A group photo at The American Club
Hong Kong of the touring party 2017
Asian Club Managers Conference Hong
Kong. A well-deserved unwind after a
long day of conferencing
Each year the CMAA offers a
bursary program for members.
Successful applicants can
apply for a range of study tours
and “Exposure to Excellence”
programs which provide
an invaluable professional
development resource.
Here’s an insight from some of those
bursary winners, their experiences
and insights and what winning a
CMAA bursary has meant to them.
Vjorn Bradow from Kedron-
Wavell Services Club
attended the Asian Club Managers
Conference in Hong Kong and Macau.
She was impressed by the members
journey within the clubs and casinos
she visited. For example, at The
Wynn Casino she noted how they
incorporated operational items into
the design and theme of the club like
how casino cameras were blended
in to light fittings so that you didn’t
notice them and fire extinguishers
were covered in gold plating to blend
in with the surrounds. She also
noted the use of consistent theming
at every touch point throughout the
venues and the prominent display of
a venue map for new customers.
Vjorn also picked up some useful
tips on HR, Culture and teamwork,
as well as a creative use of
advertising space on the on the sides
of EGM’s on the gaming floor.
Food and beverage initiatives made
a big impression on most attendee.
Things like interesting and creative
Food displays, creation of separate
allergen menus (gluten free etc),
ongoing training for chefs to keep
up with current trends and
techniques and the use of iPads
as menus were mentioned.
For delegate Ashley Lambert of
Moorebank Sports Club, Hong
Kong was all about the food. Two
of his favourite experiences were at
the Ladies Recreational Club and
the Hong Kong Club. When it came
to Macau, his “wow” moment was
the initial walk around Macau, how
extravagant the casinos were and
the amazing attention to detail on
the gaming floor.
The highlight of the trip for Melinda
Maclwaine also from Moorebank
Sports Club was the tour of Wynn
Macau Casino by Craig Mitchell,
Assistant Vice President – Slot
Operations. With player loyalty
their main focus, they will reserve
machines for players for an extended
period. Some up to 2 years.
She said Craig spoke at length
about the trials of introducing new
products in this area. Government
regulations are strict on new links
and machines with some approvals
taking up to 2 months.
The government is also introducing
quite stringent laws on overseas
work visas. They are not re issuing
work visas as they are strongly
encouraging Casinos to employ
local workers and promote them
from within. She also noted that in
all Casinos, the focus has changed
slightly with the removal of bars
and the implantation of kid’s clubs.
It was definitely hard to find a place
for a beer or a wine, she said.
Brett Bolton from Narromine
USMC also said the tour of the
three clubs in Hong Kong and the
back of house tour of Wynn Palace
Casino in Macau and G2E trade expo
were amongst his highlights. He
said the conference held at Happy
Valley race course provided useful
information on a variety of topics
relevant to our Industry including
staff engagement and team work,
cyber security, crisis management,
wines, nutrition in the F&B Industry
and the key note speaker, Adrian
Hayes, provided the group with some
real inspiration and motivation.
Matt Cavanagh from Moorebank
Sports won an ‘Exposure to
Excellence” bursary with leading
Brisbane venue, Kedron Wavell
Services Club. Matt noted
how they have successfully
transformed their Club to appeal
to a large demographic and that
it was delivered through excellent
customer service, a diverse food
and beverage mix and endless
entertainment and live shows.
He said the buzz words that
resonated from his time at KWSC
were Connection, Experience,
Sustainable.
IQ 21