EO Melbourne Chapter News

May 2025

Hi ,

What do a travel founder, a former Prime Minister, the Matildas, and a private dinner at Society all have in common? They’re all on the EO Melbourne calendar over the next few months.

In line with our annual theme of Member Value, the board has just signed off on a huge line-up of events and initiatives to help us finish the membership year strong. 

Here’s a quick look at what’s ahead.

On Wednesday, 14 May, we’re excited to welcome Adam Schwab, co-founder of Luxury Escapes, to share the story behind one of Australia’s fastest-growing travel businesses.

A week later, on Thursday, 22 May, our MyEO Under 35s group is hosting a Private Dining Experience at Society. If you’d like to come along — even if you’re only under 35…at heart — send me an email (costa.vasili@ethnolink.com.au).

At the end of the month, we’re heading to Marvel Stadium on Friday, 30 May, to watch the Matildas take on Argentina from a Private Suite. Casual, fun, great energy — this one’s going to be a vibe.

Then in June, EO Melbourne board member Jacob Spencer is hosting a dinner at Cutler & Co’s Private Dining Room in Fitzroy on Wednesday, 11 June.  It’s a relaxed evening designed to bring together new and tenured members. If you’d like to join, reach out to Jacob directly: jacob@mobileskips.com.au

The next day, Thursday, 12 June, we’re welcoming back one of our most talked-about NEXUS retreat speakers — Itamar Marani — for a half-day Elite Performance Intensive.  If you missed him in Phuket, don’t miss this.

And of course, our biggest night of the year is just around the corner — the Annual Awards & Gala Dinner at the Ritz-Carlton, Saturday, 21 June. Have you registered?

And then… over a year in the making and countless hours of planning, JULIA: A Fireside Chat with The Hon. Julia Gillard AC is happening on Wednesday, 23 July 2025, at the Park Hyatt Melbourne. Get ready for an unmissable, up-close, and personal conversation with one of Australia’s most influential leaders.

Finally, for our tenured members — 7+ years — as you would’ve seen last week, the board has approved an exciting new initiative: a $2,000 event voucher to use towards any EO Global, Regional, or Area-led event. Check your inbox for the full details.

Plenty to look forward to. Hope to see you at something soon.

As always, feel free to reach out via email, call, or WhatsApp if you’d like to chat.

Cheers,

This year, by renewing your EO membership for FY 2025/26, you’re not only continuing your journey but also stepping into a year of even greater growth, impact, and shared momentum, as we remain focused on delivering unmatched Member Value through world-class learning and deep connections that fuel your success.

💥 BONUS FORUM CUP POINTS if you renew and pay by 31 May 2025.

Here’s how to renew:

1. Fill out the Membership Renewal Form

2. Send the Revenue Verification Form to your accountant

3: Pay your fees via two separate payments: one for EO Melbourne & one for EO Global

Earn a $1,000 credit towards your local membership fees for the next financial year by referring a new Member or Accelerator to EO Melbourne—when they sign up. This is open to all EO Melbourne Members and Accelerators and runs until 30 June 2025.

• Submit a Membership Referral

• Submit an Accelerator Referral

Or invite prospects to one of our upcoming event:

• Free event for entrepreneurs interested in EO Membership  – 14 May 2025

Help expand EO Melbourne’s network of Strategic Alliance Partners (SAPs) in industries such as banking, luxury used car dealerships, hospitality, outsourced HR, outsourcing agencies, and videography, because strong SAPs lead to better programs, more networking opportunities, and greater value for Members.

Plus:   ✔ Earn Forum Points for SAP referrals
            ✔ Score a $1,000 credit toward next year’s local membership fees

Have a lead or an offer to share? Contact our Strategic Alliance Chairs:

• Simon Collins – simon@ausvend.co

• Dim Nedanovski – dim@leapfrogger.com.au

Nominations for the Values Awards are ongoing! Submit your nominations here!

✔ Earn 10 Forum Cup points per nomination of a Forum colleague
✔ Earn 20 points per nomination of Members outside your own Forum
✔ Winners will be announced at the Annual Awards & Gala Dinner

Earn BONUS Forum Cup points when you renew your membership and pay your fees by 31 May 2025. Check out the Q4 flyer for more details.

GOAT Year Survey

Got 5 mins? Help make this EO year unforgettable by taking the EO Melbourne GOAT Year Survey! Share what matters to you—your feedback shapes our plans. 

If everyone in your forum completes it, you will go into a draw and win $500 for your forum. Plus, you will earn 30 forum points!

⏰ Closes Monday, 19 May 2025, 5 pm.

📝 Name/email optional—just include your forum name so we can count your entry.

👉 Take the survey: https://form.typeform.com/to/T2O2fInN

Chapter Events

Other Chapter Events

1 August 2025                Mentorship Launch and Training

APAC & Global Events

14-18 May 2025              Entrepreneurial Masters Program (EMP)

2-5 June 2025                 2025 Women's Summit

4-5 June 2025                 Powerhouse Speaker Series: Martha Stewart

24-28 August 2025         EO APAC & Bond Business School

New Members and Accelerators

A warm welcome to our new EO Member who recently joined our chapter: Rod Janover,  Director at Hellomello, CEO & Director at UrbanStay, and Co-Founder of Engine House Co-Working.

Members On the News

• Ash Woodcock - The Australian Business Journal

• Harry Sanders - Mi3 |  Mumbrella

• Jeremy Goldman - The Australian Business Journal

• Stephen Gledden -The Australian Financial Review

• Warwick Johnston - Medianet | PV Magazine | One Step Off The Gri

The Past Presidents Council, a distinguished group of leaders whose combined wisdom has played a key role in shaping our chapter, recently met for lunch. During the gathering, they looked back on the chapter's journey, discussed its current state with honest insights, and began planning for the future. Shown in photo are (L-R): James Murray, Current President Costa Vasili, President-Elect John Bevitt, Damian Blumenkranc, Warrick Steabben, Socrates Capouleas, Carlo Santoro, and Dean Cherny. 

Make sure that you are part of EO Melbourne's online community:

WHATSAPP - (EO Melbourne Members) Join our Events & Official Matters channel and Members' channel; (EO Accelerators) Join our Accelerator channel

LINKEDIN - Follow us and add EO as an experience on your profile.

FACEBOOK - Join our Facebook group, where we post most of our event photos.

INSTAGRAM - Follow @eomelbourne on Instagram.

YOUTUBE - Follow @eomelbourne on YouTube.

BLOG - Check out news, articles and member features on our blog.