Gary Mears is a motivational change leader who has achieved a successful career in marketing, tourism, festivals, events, performing arts and venue management including 33 years in senior executive management positions. Current roles include Caloundra Taskforce member, QTIC Quality Tourism Australia Assessor and judge for the Queensland Tourism Awards and Australian Tourism Awards.Gary was presented with the 'Venue Professional of the Year’ award at the Venue Management Association (VMA) 2019 - Asia-Pacific Venue Industry Congress and Venue Industry Awards. He has overseen many hundreds of significant Queensland major events, concerts and festivals. He has led the business and facility redevelopment of major arts centres, visitor information centres and tourism organisations including; The Events Centre Caloundra, Ipswich Civic Centre, ‘Studio 188', Ipswich Tourism and Toowoomba Tourism.His professional career includes; - Ipswich City Council Marketing Manager, - Toowoomba Events and Tourism Corporation Chief Executive Officer, - Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers Chief Executive Officer, - The Events Centre Sunshine Coast General Manager, - Ipswich Civic Centre - Venue and Performing Arts Manager, - Manager of his own business Stagesound Promotions, - Arts Consultant and - Professional EntertainerGary has designations as Certified Venue Executive (CVE), Accredited Venue Manager (AVM), Member Australian Marketing Institute (MAMI) and been an active member of the VMA (Venue Management Association), PAC Australia (Performing Arts Connections Australia) and Caloundra Red Shield Appeal Committee. He is a past President and Vice President of Stage Queeensland/NARPACA (Northern Australian Region Performing Arts Centres Association) and was awarded Life Membership in 2021.Gary has been an Arts Industry Expert/Peer and Arts Touring Funding Panel Member for Arts Queensland, Caloundra Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee Member and past President of the Queensland Festivals Association.He has a passion for making a difference in the arts, tourism and events sectors including the development of tourism, major events, venues, audiences, innovation and emerging artists.