Corporates step outside the world of business suits and get creative

Drawing a crowd of 30 participants, the gathering incorporated an Andrew Denton-style interview panel featuring the likes of Ian Metcalfe from Minds at Work. John Weichard from D2P, Jason Geary from Impro Melbourne and Elena Vereker from Federation Square. Presided over by Colin Beattie of Somersault Consulting, the panel was a hit according to Gus Balbontin, publishing planning manager, Lonely Planet.

"The panel was very enlightening for a lot of people," he said. "There was a lot of conversation and entertainment."

Aimed at business people, the event was a way of reminding the corporate sector that doing business is not an excuse to become boring, said Balbontin.

"The key was to try and bring together a panel of diverse experts from different industries to talk about things like how not to fall into mundane management tasks and not forget about being creative and innovative," he said.

From Balbontin's account, the thirty attendees proved that they are more than capable of mixing things up. Over dinner, the participants were challenged to test their skills by participating in a case study where each group presented their sales pitch to the panel and received constructive criticism.

"Presenting the case studies was very funny," Balbontin said. "The ideas that people came up with were great."

One participant, Kelly Bourke of SOS Print & Media spoke highly of the event. "I came down from Sydney especially for this ... as it's always stimulating and great for networking," she said.

Balbontin believes that the success of the July gathering will be replicated in October, when GAMAA holds its next meeting.

"It's always hard to top yourself and do it better next time," he said. "But we're expecting similar, if not greater number. It will be even quirkier and more out-there."

Pictured: GAMAA participants ... spot the female





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