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"Deanna Varga was appointed as the facilitator of our recent Strategic Planning Day.

The Commercial Law Association of Australia Ltd celebrates its 60th Anniversary in 2025. We were looking for a facilitator to assist us review where we are as an association today. How can we meet our member's current needs, and adapt to the changing needs of the legal profession for career development, education, and networking opportunities.

Deanna worked closely with the board to review where we are now, and how we can improve. Her process involved surveying all directors, talking to staff and the President. Much of the preparation was done before our planning day so that we could focus on drafting a strategic plan that would meet our needs.

Revenue growth and diversification are critical issues that associations need to grapple with to survive and prosper. But, taking steps to introduce change is often difficult. Deanna's understanding of the dynamics of association management, and practical guidance she provided ensured we achieved a comprehensive strategic plan and 'Blue-Print' for our future development.

The process that Deanna developed greatly assisted us to focus on what value an Association can provide to individual members, and the legal profession broadly. I would have no hesitation in recommending Deanna. Her enthusiasm and practical insights into association management have greatly assisted us develop a plan that will ensure our continued relevance and growth as an Association.

I am happy to recommend Deanna. Strategic planning is not an easy exercise. Our task has been made more manageable as a result of expert facilitation provided by Deanna."

"We engaged Mayvin Global to assist our client to develop the strategic plan for the NT Thai Festival 2025-2027. Deanna’s ability to keep the Committee (all volunteers) focused and on track throughout the process was impressive, especially considering the diverse range of perspectives and the hybrid format of both in-person and virtual workshops.

Deanna and Vicky encouraged the Committee to think strategically and consider the long-term future of the Festival. The national and international analysis of Thai Festivals provided valuable insights and informed the sound recommendations they presented.

They also demonstrated a strong ability to work with a culturally diverse group, creating an inclusive and productive environment on every occasion. Their expertise were key to delivering a strategic plan that will guide the future of the NT Thai Festival for years to come.

We’ve now engaged Mayvin Global for a number of diverse and varied projects, and continue to be impressed with the results they deliver".

"I had the pleasure of working with Deanna, as part of a joint international business events strategic planning session for Darwin NT.

The program resulted with many agreed team actions, which in turn listed specific items relating to my research role. Our Research Department implemented a suggested project and to our delight we had immediate results. This project is now an integral part of our annual research activities.

Deanna’s professional approach and delivery of the session was fantastic. Deanna certainly extracts the best from participants.

I am thankful for the opportunity to be involved with this session.

“We recently engaged Deanna Varga to guide our not-for-profit board through the development of a three-year strategic plan. What truly impressed us was how quickly Deanna grasped the unique challenges and opportunities facing our association. Deanna and her colleague Kirsty, demonstrated an ability to understand the complexities of our sector and tailor the session to address our specific needs. The collaborative approach employed helped bring diverse viewpoints together, resulting in a clear and actionable roadmap for our future.

Thanks to Mayvin Global’s guidance, we now have a focused plan that will drive our association forward with confidence. I highly recommend Deanna and her team for any organisation seeking strategic clarity and alignment.”

"Thank you so much for the insightful presentation on diversifying revenue streams delivered to our board. Your expertise and fresh perspectives sparked valuable discussions and highlighted the importance of exploring new opportunities for financial sustainability.

Your approach was clear and insightful, and has set us on the path to rethinking our strategies. Thank you for helping us set the direction for a stronger, financially sustainable & mission-focused future for our society."

“ICMS Pty Ltd engaged Mayvin Global on a fast turn-around project and required their expertise of working with government agencies. Joanne and Deanna worked as a collaborative team, were flexible and responsive in providing advice where needed to drive this initiative. They delivered the project on time and within budget and exceeded our expectations in the nature of advice and support provided. As a result of their work we successfully secured a major academic project.“

“As part of our Strategic review, IQA engaged Mayvin Global to undertake a Revenue & Risk Analysis and provide a Revenue Diversification Roadmap. We found the process well thought-out, aligned to the requirements of our association and the team worked well with another consultant that was simultaneously developing our Strategic Plan. It was important these two pathways aligned and collaborated.

Deanna facilitated sessions with our Board and Committee, both face to face and virtual to extract key information that supported the development of the Roadmap while also challenging our thinking. I particularly valued the commercial thinking approach and revenue/risk lens through which they viewed our revenue streams and potential future sources. The team were responsive to feedback and considered or debated the options. They provided a high level and detailed roadmap that will see us to the next stage of our journey.”

