The Next Stage: The Official VMA Podcast

Hailey Mason is the Founder and CEO of evatto.ai, an AI native operating system for the events industry. Hailey and Joel discuss the emergence of agentic AI and its potential to revolutionise the way people work in the venue and events industry. They unpack the unfounded fears that come with transformational technological change, and explore how this tech can liberate entertainment industry professionals to focus on the more meaningful aspects of our jobs. Hailey's extensive experience across both event management and technology design make this a compelling listen.

In this episode of The Next Stage, VMA CEO Joel Edmondson speaks with Reggie Ba Pe about his journey from running underground parties and venues in Shanghai (including STD, Arcade, and Arkham) to leading-edge work in media and AI. Reggie explains how these experiences informed the creation of Alias, a conversational AI concierge designed to help venues and events deliver multilingual, highly accessible, and more efficient guest experiences. Together they explore how agentic AI can relieve staff of repetitive tasks, enhance community-building in venues, and accelerate innovation in the Asia-Pacific venue and events industry.

Todd Dyer is the Vice President and Head of Sports and Live Entertainment Sales at Cast and Crew Entertainment. His career has traversed pretty much every inch of the live entertainment industry. Joel and Todd discuss his efforts to influence change and innovation, what it takes to keep clients onside during the tough times, and how sometimes the most difficult competitor is existing ideas. 

In this episode, VMA CEO Joel Edmondson speaks with Houri Tapiki, General Manager of Theatre Royal Sydney and VMA’s Venue Professional of the Year, about her career journey and philosophy on leadership and customer experience. Houri traces her path from a casual ticketing call-centre role at Ticketek through major responsibilities in sports (Rugby Australia), international experience building Dubai Opera, and ultimately returning to Australia to run Theatre Royal Sydney under Trafalgar Entertainment. She reflects on stewarding a historic venue celebrating its 50th anniversary and managing a long pipeline of major productions, while explaining why customer experience—removing friction, showing genuine empathy, and making a night out “worth leaving the couch for”—sits at the heart of her approach.

Sean Coyle is the Senior Manager, Premium Guest Experience at SoFi Stadium. He shares his experience delivering one of the world's busiest events programs at one of the world's most ambitious venues, including his journey from industry beginner to venue leader.

Terrence Trujillo is the Director of Commercial for Qudos Bank Arena and a superfan of all things live entertainment. He is deeply passionate about the role that venues can play in elevating the fan experience. Join Terrence and Joel for a conversation about the art and science of fan engagement, with a special focus on the role of data in helping us understand and program for new and emerging markets.

Craig McMaster is the Director of Riverside Theatre, Western Sydney's premier performing arts facility. The theatre, based in Parramatta, is in the early stages of a $276m development. Craig and Joel discuss the power of authentic community engagement to a meaningful design outcome.

Adam Cheyne is the CEO of the Sports Environment Alliance (SEA). Adam and Joel wax lyrical on the power of sport to drive behaviour change, the potential of gamification and competition to inspire more sustainable business practice, and the importance of networks to the climate change movement. 

This week, Joel catches up with Michael Roberts, Associate (Resilience, Security and Risk) at Arup. Michael's decades working across the world in senior safety and security positions - including Head of Security for the Australian Olympic Team for Paris 2024 - have lead him to the role of Chair, Institute of Venue Safety and Security for the VMA. Joel and Michael discuss the changing global security landscape and what it means for the task of developing the next generation of venue safety and security leaders.

The Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre has just turned 30. Kym and Joel discuss her years at the venue, with a special focus on the changing nature of venue leadership.