Former Sydney Entertainment Centre Chief Executive, Steve Romer has been appointed General Manager of The Events Centre Caloundra, taking on the role from the retiring Gary Mears.
Romer, most recently Chief Operating Officer for Bluesfest, was also Chief Executive of the Venue Management Association (Asia Pacific) between 2014 and 2017.
He will be replacing Mears, who has led many upgrades and development initiatives at the Sunshine Coast’s biggest and most popular events venue since 2013.
After a long career in marketing, tourism, performing arts and festival and event management, including more than 30 years in senior management positions, Mears will retire in July.
Mears led many facility upgrades and business development initiatives at The Events Centre, culminating in the recently completed $8.1 million renovation.
During his time as general manager, the facility has hosted thousands of performances, conferences, dinners and meetings, as the venue became one of Australia’s busiest and most respected regional performing arts venues.
Before joining The Events Centre, Mears was manager of the Ipswich Civic Centre for 12 years, having previously been Marketing Manager for the Ipswich City Council, Chief Executive of the Toowoomba Events and Tourism Corporation, and the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers.
He has managed his own business, Stagesound Promotions, and remains a performing artist, most recently as a member of the duo Bohemian Rogue.
Mears work as a venue manager has been recognised with designations such as Certified Venue Executive and Accredited Venue Manager. He is an active member of the Venue Management Association (VMA), Performing Arts Connections Australia, Stage Queensland and the Caloundra Red Shield Appeal Committee.
Last year he was named VMA Venue Professional of the Year.
He is a past president of the Northern Australian Region Performing Arts Centres Association and of the Queensland Festivals Association.
Commenting on his retirement, Mears stated “I have an extraordinary passion for the events industry.
“I am most proud and privileged to have played a lead role in the planning, funding applications and major renovation of the centre from concept to the official opening in February.
“There is great community pride in this facility, and we have supported the community through fundraising, community arts development, and engagement with the venue to support people to put on special events rather than just being a venue for hire.
“Everyone who visits The Events Centre comes to gain something and they leave richer for the experience. I have loved being a part of that.”
The venue is currently closed because of Coronavirus restrictions.
Gary Mears was profiled in Australasian Leisure Management issue 134.
Images: The Events Centre Caloundra (top) and Gary Mears with his VMA Venue Professional of the Year award in 2019 (below).
About the author
Nigel Benton
Co-founder/Publisher, Australasian Leisure Management
Born in the English county of Dorset, Nigel Benton is the co-founder and Publisher of Australasian Leisure Management, Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific’s only magazine for professionals in all areas of the leisure industry and the www.ausleisure.com.au website - the go to news resource for industry leaders and professionals.
With a long-term commitment to communicating all that is best about the leisure industry (aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues) his career has been defined by an ability to develop and implement industry communications.
Starting his career working in heritage visitor attractions and then adventure travel in Africa and the Middle East, an interest in writing about his experiences led to his change of career into magazine journalism and publishing.
In addition to publishing, Nigel speaks on marketing communications at a range of industry events.
He was made a Life Member of the World Leisure and Recreation Association in 2006 and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (London).
In 2020, he launched the new Asian Leisure Business website.
As of October 2024, he was inducted into the Australian Fitness Awards Roll of Honour at the 2024 AUSactive National Awards.
Among a range of published works and features, his comments on a Blog (blogspot) from 2007 to 2011, when this website went live in its current form, may be interesting to reflect back on.
His philosophy on life is to be kind to all and to indulge those that you love.
His passions include family, Newcastle United and motorcycles (especially British ones) as well, until February 2025 when she left us, caring for a little pug named Stella.
Click here to connect with him via LinkedIn.
Read more from this author
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