"Working with Deanna and the team at Mayvin Global felt like an extension of our team. We engaged Mayvin Global to conduct a Member Satisfaction Survey which was long overdue. They know their stuff, offering insight and advice throughout the entire process. Their experience with other associations meant they understood many of our challenges and had suggested solutions to combat these. Their analysis provided ATSA with valuable insights and recommendations we could implement. Looking forward to working with them again."

“Our challenge was the stagnation of our membership and our model which hadn’t changed in many years. We engaged Deanna and the Mayvin Global team to help determine the best way forward and to modernise our offering both in and outside of the Sydney Royal Easter Show. Deanna brought in an expert team to devise short and long term solutions and the roadmap for the future.

It was evident throughout the 10 month project, that the team were passionate about our success. It wasn’t just another piece of work. Deanna lead the project, listened to our needs, our challenges and their approach quickly established trust. Deanna managed IER to deliver the research requirements to support the insights and brought in her team of experts Sally, Kirsty and Dawn where needed. We felt the team were operating in partnership with us. The Roadmap has provided the RASNSW with direction for the future.”

“Mayvin Global were engaged as part of our 2022 Board Strategy Planning. The objective was to identify revenue diversification solutions that could be realistically considered. In preparation, Mayvin Global presented a benchmarking framework that compared international and local associations against ours. They identified opportunities and avenues related to our potential growth. During the Strategy Day, Deanna facilitated an interactive workshop, using the framework and Mayvin Global’s assessment of potential revenue streams and risks.

We were provided a roadmap of revenue diversification opportunities – short, medium and long term. We were impressed with Mayvin Global’s strategic approach, ability to challenge thinking as well as understanding the size of our College and what is feasible. The Mayvin Global team worked seamlessly and delivered a great result that we continue to refer to and implement. We re-engaged Mayvin Global to support us again in late 2022 as a result of their expertise in revenue diversification. “

"The Hire and Rental Industry Association (HRIA) engaged Mayvin Global to facilitate workshops that would obtain insights and feedback from our Party Hire/Events Hire members. Our objective was to understand how to enhance engagement and add value for these members. We have always recognised that this segment potentially has different needs to the majority of our members, and through a couple of workshops and Mayvin Global designed survey, they were able to unpack and explore these requirements on our behalf.

Mayvin Global’s knowledge of events and understanding of the challenges facing this sector was invaluable to engaging with our members and digging deeper on some issues. They understood our brief, worked to our timelines and developed creative solutions to enhance delivery. Their recommendations were presented in a report which has provided a solid roadmap as to how we can evolve our offering to best service our members."

“We identified a need to streamline our sales approach to First Aid and Mental Health Training in a highly competitive market. Mayvin Global brought our national team together, unpacked our processes and worked with us to develop tools and templates that would better support the sales team. Importantly, their approach helped us think differently and question some of our ‘old’ approaches. As a result of the work of Deanna, Sally and Suzanna, we are well underway to formalising our sales toolkit and 12 months on, their strategic approach continues to benefit our sales outcomes.”

"Destination Sydney Surrounds South (DSSS) engaged Mayvin Global to deliver our Business Events Industry Development project, which included tailored mentor program, educational workshops, and development of an Industry Checklist. Deanna and her team’s expertise and experience in the business events sector was second to none and evident throughout the entire project. Their pursuit of feedback from us and key stakeholders was truly valued, to ensure deliverables not only met the objectives of DSSS, but also the needs of our industry.

Mayvin Global’s awareness of providing impact long-term, through the lasting results of the mentoring and tangibly through the Checklist have ensured a true legacy for the project."

"I have enjoyed working with Mayvin Global. It is a professional team always operating with integrity.

It was very affirming to receive the outcome of the consumer research and comforting for us to have confirmed the level of support from our members. We equally had confirmed for us the work we need to do to appeal to a broader spectrum of the membership and also the thinking we need to do to broaden the reach of API."

“Adelaide Convention Centre engaged Mayvin Global to review our approach to technology services. They demonstrated a deep knowledge of business events and current client trends, as well as a technical expertise that enabled them to not only thoroughly understand our brief, but complete a deep dive into the subject matter and provide relevant recommendations. Their findings provided us with incredibly valuable insight which has helped us further enhance our approach & customer service.”

"In today’s environment where data collection and analysis are fundamental to success, choosing a partner to assist in delivering research, insights and recommendations is a critical decision. It was a pleasure to work with Deanna and the Mayvin Global team on our comprehensive industry survey of gaming and hospitality workers across Australia and New Zealand. While their technical skill and expertise are evident, importantly they also listen to your needs as the client and deliver quality, bespoke reports."

