the neoclassical opulence typically associated with the Bond franchise.

For further information on Funktionality's decor, theming, styling and entertainment, contact their team.

P: 02 9557 8105, E: info@funktionality.com.au W: www.funktionality.com.au

Fancy yourself as a bit of an Art Connoisseur? This is your chance to view emerging and established artists in your area. If you're interested in a complimentary walk-through of the Cliftons Art Prize exhibition, please contact your local site here.

Cliftons Art Prize finalists have been announced!

Our panel of well-established judges have taken on the daunting task and selected the top artworks in all sites! We are proud to host the top 10 finalists in each site during art exhibitions that run from October 7th until December 11th. You can now view the finalists online at cliftonsartprize.com. Started in 2001, Cliftons Art Prize is an annual competition that helps raise the profiles of local emerging artists and encourages corporate patronage of the arts. At Cliftons, we believe visually stimulating environments enrich the learning experience. With a long standing commitment to visual arts, we are proud to host Cliftons Art Prize for another year. Every year, local artists across Asia Pacific are encouraged to enter the online competition with a submission of their artwork. Entry is FREE. Entries are reviewed by independent and accomplished judges, who bring a wealth of experience to the art scene. Once finalists have been selected, Cliftons hosts exhibitions at each venue to showcase the finalists' artworks. Check out last year's winners here. If you consider yourself a bit of an artist, why not consider entering for 2016? All entry information can be found here.

Let Business Events Victoria be your Guide

Event organisers can breathe a sigh of relief now Business Events Victoria (BEV) have launched the 9th edition of the Regional Victoria Planner's Guide - a valuable directory to regional Victorian events venues, accommodation and service providers.

The guide was proudly unveiled at the Regional Victoria Showcase in Sydney on Thursday 27 August, an inaugural interstate event taking Victoria on the road, allowing attendees to see and experience what regional Victoria has to offer in the way of business event locations and destinations without having to leave Sydney! This event was a key opportunity to engage with interstate business event organisers and encourage them to consider the Victorian offering.

Executive Officer Chris Porter said 'The Planner's Guide has become a reliable resource for business event organisers around Australia. It is the only state-wide dedicated publication that solely focuses on regional areas.' Featuring over 80 advertisers, with all 11 Victorian regions covered, the Guide is BEV's key collateral piece in the organisations marketing program and sales activities. The dispersal of business events to regional Victoria has significant impacts to communities and BEV is responsible for confirming 32 event bookings which injected an estimated $2.1 million across the state in the previous financial year. 'We have a targeted distribution strategy for the Guide via face to face sales calls in key markets such as Melbourne and Sydney, and also distribute at industry trade events including AIME and by direct mail to our key partners' said Mr Porter, 'We use this strategy to ensure that the guide is delivered directly into the hands of our target audience.'

The guide would not be possible without the Victorian State Government's continual support of the business events industry in regional Victoria. For your copy of the Regional Victoria Planners Guide 2015/2016 please contact Business Events Victoria info@businesseventsvictoria.com

*Business Events Victoria is a membership-based group that has been operating since 1996 and represents over 200 conference venues, accommodation providers, tour operators, local councils, regional tourism organisations and service providers. Its aim is to grow regional Victoria as a business events destination, to use events to boost the economies of these areas and to promote the many and varied offerings and experiences that cannot be found anywhere else. www.businesseventsvictoria.com

Time to think about ditching those winter routines and set up some new ones. You work very hard for your boss so they can do their best so it makes sense that you also need to look after yourself so you can do your best. Here are a few ideas to get ready for summer, stay fit and healthy, ready for work and play.

Nutrition: Summer is the time for beautiful simple salads that you can eat at work and/or feed the family. Here are a few ideas:

• MANGO & CHICKEN - Mango (diced), mixed salad leaves, BBQ Chicken (shredded),1/2 cup olives, handful cashews. Dressing: olive oil, red wine vinegar and dash of soy
• FETA, ALMOND & BEETROOT COUSCOUS - 1/3 cup cooked couscous, crumbled feta, toasted flaked almonds, diced beetroot. Dressing: whisk together olive oil, pinch of cinnamon and juice and zest of 1 orange, check taste - mix through salad.
• PRAWN & WATERMELON - handful of cooked prawns (de-veined), bite sized pieces of watermelon, chopped coriander, mint & basil, crushed peanuts. Dressing: home made Asian dressing or your favourite store bought (Tip: chop up all the herbs and mix together and keep in freezer bag to sprinkle over salads as required - prevents wastage and saves money)
• Water, water, water - keep hydrated, your body will love you for it!

