In this article I want to take my hat off to the women that make up Cleanevent, both in front and behind the camera.

Things have been constantly changing at Cleanevent over the past ten or so years. One major change has been the influence of women in management roles and the positive influences that these changes have had throughout the organisation.

In the early years, Cleanevent was largely dominated by men and was referred to as a ‘Boy’s Town’. Currently, women in the Cleanevent team account for more than 40 per cent of supervisory and management positions. With the exception of the ‘undisputed’ Founder, Mother, and Keeper of the ‘Cleanevent Culture’, Maryanne Chatfield, who from day one kept the ‘Boy’s House’ in order.

In the past we frequently questioned ourselves about our ‘Attention To Detail’ (ATD) standards, knowing quite well that we were very good at servicing the logistics of any event, big or small but we always strived to get a better result.

So what changed?

The first, in a series of changes, was headed by Georgia Cody. Georgia was appointed second in charge of the Moonee Valley Race Course Team, led then by Phil Chatfield. Georgia also started assisting Paul Lovett and Team in carrying out ‘self ATD Audits’ at other venues. This proved to be a monumental turning-point for the company and the standards it presented to our industry clientele.

Georgia is now heading up one of our most prestigious accounts as the Venue Manager at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre.

What is it that women bring to Cleanevent?

Women are instrumental in having a keen eye for the most intricate detail, and are usually a calm influence on the high pressure ‘Cleanevent’ environment. They have been a key deliverable for the ‘It will be right on the night’ and ‘the show must go on’ motto that is the event and venue business, and have been great teachers of these qualities to the entire company.

Look at the influence of family that has come from the Craig Lovett anointed ‘Queen of Cleanevent’, Elaine Gray, who joined our great company some 11 years ago at the first ever Melbourne Show. Since then Elaine has introduced most of her family to the ranks, and her son Darryl, (who started at the same time) now holds the position of Regional Manager for Queensland.

Even in the developing Cleanevent USA, women are playing a key role in the shaping of the company. We are well served at Board level with the services of the obviously qualified Maddie Jackson who, take it from me, is anything but passive in her quest to help us grow a successful company. Maddie continues to have positive influences on the management team.

It would be remiss of me not to address those second in commands that are not on the payroll, the wives and Mum’s that continue to be the backbone of those of the male gender. Without all of you, we could not be the company that we are.

Special thanks to my own two girls Susie and Erin, who put up with far too much, in my quest for good business service.

Girls, I think our company has improved immensely with your input and expertise. Thank you!