“This project was our second time working with Mayvin Global and from start to end it was a very productive and professional positive experience. I was impressed with the calibre of the team at Mayvin Global and their good understanding of the NT in general and the event landscape in particular. The Mayvin Global team were able to build rapport and trust quite quickly during the stakeholder engagement both in Darwin and in East Arnhem Land. I really valued how Mayvin Global approached the project, their processes and communication style – particularly as they were managing the project and client relationship. Agentur would work with Mayvin Global in the future."

“Mayvin Global invited us to partner on a feasibility review for a cultural event in East Arnhem Land. We were involved for our expertise in economic and social impact. Deanna curated a team of experts including the Mayvin Global Darwin team plus partnering with a third agency (Agentur) to collaborate on this four month project. I commend Deanna and Mayvin Global for project managing the various and sometimes complex aspects of the review and ensuring that the forward momentum continued throughout. Mayvin Global brought tools – such as an online workshop – to help facilitate and discuss outcomes of te project. Which given travel restrictions was a great way to bring out the key insights and findings. We would definitely like to continue to work with Mayvin Global on other projects."

“Recent grant funding provided us the opportunity to engage Mayvin Global with a strategic business initiative. It required an agency that understood the complexity of our business, the clients we work with, the sector and able to deliver to a tight timeframe. The team at Mayvin Global clearly understood our brief, and from the outset built rapport and trust that was further demonstrated by delivering quality content that was on time and on budget. ”

“We’ve been working with Mayvin Global and Deanna Varga for over a year now and are loving their approach to the association sector. I particularly enjoy seeing Deanna and her team challenge some of the traditional revenue streams and business models. In line with this, the Whitepaper released in 2021 The Future of Associations, reinforces the notion that in an uncertain world, the need for associations is greater than ever and to reach their full potential they need to unshackle themselves from operating models that are no longer effective.

I am proud to know that the idea for this White Paper came out of discussions with Deanna – talking about what our association CEOs are needing right now – and how her expertise should be documented. It’s a must read for every association leader.”

“GEMS Event Management engaged Mayvin Global/Deanna Varga to provide executive coaching. We required strategic marketing, to develop structure and frameworks around our marketing plan, particularly with the impact of COVID-19. With Deanna’s expertise in business events and deep understanding of associations, she was able to provide practical, timely advice that was easy to implement. Her manner and approach was consultative, ensuring regular check-ins as well as providing adhoc advice when we needed it. Her skills, expertise and advice lead to doors opening that otherwise would not have. As an SME, this was an investment we considered worthwhile and would highly recommend Mayvin Global and Deanna”.

"Deanna assisted Clockwise Consulting in launching representation of the Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board into the Australian Business Events market. Deanna's reputation and connections in the sector enabled us to open doors in a short time frame. Deanna's strategic approach, relationship development and knowledge of the business events sector in addition to her passion was highly beneficial to our business."

"In 2019-20, Tourism Central Coast have had the pleasure of working with Mayvin Global on business events opportunities for our industry, including engaging Deanna Varga to deliver a webinar on the value of business events.

Deanna’s expertise, experience and tailored presentation skills were effective in engaging with an audience of businesses ranging from those with no experience in the business events sector, to large organisations for whom the sector is commercially and strategically very important. Mayvin Global demonstrated extensive knowledge across and pre-eminent expertise in delivering a virtual event that was engaging, informative and of practical value to our tourism business community.

I have no hesitation in recommending Deanna and Mayvin Global for their insights, expertise and experience in business events, both physical and virtual."

“The Mayvin Global team of experts were committed to this project and of particular value was their deep understanding of tourism. Deanna and her team drove the project which was invaluable, as I didn’t have the time to drive it. They had to contend with changes to the schedule as a result of bushfires and then COVID-19, and their ability to develop new approaches or options and still deliver a strategy and recommendations was to be commended. The outcomes of this will shape the future of Women in Tourism. Thanks Deanna, Lynda, Kirsty and Ashleigh.”

"Web Noise engaged Deanna Varga to conduct a training module as part of the program we deliver to LGNSW. The session Social Media for Local Councillors is a half day interactive face to face workshop. With the impact of COVID-19, this training had to move to virtual delivery.

From the outset, Deanna was professional, not fazed by the format change, demonstrated a deep understanding of the content and importantly a depth of knowledge of Local Councillors and what would resonate. Keeping Councillor’s attention for a half day is no easy task – and Deanna from Mayvin Global delivered. She really thought about how to adapt the content and delivery methods to reflect the virtual environment and ensure clear takeaways for attendees.

As a small business, our reputation means everything. Deanna was respectful and considerate of our brand and representing us. Following the feedback from her training session, we have re-engaged Deanna for future training programs."

