3,000 staff & 40,000 champagne bottles - the Magic of Melbourne Cup Carnival - Luke Kinniburgh

Episode 205

Luke Kinniburgh is the brilliant mind behind the flawless execution of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, one of the world's most extraordinary major events. As the Executive General Manager of Experience and Events for the Victoria Racing Club, Luke's journey from his roots in hospitality to helming major events is nothing short of inspirational. Articulate, measured and focussed, Luke's leadership journey has been shaped by hands-on experience in venue operations at Mooney Valley and prestigious roles in large hospitality companies. Today, he guides one of the world's largest major events, the Melbourne Cup Carnival, with professionalism and precision.

In this exclusive episode, Luke shares the secrets behind his success, delving into the values that drive his leadership and the delicate balance he maintains between work and family life. Discover how he transitioned from doing to leading, and the pivotal role mentors and sport have played in carving his path.

Join us as Luke emphasises the transformative influence of teamwork in delivering major events like the Melbourne Cup Carnival. Gain a behind-the-scenes perspective on the collaborative efforts that make this global spectacle a seamless success, from the intricacies of birdcage design, entertainment and customer engagement to the united front presented by agencies and event partners. Luke shares unique insights from the approach, the delivery, the challenges, changes, data and analysis giving unprecedented access to the event and his knowledge.

This is more than just a podcast – it's an immersive journey into the heart of event excellence, where Luke Kinniburgh empowers us with lessons on leadership, support, and the unyielding power of a unified team.