VSX 2024 Program
Michael Croaker
Master of Ceremonies
We are pleased to announce the return of Michael Croaker as Master of Ceremonies for VSX 2024. Michael is a 34 year theme park industry veteran and professional speaker. Across his time in the industry, he has served Head of Show Production for SEA WORLD, Entertainment Manager for WONDERLAND SYDNEY and Head of Entertainment with VILLAGE ROADSHOW THEME PARKS (Warner Bros. Movie World| Sea World | Paradise Country and Wet n Wild).
Amongst his credits, he has acted as producer across large events throughout his career, these including:
- FRIGHT NIGHTS (Warner Bros. Movie World)
- SPOOKY NIGHTS (Sea World) • DC SUPER HEROES & SUPER-VILLAINS (Warner Bros. Movie World)
- WHITE CHRISTMAS (Warner Bros. Movie World)
- CARNIVALE (Sea World)
- HOORAY FOR HOLLYWOOD (Warner Bros. Movie World)
With each of these annual events, Michael has been across not only the creative execution, but the operational management protocols required for both staff and guest’s safety and wellbeing.
We look forward to welcoming Michael to VSX 2024 who will bring his energy and flair as the Master of Ceremonies.
12 July 2023 I SYDNEY
| TIME | TOPIC | PRESENTER |
|---|---|---|
| 8.30am – 8.55am | Registration – Tea / Coffee | |
| 9.00am – 9.05am | MC Introduction / Houskeeping | Michael Croaker (MC) – Village Roadshow Theme Parks |
| 9.05am – 9.10am | Charity Partner Presentation | Laura Cowell – FDMAS |
| 9.10am – 9.15am | VSX Chair Welcome | Eddie Idik – VSX Chairperson |
| 9.15am – 9.45am | Getting the right balance of technology and guarding to build proper resilience in venues. | Michael Prescott – The Star Gold Coast |
| 9.45am – 10.15am | The Non-Verbals shown by those with bad intent. | Scott Taylor – Praesidium Risk and Resilience |
| 10.15am – 10.45am | SimplifAi – A history of Ai and the outlook on the impacts of Ai video analytics in major venues & events | Mike Metcalfe – Irisity |
| 10.45am – 11.00am | Morning Tea | |
| 11am – 11.05am | CEIA – Platinum Sponsor Presentation | Oliver Georgelin – CEIA Pacific |
| 11.05 – 11.35am | Case Study: Enhancing venue safety & security measures following a major incident. | Mel Goodman – Sydney Showground |
| 11.35am – 12.00pm | Event Security Risk Assessments fundamental basics – what are we trying to protect, from whom, and why? | Don Williams – Layer 3 Services |
| 12.00pm-12.30pm | History’s Lessons, Tomorrow’s Tools – Leveraging lessons and technology in emergency planning and response. | Stephen Thomson – The Riskworks Group |
| 12.30pm – 13.00pm | Using Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) and Generative AI for venue security and planning. | Chris Poulter – OSINT Combine |
| 13.00pm – 14.00pm | Lunch | |
| 14.00pm – 14.30pm | Workshop: Green Fields Event Design for improving event safety & security. | Travis Renshaw – Event Wise |
| 14.30pm – 15.00pm | Emerging trends and tactics in the nefarious use of small drones. | Mike Monnik – DroneSec |
| 15.00pm – 15.30pm | Engage and engage early! Operational readiness in lead up to major sporting events. | Chris Zammit – Sheridan Consulting Group |
| 15.30pm – 15.50pm | Afternoon Break | |
| 15.50pm – 15.55pm | Metrasens – Gold Sponsor Presentation | Elsie Ng – Metrasens |
| 15.55pm – 16.15pm | Leveraging technology for effective crisis planning and response in venues and events. | Edward Swete Kelly – Chronosoft |
| 16.15pm – 16.55pm | Panel Discussion – Event safety & security planning challenges, innovative systems and working with emergency services to deliver safe events. Facilited by Michael Croaker | Mel Goodman – Sydney Showground, Anthony Karpanos – VenuesWest, Lyndsey Green – Luna Park, Michael Prescott – The Star Gold Coast |
| 16.55pm – 17.00Pm | Conference Closing Remarks | Eddie Idik – VSX Chairperson |
| 17.00pm – 19.00pm | Networking Drinks on Level 2 | Sponsored by The Riskworks Group |
Meet Our Panelists
Mel Goodmen
Head of Events & Venue Operations Sydney Showground
Head of Events & Venue Operations Sydney Showground
Anthony Karpanos
Chief Safety & Risk Officer
VenuesWest
Chief Safety & Risk Officer
VenuesWest
Lyndsey Green
Head of Amusement Park
Luna Park Sydney
Head of Amusement Park
Luna Park Sydney
Michael Prescott
General Manager of Asset Protection
The Star Gold Coast
General Manager of Asset Protection
The Star Gold Coast
Conference Packages
EARLY BIRD
VSX 2024 CONFERENCE PACKAGE
$295.00
Access to full day conference + meals + post event networking drinks + premium conference gift bag
VSX 2024 CONFERENCE PACKAGE
$395.00
Access to full day conference + meals + post event networking drinks + premium conference gift bag
EARLY BIRD
VSX 2023 CONFERENCE GROUP PACKAGE
$1905.00 (5x Tickets)
Access to full day conference + meals + post event networking drinks + premium conference gift bag
VSX 2023 CONFERENCE GROUP PACKAGE
$2135.00 (5x Tickets)
Access to full day conference + meals + post event networking drinks + premium conference gift bag