"Mayvin Global was engaged to support LGNSW in revitalising our annual tourism conference program content, targeted to LGNSW Councils. Deanna and Sally brought strategic insights as tourism subject matter experts and also demonstrated a deep understanding of business events. Mayvin Global made speaker and topic recommendations that were adopted as well as opened doors to their extensive network.

Their appreciation for the Not for Profit sector and what a conference means to us as an organisation has added an additional dimension. We are very much looking forward to the Tourism 2020 conference and the refreshed program."

“Mayvin Global were engaged by Bleached Arts to conduct a feasibility review of one of our Gold Coast based performing arts projects.

We found them to be strategic in their approach, providing key commercialisation advice and were respectful of key stakeholders. We had project delays unrelated to the work provided by Mayvin Global, however, they were flexible and provided suggestions to address the impacts as well as identifying the risks of go/no go actions. The commercial expertise provided by Mayvin Global has given us important insights into our business.”

“Mighty thanks for your expertise in helping our associations in areas of sustainable growth and sharing tips on income generation. Without Mayvin Global, these associations may not have connected or created collaborations.
 
Sharing your views and perspective as an Australian in introducing and updating the Sarawak industry was vital! We needed that nudge that only an outsider can give. We realised that we have so much “real estate” to improve in the areas of services and the decision-making process.

We’re glad we made the right choice. Thank you, Deanna, and Virginia Loyola.”

"Deanna Varga of Mayvin Global was engaged by AGB Events to work with us on strategy development with the aim of attracting new business. Deanna went well above the agreed brief, she is incredibly attuned to the international arts and tourism industry and has an excellent and open manner with her clients. Deanna is an authentic leader in her field and highly recommended.”

“Deanna Varga/Mayvin Global have helped us secure new commercial opportunities and brought strategic partnerships to us as well as our clients.

They bring savvy strategy, vision and a broad range of connections to our business – which as a family run operation is instrumental.  They deliver on time, and I would consider them valuable partners in business events and for tapping into the cultural sector."  

“Deanna’s overall strategy enabled us to refine and focus our tourism offer, one that engages both domestic and international audiences, within the context of envisaging the museum’s overarching future and new flagship site in Parramatta.

The findings were incredibly helpful and included quick wins that we could enact immediately.”

“As the owner of a small tourism business, I have nothing but praise for Deanna. I engaged Deanna to assist in preparing a submission for a Tourism Product Development Grant.

Deanna brought to the table an in-depth knowledge of the tourism industry, a great ability to identify new opportunities and avenues, the experience to pull it all together, and the energy to inspire. Her advice and input were definitely instrumental to securing the product development grant for Australian Cycling Holidays.“

"Destinations International engaged Deanna and Mayvin Global to assist with the roll out of the Economic Impact Calculator in Australia from August 2019 until March 2020. This was a first for Australia and a significant achievement.

Deanna’s tenacity as well as understanding of the market and bureaux was instrumental to our organization in moving a complex initiative forward, generating specific and measurable results.

As an organization with a global reach, Deanna’s leadership and strategic insights were exactly what we needed in this project.

We look forward to the opportunity to work with Deanna and Mayvin Global again in the future".

“We loved working with Deanna, she was responsive, understood our need for documentation in a certain way as well as our limited budget which she has cost effectively and creatively worked with to create the best possible impact. All the way Deanna has been nothing but positive to work with.”  

"Agenda is a communication agency based in Paris with a branch in Australia. We have been working with Mayvin Global on a regular basis since September 2017. The first consultation was a pricing review of our international conference Communicating the Museum. We needed a solution that would deliver a long term financially sustainable business model. Our second consultation is an ongoing sales campaign conducted for our fundraising conference, Culture Business.

We appointed Deanna Varga to lead these projects as she understands the cultural sector, has an extensive network in the tourism sector, knows our target audiences and our business requirements very well. She developed practical and implementable solutions for the immediate and long term.

Deanna and her team at Mayvin Global always deliver above expectations, with practical solutions demonstrating a solid understanding of the cultural sector and our SME business. Mayvin Global is a business that thinks creatively, innovatively, is responsive to their client and overall a pleasure to work with."

"They provided sound strategic advice and milestones working with the Gallery's marketing team and using deep knowledge of the tourism industry."

“Mayvin Global undertook a project to review our annual conference and set a new future direction with growth and profitability as a core focus, while keeping true to our purpose. The Mayvin Global team applied a professional external perspective, leveraging individual specialties to best effect.

The experience of the team showcased a blend of survey engagement as well as financial analysis and forecasts. The resulting report responded directly to the brief and was clear and concise – making it easy for a Board to digest and make strategic decisions on. The success of the Mayvin Global consultancy is evidenced by our implementation of key recommendations.”