Confronting, polished and stylish! Just part of the job for DOC event manager, Melinda Clarke

Melinda Clarke

It takes a lot of work behind the scenes to create a successful, polished event that goes off without a hitch! Melinda Clarke should know. She is the multi-talented event manager behind Day of Confrontation (DOC) - an event designed to challenge and provoke its delegates, while not afraid to take risks. Melinda tells Industry Moves how she first became involved with DOC, shares some highlights from the past few years' events, and reveals the stylish new direction her professional life has recently taken.

Melinda Clarke

When did you first get involved with the Day of Confrontation?

I was lucky enough to be involved in the original conceptual development of DOC in 2008 with SuperRatings. I was brought in to project manage and execute an exciting, unique, memorable and high quality event for the financial services industry. Being part of a team that wasn't afraid to take a risk, that dared to be different and had the confidence to deliver something that the industry hadn't seen - and that was so well received - was such an amazing experience.

How is the event different to other events you manage?

The event is about inspiring and provoking the audience by challenging, or confronting, the norm - using presenters to share their experiences from other non-related industries. It's wonderful to be part of an event that creates such an environment!

What have been some highlights over the years?

From an event management perspective, introducing the unique DOC concept in 2008 to the industry for the first time, in an untested venue at Docklands in Melbourne, was a highlight. Also every time we brought something new to the audience over the years - that worked - was incredibly rewarding. Speakers that have left lasting impressions include the very powerful and thought provoking Rachel Botsman (Rachel is a global thought leader on the collaborative economy) and the voice coach extraordinaire, Dr Louise Mahler (below, left), who brought the audience to their feet. Last year, when we broadened our audience and brought the event home to Sydney at the Ivy (below, right), was also very successful and special.

Louise Mahler The Ivy

Who do you most admire and how have they influenced your life/work?

I am constantly inspired by happy, healthy and creative women that seem able to balance both a business and family life successfully without losing their sense of self. I currently follow a great blog, The Grace Tales, that promotes just that. I am soon to be a mother-of-three and am constantly looking for inspiration and ideas on how to maintain my work, life and family balance.

What was your very first job?

My very first job was working for Vivien's Model Management in Perth as a model.
It was very glamorous and loads of fun but also quite destructive. Luckily it taught me a lot about staging and events which led me to seek a more rounded career.

Do you have a hidden talent/secret skill?

I have a hidden talent as a dancer and have secretly appeared in many music video clips, ad campaigns and films, such as The Corrs, Nike, Adidas and Matrix Reloaded.
Thankfully much of this hidden talent was pre Facebook and youtube days!

My other secret skill that is emerging rapidly is interior design (images from Melinda's house, below).
My home was recently featured in Est Magazine. You can also see more of my interiors & events at melindaclarke.com.au

Melinda's house Melinda's house

Is there a particular cause or charity that you support?

I'm currently supporting a cause run by Sunrise Children's Association Inc Australia. The charity provides children with a safe, loving, family environment where they have the opportunity to reach their full potential, free from discrimination, violence, abuse, neglect, exploitation and poverty.

Industry Moves is a proud media supporter of the 2015 Day of Confrontation. In the lead up to the event we'll be talking to speakers, delegates, sponsors and organisers to give you a unique perspective of the DOC community.

Read our recent interview with DOC and SuperRatings founder, Jeff Bresnahan - Confronting for all the right reasons! Getting to know Jeff Bresnahan & the genesis of DOC

This year's conference theme is The Age of Entitlement is Dead! Read all about it on the DOC15 website and secure your tickets before Early Bird closes on August 31.