2025 Women Of Live: Meagan Walker

Meagan Walker
Group Director, Arena Operations | ASM Global

BIZ ADVICE | “Just do it. If it goes south, learn from it for next time and make sure you
tell your colleagues as well because running a venue is a team effort.”

As Melbourne-based group director of arena operations, Meagan Walker leads ASM Global’s Asia Pacific (APAC) arena network.

“Over the past year, we’ve focused on tailoring our events and environments to meet and exceed the expectations of our audience at every stage of the experience,” she says.

That included revamping merchandise operations, updating menus to align with the demographic, introducing new chill spaces and expanded back of house for crew comfort.

Walker started 2001 at entertainment and sports precinct Melbourne and Olympic Parks Trust, overseeing Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena and John Cain Arena.

Her commercial acumen, negotiating skills, developing best practice ticketing and relationships with international live music, sports and government sectors saw her promoted to arena contract and site ticketing manager five years later. She added concert procurement and contracting at AAMI Park to responsibilities 2011.

Her reputation grew when, as general manager of Rod Laver Arena, she ensured minimal interruption to operations during the $199 million (AU$320 million) redevelopment of Melbourne Park and took a lead in the negotiation of the Commonwealth Games 2006 and FINA 2007, and delivery of the Australian Open.

A board member of Venue Management Association, she served as a mentor, lecturing for 13 years at the Venue Management School in negotiation, booking & scheduling, and retailing & merchandising.

She’s gratified at how more Australian women are managing back of house operations, in utilities and promoting.

“But I do believe the industry will go further in terms of advancement of women into Executive and C Suite positions.
“There are more women in middle management now, so the future will look more diverse than it currently does which is exciting.”

Upcoming initiatives Walker is excited about include expanding content diversity, exceeding punter expectations and exploring greater sustainability at ASM Global APAC’s arenas, and giving back to the wider community through ASM Global’s numerous program.