The ingredients of a successful event: Moree SMART Session.
The UNE SRI recently hosted a breakfast event at Social Co. House in Moree, that brought together event enthusiasts, small business owners, and anyone interested in learning the secrets to successful event management.
A seasoned event coordinator with an impressive track record, Samantha Horton led the panel discussion. Horton shared her experiences organising events as grand as the Ekka and even a conference in Dublin graced by Princess Anne herself. Her insights into navigating the often-tricky terrain between client expectations and budget constraints were invaluable.
The panel included three local women, Margi Kirkby, Georgina Poole, and Rebecca McMillan, all of the Moree on a Plate (MOP) committee. MOP is one of regional NSW's signature food festivals, a culinary celebration of local and regional produce. From a humble farmer's market, MOP has blossomed into a festival that features acclaimed celebrity chefs, a Kids Korner, BBQ cook-offs, and over 50 producers, drawing visitors from across Australia.
Each MOP committee member shed light on how they contribute to the event, offering insights into building an event and ensuring smooth succession planning amidst ever-changing committees and volunteers. They discussed event promotion and shared tales of navigating the unexpected, leaving attendees both entertained and informed.
Attendees left the event feeling inspired, praising the engaging discussion, the relaxed and informative atmosphere, the entertaining panelists, and the valuable Q&A session.
Some of the feedback from attendees included:
“It was awesome, thank you, it was a great morning. I could have sat there all day!” I can’t wait to do more.”
“It was a great session, great discussion.”
“It was fantastic.”
“Such a wonderful morning, it was SO great. I loved it and I’m so encouraged by others in the community looking to contribute, like the Toastmasters lady – it’s so good for Moree and events like this are so valuable.”
The event was held at the Social Co House and was made all the more enjoyable with catering provided by Café Omega. It was funded by the Federal Government's Murray–Darling Basin Economic Development Program and the NSW Government's Accelerating Regional Innovation Fund in collaboration with Moree Plains Shire Council.