Exercise: With more blue skies on their way make the most of being outside.

• Walking in the sunshine is good for Vitamin D intake (be careful of the UV and wear sunscreen when it's really hot. Be Sun Smart, treat yourself to a good SPF skin cream to apply under your makeup).
• Find a park and take a walk, sit down for lunch and enjoy the fresh air.
• Think about downloading podcasts you're interested in, you can listen whilst walking, or, just enjoy the sounds around you.
• Barre Attack is a full body workout that combines Pilates, Dance and Fitness. It's a lot of fun and more places are starting to offer it. Find a class near you.

Beauty: Summer's always a good excuse to update those beauty products and think about a change of colours for the new season.

• Throw away your old mascara, either buy the same brand or why not try a new one (did you know that mascara should not be kept for longer than 3 months as bacteria can begin to grow inside the tube causing a variety of eye infections).
• Throw away your old mascara, either buy the same brand or why not try a new one (did you know that mascara should not be kept for longer than 3 months as bacteria can begin to grow inside the tube causing a variety of eye infections).
• Give your skin an overhaul by starting to exfoliat regularly. Invest in a body brush and use before showering to help promote circulation and make your skin glow
• Treat yourself to a new makeup bag - its fun choosing from the season's new looks.
• Liven up your lips with a new colour. Be adventurous. As instagram favourite #beauticate quoted recently "I think better wearing lipstick" !

The Last Word: SMILE - it's free therapy!

Tuna (Instagram: @tunameltsmyheart)

The Hotel Network is an Australian company and a pioneer of accommodation management and event management solutions. Our team consists of professionals experienced in corporate, government and association accommodation, hospitality and service. Together with our world-class software solution we work with our clients to help save money, control costs and enhance their company's managed travel program. www.hotelnetwork.com.au

Showtime Events Centre is located at South Wharf - which until recently was a little-known name, is Melbourne's oldest suburb, along the stretch of the Yarra where the first sea-faring settlers landed and founded a city. In the early days South Wharf was the buzzing hub where ships brought in food, building materials and new residents - a fact that is still visible in the heritage listed sheds that line the docks. The ‘industrial glam' atmosphere of the venue is contemporary yet distinctly established, with the gantries being retained respecting the original design of this unique space, whose purpose was to service cargo vessels in this growing city. Original trusses chamfer timber posts and polished timber floorboards along with lower sections of the wall and beautiful detailing of the eaves still remain as they were.

We know events - if you're in need of an exhibition, conference or major event we do them all. You may not know that Showtime can facilitate from 50 attendees up to 1,000 attendees. It can range from a dinner, awards night, or private showcase. You can attend the main event then step outside and take a pleasant stroll along South Wharf Promenade to your next convenient destination.

Impress your guests with a waterfront taxi service - working in conjunction with Melbourne River Cruises and other Yarra River operators you will be able to ferry your guests from Flinders Street Station directly down to Showtime or from Showtime to other locations such as Flemington Racecourse. That's quite a chauffeur service and is bound to create a memorable experience!

Host a festival - Showtime is a part of South Wharf Events, which can coordinate part of, or even the entire precinct, to host events from 1,500 up to 10,000 people! Festival style events can present different styles of food in each venue (although, hire only can be arranged if you prefer one consistent menu) that your guests can come in and out of, whilst being entertained along the river and promenade by circus performers and musicians! Major South Wharf & Showtime events are a completely unique way to showcase your product or brand.

How unique and historical - Formerly known as Shed 11, this heritage listed venue has been meticulously restored over the past 3 years resulting in what is now known as 'showtime events centre' - 61 South Wharf Promenade. From industrial installation to a lively and stylish venue for the denizens of Melbourne; Showtime's unique interior is enhanced by the bespoke bar featuring exquisite overhead chandeliers, impressive wallpaper design, polished stone and its original restored hard wood timber floors.

