The Next Stage: The Official VMA Podcast

Episode 6: Kurt Schulte-Schrepping on First Nations Culture

Kurt Schulte-Schrepping is a Palawa man from Lutruwita (Tasmania). He is also the Director of First Nations Strategy at Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC). Join Kurt and Joel for a wide-ranging conversation about how First Nations approaches to community and culture can help venues thrive, how our definition of safety and security needs to expand to be more sustainable and effective, and why treating your mother-in-law well is so important.
Kurt will be in conversation with Joelene Elliott (RotoruaNZ) at the Asia-Pacific Venue Industry Congress at ICC Sydney on June 23. Read more at: https://vma.eventsair.com/32nd-asia-pacific-venue-industry-congress/

Episode 5: Neil Wyatt on Venue Corporate Hospitality

This week, Joel catches up with Neil Wyatt, Manager Commercial Development at RAC Arena, to discuss the venue's development of their world-class corporate hospitality offering.
They discuss the changing shape and role of corporate hospitality in venue business development and community engagement, and the power of the unexpected and the surprising in elevating the audience experience.

Episode 4: The Future of Venue Design: Flexibility, Community, and Innovation

In the final episode of the Momentus Innovators series, Steve Mackenzie speaks with Adam Polish, Global Design Director at Populous, about the evolving landscape of venue design. Adam shares how the focus has shifted from expanding square footage to creating dynamic, flexible spaces that foster community engagement and elevate the guest experience. He highlights innovative projects like the BMO Center in Calgary and The Sphere in Las Vegas, emphasizing how design can support both operational efficiency and meaningful experiences. The conversation also explores the importance of designing venues that integrate seamlessly with their surrounding communities. As this series concludes, The Next Stage prepares for a new era of conversations spotlighting fresh voices and forward-thinking strategies in venue management.

Episode 3: The Future of Venue Leadership and the Guest Experience

Steve Mackenzie sits down with Russ Simons, Chief Listening Officer at Venue Solutions Group, to discuss the evolving landscape of venue management. With over 40 years of industry experience, Russ shares his insights on guest experience benchmarking, risk management, and fostering leadership within organisations. The conversation delves into actionable strategies for improving venue operations, the importance of utilising technology and engaging staff, and how to navigate the challenges of an ever-changing industry. This thought-provoking episode offers valuable takeaways for venue professionals at every level.

Episode 2: The Future of Sports and Entertainment

Episode 2 sees Steve Mackenzie catch up with Jim Delaney, CEO of Activate Sports and Entertainment. Jim and Steve dive into the evolving landscape of venue experience, especially in terms of the way technology is driving new forms of fan engagement. 

Episode 1: The Future of Venue and Event Sustainability

This first VMA podcast episode features a conversation between Steve Mackenzie, Momentus Chief Innovation Officer, and Chrissie Beck, founder of Worlds Better, a venue and event sustainability consultancy.