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PeSA Gala Dinner 2012

The Gala dinner is the networking highlight of the conference - a chance to relax, mingle, learn...and enjoy a well-earned drink and dinner!

This year’s dinner will be held in honor of our 2011 speaker, Jim Stynes. Jim sadly passed away this year after a long battle with cancer. Jim is the founder of the Reach Foundation that PeSA proudly supports.

The Swing Central Big Band

Meet new people, catch up with old friends and enjoy the sounds of The Swing Central Big Band featuring the smokey smooth vocals of Mr Brad Leaver. As sophisticated and profound as anything by Tony Bennett, Brad combines PhD intellect with caveman machismo, mixed in a blender of pure swing, guaranteed to grab even the most Sinatra-proof listener way down at the bottom of their soul.

Backed by a nine-piece big band led by musical director Ian Macrae, strap yourself in for an unforgettable night of swing and bossa nova classics. Celebrate the style and elegance of the fabulous forties and fifties aboard this first class musical journey.

2012 Guest MC & Speaker:

James O'Loghlin

Comedian and Media Personality (MC Gala Charity Dinner)

James O'Loghlin is one of Australia's leading comedians and media personalities.

Since 2004 he has hosted ‘The New Inventors’ on ABC TV. From 2002 to 2006 he hosted ‘The Evening Show’ on 702 ABC Sydney and ABC Local Radio around NSW and the ACT. James’ background as a commercial and criminal lawyer blended with his live and broadcast comedy has helped him become a talented and versatile comedian, entertainer and communicator.

James began performing stand-up comedy in 1990 and has performed thousands of times around Australia, and been a regular guest on virtually every national television program that has guests who think they are funny and/or clever on it, from ‘Good News Week’ and ‘Rove Live’ to ‘Sunrise’ and ‘Lateline’ James O'Loghlin is a sought after corporate performer. His experience and versatility mean he can easily assume the role of MC, facilitator, moderator, panellist, after dinner speaker, corporate comedian and debater. He speaks regularly on Creativity and Innovation.

Agenda for the evening

First you'll have the opportunity to freshen up post conference, joining us back at the Convention Centre at 7pm for drinks and canapes. Then we'll move into the themed room for dinner, dessert and our guest speaker.

A fun and rewarding part of the gala dinner is always the Charity Auction, which is a great chance to nab a "bargain" and help out a worthwhile cause.

We'll wrap up the night by 11pm so you can get some well earned rest and be ready for the final day of the conference!

2011

Thank you to all who attended the 2011 Gala Charity Dinner sponsored by Australia Post & Channel Advisor. With your help, we raised almost $30,000 for The Reach Foundation!

An essential aspect of any PeSA Summit is the social networking function was at the end of the first day (Thur 21 July in 2011). The 2011 event was a Gala Dinner, sponsored by Australia Post & Channel Advisor. The charity auction raised close to $30,000 for the The Reach Foundation.

Our Dinner featured guest speaker Jim Stynes: The Reach Foundation founder

Here is what a delegate said of Jim’s speech at the 2011 event.

“Jim Stynes - never heard of him before the Dinner (I do not follow football of any sort), BUT shan't ever forget him - you could hear a pin drop in the room when he was speaking. A gentle giant with a big heart, who thinks of others before himself. He deserves every single iota of chance that life can throw at him.”

For the past three years, many sellers have found this Gala Dinner the MOST valuable for the chance to network and build long lasting relationships with other sellers. Plus, most of the exhibitors & speakers also attend the Gala Dinner.

In 2011 year, we hosted a 3 course dinner.

4 hours long - 7.15pm - 11.15pm
Canapes & Networking Drinks, followed by seated dinner & dessert...and more drinks! (Beer, wine & Softdrink)
A chance to discuss all that's been covered during the day
Music to set the mood - but not so loud you can't chat
Charity Auction - 100% of proceeds to The Reach Foundation

Reach logo Reach encourages all young people, no matter what their circumstances, to believe they can achieve. Reach has been making a positive impact in the lives of young Australians for nearly two decades.

Each year, Reach’s preventative programs are run for over 57,000 young Australians, in over 500 metropolitan and regional schools and communities across the country.

Reach participants are young people aged 10-18 years of age, in and outside of the school system. Anyone who wants to improve their self confidence and get more from life is welcome at Reach. Reach also works with teachers and youth professionals, through their specialised teacher training , learning techniques to effectively engage with, and support their students.

All programs are delivered by the inspiring Reach Crew (aged between 15-25 years), who are experienced in effectively engaging participants and supporting them to improve self-belief, and to develop resilience and emotional-awareness. It’s been shown that developing these skills in adolescence can reduce serious problems faced later in life including depression, substance abuse, homelessness and suicide.

By creating ‘safe spaces’ and positive peer group experiences, Reach provides an environment where young people can truly discover who they are. Reach programs encourage young people to develop trust and openness, feel comfortable enough to express their concerns, discuss their aspirations and recognise that they’re not alone.