Get front row seats to the fireworks - Showtime in conjunction with South Wharf, is the only destination in Melbourne's CBD where you can host a ground-level fireworks show - launched from the opposite bank, your guests get the whole experience - the sight, the sound, and the feel of the boom racing through their bodies as the fireworks shoot up into the sky above the city skyline.

Whether it's your desire to personalise the theming or rely on the venue's character, warmth and feel on its own, Showtime is guaranteed to impress every time.

For more information on Showtime, please visit www.showtimeevents.com.au
For more information on large scale promenade events, please visit www.southwharfevents.com.au

It's no secret that Event Emporium is renowned for conjuring up the most inspiring events that connect your brand to an audience in a meaningful way. Far more than smoke and mirrors, the real magic lies in the extensive researching, planning and creative thinking that ensures your event exceeds your desired outcome. Event Emporium produces bespoke event experiences for clients like Commonwealth Bank, Samsung, Qantas and Foxtel to name a few, including conference and forums to Gala and Awards Programs and everything in between. So what's the trick to engaging an audience and giving them a more enjoyable, memorable experience?

How to captivate and engage your audience

1. GET THEM EXCITED BEFORE THEY EVEN ARRIVE

Building anticipation with your attendees (and potential attendees) before the event is a great way to get them hooked early on. If they're excited about attending, they will spread the word and actually become advocates for the event. Social media is definitely an event's best friend. Get creative with an event-specific app, hashtags and handles that will build an online community around your event and excite even those guests who can't physically attend. Give attendees an opportunity to network and mingle through an online hangout, or create a Twitter chat using a unique hashtag. With guests eager to meet up with their online connections at your event, you've automatically increased the engagement level and provided additional value before they even arrive.

2. SEGMENT THE CROWD INTO SMALL GROUPS

Walking into a large group of people is intimidating for everyone, so put your guests at ease immediately by creating small group interactions. Breaking down your tables or groups into segments based on demographic, age, interests etc is a great way to break the ice and encourage interaction.

3. RELAX THE VIBE WITH A HAPPY HOUR

Everybody loves happy hour, especially after a long event. A Happy Hour or other after hours activity gives attendees the opportunity to discuss ideas and build relationships in more relaxed environment. Creating intimacy in this setting also tends to draw out the best conversations and connections. Alcohol is not always a pre-requisite. Hosting your after-event party at a local attraction, sporting event or city tour can be the icing on the cake for a truly memorable event experience.

4. HOLD Q&A SESSIONS

Getting your attendees involved in the conversation heightens their personal engagement with the event. Providing Q&A sessions or panels that are designed for audience participation can prove more valuable than having presenters speak for hours on end. Because it's about them, your audience is immediately more attentive and engaged. You can also attach these sessions to an app and feed the collective answers through to a live polling system displayed on your screens for everyone to see.

So, what's the ultimate engagement advice?

At Event Emporium we are ahead of the game when it comes to discovering unique ways to encourage audience participation and interaction. Our skillset of innovation, creativity and strategic thinking is the magic that sets your event apart and leaves your guests hungry for more. If you'd like to engage the cream of the events crop for your next event, contact the team at Event Emporium today.

Having nearly 3 decades of experience in the elite sports environment I have seen firsthand the impact effective coaching has on sports performance. It is simple, if you are an athlete and want to reach the top, there are two critical elements which cannot be overlooked. Firstly, get the best coach available, and secondly, build a team which will assist your achieve your goals.

My fist wife Glynis Nunn stood on the podium as a Gold Medallist in the heptathlon at the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984. Training diligently in Brisbane in the early 1980's Glynis was committed, disciplined and driven to be the best she could be, however it was evident the level of coaching required for international success was lacking. We moved to Adelaide where she began working with several high performance coaches to ensure maximum attention was given to each of her technical events. In additional she worked with a specialist strength and conditioning coach and a physiotherapist. She identified her coaches, built her team and the end result, Gold Medal! Every sports team has a coach and if the team is not performing it is the quality of coaching which is scrutinised and often replaced. Sports people expect to perform at a level where winning is possible and the quality of coaching must meet those expectations.

