Over 25 years Stephen has built a successful management career in and across the arts, special events and tourism sectors. He has worked in public and private enterprise, the not-for-profit sector as well as training and education.
Stephen’s career in the arts and entertainment industry began in Melbourne where he worked extensively as a performing artist on stage, TV and film in drama, music and musical theatre productions. Following two seasons touring North Queensland with the innovative New Moon Theatre Company, Stephen permanently moved north where he continued his career in theatre, community arts and entertainment in Queensland and Darwin. (Performing Arts CV)
His interest in special events and festivals took him to Noosa where initially as Events Director and then as Marketing & Events Director for Noosa Council he developed specialist expertise in Destination Marketing and Cultural Tourism. His research based marketing and events program rebuilt Noosa’s profile and position as a nationally and internationally renowned visitor destination.
Stephen joined Tourism Queensland in 1997 as a Destination Marketing Manager where he was responsible for the strategic marketing of several Queensland destinations. Following the successful completion of his Masters Degree Stephen was appointed to the role of Manager, Strategic Planning. In this role he was responsible for corporate planning and strategic initiatives including the development and implementation of the organisation’s Destination Management Program.
In 2006 Stephen established his own consulting business, working extensively around the state in arts management and touring, event & festival production, cultural development and destination planning and marketing. His business activities have included a diverse range of projects for an equally diverse range of clients from the public and private sector. In 2009 he joined Flying Arts Alliance Inc. as Executive Officer. In this role he was responsible for the management, marketing and development of one of Queensland’s most renowned and treasured cultural organisations. After 6 years at Flying Arts rebuilding and repositioning the organisation, Stephen has now returned to his own business, specialising in planning, marketing and management for the arts, events and tourism sectors. (Business CV)
Stephen holds a Master of Business Degree from the University of Queensland. He has taught undergraduate and postgraduate classes at several Queensland universities and remains active in the academic field. He is an active member of the Australian International Volunteer Program (AVP) and has completed overseas volunteer placements in Micronesia, Indonesia and Nepal (4).
Areas of expertise
- Corporate policy and planning
- Business and marketing strategy development
- Industry and stakeholder engagement
- Business and marketing management
- Cultural planning
- Arts and Entertainment Management
- Special event planning and production
- Training & Education
Industry experience
- State Government
- Local Government
- Private Sector
- Not for profit sector
- Tourism and events
- Arts and Entertainment
- Higher Education
- Queensland regional and remote communities
Qualifications
- Master of Business – International Tourism Management (UQ)
- Dean’s Honour Roll – Award for Outstanding Academic Performance
- Graduate Diploma – Humanistic & Applied Buddhism (NTI)
- Diploma – Community Studies (QUT)