Major and sporting events have a significant impact on Western Australia's visitor economy. Network@Night Plus will help you understand that impact and what the opportunity looks like for your business.
Join us for an elevated evening that goes beyond our usual networking format, bringing you expert insights and industry conversation to help you capitalise on WA's growing events calendar.
The evening will open with TCWA CEO Evan Hall, who will set the scene with a look at the economic impact of major and sporting events on the WA economy - providing the context and data to frame the discussion ahead.
We'll then hear from our key speaker - Perth Bears inaugural CEO Anthony De Ceglie - followed by a panel of industry leaders exploring the practical opportunities for tourism operators, destinations, and visitor economy businesses.
The evening closes the way we do it best - with great conversation, a drink in hand, and connections that count.
Special thanks to event host RAC Arena. Tourism Council WA members receive a 50% discount on registrations.
Key Speaker
Anthony De Ceglie
Anthony De Ceglie is a highly respected sports and media executive with extensive experience across administration, governance, commercial strategy and media leadership. Prior to his role in professional sport, Anthony built a distinguished career as a media executive. His positions included roles such as the Director of News and Current Affairs at 7NEWS as well as the Editor in Chief of West Australian Newspapers and Deputy Editor of The Daily Telegraph in Sydney. He won many awards during his media career including three Walkley Awards. Anthony is widely regarded for his strategic leadership, strong communication skills and ability to unite commercial and community outcomes. His experience positions him uniquely to lead the Perth Bears as the club prepares for entry into the National Rugby League in 2027. As the inaugural CEO of the Perth Bears, Anthony is responsible for establishing the club’s foundations, driving commercial partnerships, bringing together the NRL WA community with the North Sydney Bears legacy and building community engagement across Western Australia.
Panel
Mike McKenna, Optus Stadium Chief Executive Officer
Mike McKenna is Chief Executive Officer of VenuesLive WA, the Operator of Optus Stadium and has been in the role from the year prior to the venue opening in 2018. In his time at Optus Stadium the venue has welcomed more than 11 million fans to a wide range of major events from the AFL Grand Final in 2021 to sporting, concerts and entertainment spectaculars. The venue also hosts 650+ functions, meetings and business events annually.
As Chief Executive Officer of Optus Stadium, Mike leads a team of professionals who are responsible for operating the venue on behalf of the Government of Western Australia, attracting and delivering world-class sport and entertainment experiences for a local, national and international audience.
Michael Scott, RAC Arena General Manager
Michael is a proud West Australian with more than 35 years of senior leadership experience across many of the State’s key tourism and events venues, including major stadia, performing arts centres, hotels and the airport. As General Manager of RAC Arena, he champions initiatives that attract world‑class events and strengthen cross‑sector partnerships, enhancing Western Australia’s national and international profile. He also serves as President of the AHA Tourism Division in WA and Senior Vice President of the WA Hotels & Hospitality Association, Board member for Business Events Perth and Hospitality Group Training and is a strong advocate for workforce development and the continued growth of WA’s tourism and events sector.
Louise Vescovo, Tourism WA A/Executive Director Events
Louise Vescovo is the A/Executive Director of Tourism WA’s Events Division, where she leads the development, sponsorship, and promotion of a diverse calendar of sporting, cultural, arts, and culinary events across Western Australia. She oversees key funding programs, including the Major Events Fund, Metro Events Program, Regional Events Program, and Regional Events Scheme to attract visitors and showcase the state as a premier events destination. Louise has worked across diverse roles in both Local and State Government for over 15 years, including events, cultural development, and sponsorship.