Put simply, athletes want the best support available to perform at their best

So why is it so different in the business world? Some would argue that to require a "coach" in business is admitting there is a problem which needs rectifying. Not achieving goals, not managing change, being stuck in a rut. Perhaps if coaching was an integral component of the work environment individuals and organisations would get closer to reaching their potential. The International Coaches Federation (ICF) defines coaching as partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximise their personal and professional potential. Surely that is something every manager would want for the team they are responsible for in today's uncertain and complex environment. Effective coaching relies heavily on a relationship of trust and rapport. The Coach must be empathic and non-judgmental for the client to progress and feel valued throughout the process. Advanced listening skills and the ability to provide valuable and honest feedback are integral to the progress of the client / employee. Surely these are qualities organisations would want to develop in their employees.

Coaches honour the client as the expert in his or her life and work and believe every client is creative and resourceful. Working from this foundation, the coach's responsibility is to:

• Discover, clarify, and align with what the client wants to achieve
• Encourage client self-discovery
• Elicit client-generated solutions and strategies
• Hold the client responsible and accountable

This process helps clients dramatically improve their outlook on work and life, while improving their leadership skills and unlocking their potential. According to Paul Michelman, editor of Harvard Business School's Management Update: "...coaching was once viewed by many as a tool to help correct underperformance, today it is becoming much more widely used in supporting top producers. In fact, in a 2004 survey by Right Management Consultants, 86 percent of companies said they used coaching to sharpen the skills of individuals who have been identified as future organisational leaders."

Abraham Maslow summed up the importance of fulfilling your potential when he stated; "If you plan on being anything less than you are capable of being, you will probably be unhappy all the days of your life." Yet, according to Maslow, only 10% of us reach our full potential in life, or become fully satisfied with who we are. So how do we make that 10%? Take action! If we consider Tim Gallwey's "The inner Game of Work" where he outlined the P = P - I (Performance = Potential minus Interference) formula then we realise there are many "interferences" in the workplace and home front which restrict our capacity to reach our potential. Coaching enables the individual to identify these interferences, to reframe problems into opportunities, strategise to overcome them and engage employees to work towards their potential.

Each of us has the capability to grow as a person. It's an ability that takes time to consider and plan for, but provides tremendous personal satisfaction and fulfilment.

Coaching will facilitate the journey and provide support at each step on the path to potential. As mentioned earlier, it is an expectation within Australia to provide coaching to athletes who are striving to reach their potential. Let's not forget, the International Olympic Committee hands out one gold medal in each event once every four years and yet thousands of athletes around the world engage coaches in an attempt to reach that goal. In business everyone can be a gold medallist. There is no limit to how many people or businesses can achieve success. I would suggest the limiting factor, the "interference", may be the regard management has for coaching in the workplace. Coaching makes a world of difference!

Should you wish to know more about coaching or developing the skills to coach others in the work place, please contact me at:

Chris Nunn - Leadership coach and mentor, Jigsaw Training Group

Email: chris@jigsaw.edu.au   Phone: 0438604634

Jigsaw Training Group (RTO #32423) is also providing the Diploma of Leadership Coaching and Mentoring in Queensland, the ACT and Tasmania. This course is nationally and internationally accredited and upon successful completion you will be eligible to become a member of the International Coaches Federation. The Diploma is Vet Fee Approved to eligible participants, meaning there are no upfront fees. We have a class commencing in Canberra on the 14th September 2015. Numbers are strictly limited to 15 per class. For further information contact Jigsaw on 1300 943 438.

IHG have provided numerous Special Offers to our EAN Members across Australia. These special offers come from some of their venues throughout NSW and VIC. To view these, please login to your account and access your Special Offers via the Member Resources.

Add some seasoning to labels, cards & tags.

Now you can develop a strong brand presence at your Christmas functions, with the Avery Event Branding Solutions range of labels, cards and tags. Whether you create your own design or use one of the many free templates available with our Design & Print software, you will find it quick and easy to achieve consistent, stylish and professional-looking branding to make your function one to remember.

For a limited time, buy $75 of Avery Event Branding Solutions products to receive a $25 Coles Group & Myer Gift Card.

Visit www.averyproducts.com.au/ebspromo for more information.