AusLeisure

After hosting more than 500 events a year in the USA for the past 16 years, Steve Harper has returned to Australia to join VenuesWest as Director Venue Operations.

From running US National Football League games with crowds of up to 75,000 fans to seasons of the Lion King, Harper adds a rich experience in all facets of venue and facilities management to VenuesWest.

Harper, originally from Melbourne, has managed a US Presidential address receiving a certificate of appreciation from the White House for his unique abilities, superb attitude and professionalism.

Speaking of his return, Harper explains "I am delighted to be on the event scene in Western Australia with such a diverse set of venues at VenuesWest

"The range of facilities in the VenuesWest portfolio present an opportunity to further pursue excellence in venue management and attendance."

Harper is one of only six Australian members recognised as a CFE (Certified Facilities Executive), the industry's highest certification awarded for excellence in the professional development and competence of managers of public assembly facilities world wide.

In USA, Harper directed a range of venues including the 75,000 capacity Husky Stadium in Seattle; the 14,000 Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia; and the 13,000 capacity Harbor Park Baseball Stadium â also in Norfolk.

In his new role, Harper will be responsible for attracting and running hundreds of events each year for VenuesWest from booking to delivering the final product.

VenuesWest is Western Australia's provider of premier sports, recreation and entertainment venues and its growing portfolio includes Perth Arena, Challenge Stadium, Arena Joondalup. WA Athletics Stadium, WA Basketball Centre, Midvale Speeddome and Perth Motorplex with the WA Rugby Centre under Construction and the State Netball Centre in the planning phase.

For more information go to www.venueswest.wa.gov.au

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