VMA announces scholarships for 2024 Venue Management School and Leadership Institute

July 19, 2024

Nigel Benton

Education / Entertainment / Events / Ticketing / Venues /

Set to stage its 2024 Venue Management School and Leadership Institute in November, the Venue Management Association has announced the availability of scholarships to attend the programs.

Through its industry partnerships, the VMA provides numerous opportunities for student attendance at the annual Venue Management School (VMS) and Leadership Institute with scholarships allows professionals to take the next step in their careers.

The scholarships promote both personal and professional growth, fostering overall career development through upskilling to industry best practices. They also provide organisations that normally couldn't afford to send employees to VMS or LI the chance to do so. This gives individuals the opportunity to excel in areas they are passionate about, which they, in turn, reinvest in their roles.

To qualify for VMA scholarships, applicants must:
• Have adequate experience and a level of skills and knowledge within the venue management industry to appropriately contribute to the educational program to which they are applying.
• Have current employment within the venue management industry in the Asia-Pacific region.
• Be 18 years of age or above.

Event Health Management Innovation Scholarship
The Event Health Management Innovation Scholarship offers a forward-thinking individual a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend the VMS, where they will embark on a transformative journey towards becoming a seasoned industry professional.

On applying for this scholarship applicants must outline their achievements specific to innovation.

The winner receives:
• Enrolment into either VMS Year 1, or VMS Year 2, or VMA Leadership Institute, plus
• $1500 to cover travel and ancillary costs of attendance

Click here for more information.

Emerging Leader Scholarship
Provided in partnership with Kim Bedier CVE and Richard Andersen CVE, long-time instructors at both IAVM's and VMA's Venue Management Schools, the Emerging Leader Scholarship will be awarded to an Emerging Leader who demonstrates curiosity, self-motivation, collaboration, and resiliency.

On applying for this scholarship applicants must answer the following:
1. Emerging Leaders experiment, take risks, and try again. Provide an example of when you initiated new ways of doing things to further your organisation’s goals.
2. Emerging Leaders are collaborative, great teammates and good communicators. How would your teammates describe you?
3. How have you demonstrated leadership in your venue management career?
4. How will this scholarship help you attain your professional and/or personal goals? Please reference achievements specific to this scholarship.

The winner receives:
• Enrolment into VMS Year 1

Click here for more information.

Gareth James Scholarship
The Gareth James Scholarship, sponsored by Melbourne & Olympic Parks, offers the opportunity for an outstanding student to attend the VMS or the Leadership Institute.

New in 2024, this scholarship honours the late Gareth James, a pioneer of the venue management industry. He was the inaugural Chief Executive of the Melbourne and Olympic Parks Trust and was an architect and founding member of the Venue Management Association and Venue Management School.

On applying for this scholarship applicants must outline how they have demonstrated a commitment to teamwork and collaboration.

The winner receives:
• Enrolment into either VMS Year 1, or VMS Year 2, or VMA Leadership Institute

Click here for more information.

Momentus Technologies Scholarship Winner Announced
The VMA has also announced the winner of the Momentus Technologies Diversity, Equality and Inclusiveness Scholarship to attend the Institute of Venue Safety and Security (IVSS) - Craig Skelly, Venue Manager, MyState Bank Arena.

The VMS takes place at the Salt Resort in Kingscliff, NSW from Saturday 9th to Friday 15th November 2024.

The deadline to apply for all scholarships is 9th August 2024.

Image: Attendees at the 2023 Venue Management School and Leadership Institute.

About the author

Nigel Benton

Co-founder/Publisher, Australasian Leisure Management

Born in the English county of Dorset, Nigel Benton is the co-founder and Publisher of Australasian Leisure Management, Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific’s only magazine for professionals in all areas of the leisure industry and the www.ausleisure.com.au website - the go to news resource for industry leaders and professionals.

With a long-term commitment to communicating all that is best about the leisure industry (aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues) his career has been defined by an ability to develop and implement industry communications.

Starting his career working in heritage visitor attractions and then adventure travel in Africa and the Middle East, an interest in writing about his experiences led to his change of career into magazine journalism and publishing.

In addition to publishing, Nigel speaks on marketing communications at a range of industry events.

He was made a Life Member of the World Leisure and Recreation Association in 2006 and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (London).

In 2020, he launched the new Asian Leisure Business website.

As of October 2024, he was inducted into the Australian Fitness Awards Roll of Honour at the 2024 AUSactive National Awards.

Among a range of published works and features, his comments on a Blog (blogspot) from 2007 to 2011, when this website went live in its current form, may be interesting to reflect back on.

His philosophy on life is to be kind to all and to indulge those that you love.

His passions include family, Newcastle United and motorcycles (especially British ones) as well, until February 2025 when she left us, caring a little pug named Stella.

Click here to connect with him via LinkedIn.