#HumansofMEA - Heath Batterham, Destination North Coast

This week #HumansofMEA are profiling Heath Batterham, Business Events Executive at Destination North Coast.

1. What strengths do you bring to the events industry Heath?

“With 20 years of experience as a “through the ranks” hotelier for world class 5 star hotels such as The Langham, Melbourne, Byron at Byron Resort & Spa (now Crystalbrook Byron) and Hilton Worldwide Sales, I bring a skillset that ranges from hospitality best practices through to cutting edge innovation. My hotel career lead quickly into event management and I have never forgotten the pleasure of delivering a seamless event, nor have I forgotten the extraordinary effort, commitment, creativity and attention to detail needed to be successful.  I love supporting our professional event managers across the North Coast of NSW as they strive to make this beautiful region the destination of choice for events professionals.”

2. It is 5 pm on a Friday Heath – what is in your glass?

“If not a Cali Cream from Seven Mile Brewing Co in Ballina, then a nip of Gentleman Jack on a mountain of rocks!”

3. If you had a super power what would it be?

“I would have to say multi-tasking.”

4. If Heath could work anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

“What an impossible question! In my younger days, I was very nomadic and spent a lot of time in Asia where I helped open hotels and resorts, worked for non-profit organizations and learnt languages.  Whilst I travelled extensively in Japan, I would love to have worked there.  The attention to detail, extraordinary and personalized service always amazed me.  Having said that, my wife is South Korean and maybe one day if she can drag me away from this beautiful country our little family calls home, then the answer is probably, South Korea!

[#HumansofMEA: You have had such a wonderful career Heath and South Korea would be the perfect choice.]

5. How do you like your eggs?

"Poached with hollandaise sauce."

6. Heath, can you name one thing that makes a great meeting stand out and why?

“I have to say it is location. All of the best events I’ve attended have been in beautiful destinations which is great for inspiring new ideas and locking memories in place.”

[#HumansofMEA: Well said Heath, and there are so many beautiful locations and destinations on NSW's North Coast.]

7. What do you like the most about working in the events industry Heath?

“Definitely the people.  So many wonderful personalities, so approachable, organized and creative. It takes a very special breed!”

8. Where is your favourite holiday destination and what activity did you spend most of the time doing?

“We went Skiing in South Korea starting with a couple of nights in Geongwonjae Ambassador Incheon Hotel. I think we spent more time eating than we did on the slopes.” 

9. Everyone wants to know what is the current TV series you are watching?

“Miracle Workers with Daniel Radcliff.”

10. Where would we find you on the weekend?

“I love my time in the shed and doing farm work.  It really is the best way to unwind.”

11. And finally, what is a skill no one would know you have Heath?

"I played drums in a grunge band for a couple of years after high-school.  We recorded an album and played pubs, clubs and military bases in the Northern Territory in the mid-90s.  I haven’t played for years and I guess the skills may have left me now" 

Heath, thank you so much for talking with Humans of MEA - we will look forward to seeing you at the next MEA event. Thanks again.