The Big Cheese with TryBooking’s Delma Dunoon
We catch up with co-founder of online ticketing platform TryBooking, Delma Dunoon, although she politely declined our invitation to an arm wrestle.
The great thing about my job is…
Working with such a huge variety of people and events! In my 10+ years at TryBooking, I’ve assisted so many event organisers – from large corporations such as airlines and telecommunications right through to individuals running fundraisers.
I strive to build genuine relationships with them that last through the years.
The greatest joy I get is when event organisers come to me with a fantastic idea or concept but aren’t quite sure on how to execute it. Our team lends them some experience and ideas on how to make their event better, or raise more for their chosen charity.
Whilst we may not be working for their organisation, we’ve definitely played a part in helping them to achieve their goals.
The challenge for industry is…
Keeping fees realistic. When we started TryBooking, ticketing fees were incredibly high and there were only a few options available.
We launched with the lowest fees in the industry and our mantra was to make online ticketing affordable for everyone and for anything.
In this industry we have to be especially mindful of keeping prices low whilst growing the value of our service.
We don’t want to impact the community negatively with high fees, we want event organisers to have more money to invest back into their events, and we want them to have access to the best features.
That means staying on top of new developments in technology, being in tune with what our clients need and keeping it accessible for everyone.
My greatest achievement is…
Being part of a start-up that has now turned over more than one billion dollars in ticket sales and in doing so, staying true to our original goals of keeping fees low.
We’ve been doing this for 10 years without needing to change our fees.
The biggest thing in MICE this year will be…
Providing value at two levels and doing more for less. Funding and sponsorship is becoming increasingly difficult to get, so it will be interesting to see how the industry innovates around that.
I try to relax by…
I struggle to sit around and do nothing, so relaxation to me is often just changing my thought process or looking at things from another angle.
I love attending client’s events – this helps me to better understand their needs and connect what we do to real situations.
When I’m not at TryBooking, I’m usually volunteering with my kid’s activities.
I don’t understand why…
There aren’t more businesses and corporations encouraging employees to get involved in the grassroots community. If we all contributed just a small amount of energy to the local causes and projects happening around us, the difference would be quite remarkable.
I would love for more employers to foster community involvement from the top-down. That would cause a great shift in perspective, that’s for sure.
My favourite venue/event is…
Port Fairy Music Festival. We’ve been involved with the Port Fairy Folk Festival for the past 8 years and the town is incredibly picturesque.
Moreover, the festival is run almost entirely by volunteers and is a major fundraiser for the community, with grants and funds raised going back to all the community groups who volunteer.
I’ve always wanted to travel to…
Micronesia, which I hope to be able to do next year.
I am scared to death of…
My husband is a very adventurous man and an avid ocean sailor, my greatest fear would be being caught in similar weather conditions to what he experienced during the Port Fairy Yacht Race 2012 – raging seas and wind… being a hero once in a lifetime is enough for anyone!
I can’t live without…
My friends and family. Also, I get to bond with clients every day at work and I’m lucky to call many of them my close friends now. It’s this special group of people that keep me inspired each day.
I really wish I had…
More time in a day.
If I could invite four people to a dinner party, they’d be…
Michelle Obama – she’s been an inspiration for women and has been a great supporter of her family and husband. Adele – she seems humble but also quite a character, let alone that amazing voice!
Glenn McGrath – his fundraising and dedication to his late wife is just incredible. And lastly, Hugh Jackman – for his homegrown talent, and he would also be a compliment to the looks around the table.
For anyone starting out in the industry one piece of advice I’d give would be ….
Set your goals early, stay true to these and build the best relationships you can with organisations/suppliers. If someone lets you down or doesn’t follow your mantra, move on and focus on the people and companies who do.
And don’t forget to look locally – the most genuine relationships I’ve built are the local ones.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
delma dunoon The Big Cheese trybookingLatest News
Travel DAZE Exec Agenda REVEALED: top execs to speak on airline competition
As the industry reels from Bonza's implosion, it is more important than ever to ask the big questions.
Skroo says Rex will need deep pockets to fill lost Bonza slots
The door is open for Rex, and anyone else who wants to launch a regional Aussie airline...
Hilton Expands Presence in North Queensland with the signing of Hilton Garden Inn Townsville
Heading to a North Queensland Cowboys clash? Hilton Garden Inn Townsville is set to open, but not until 2026.
Amy Poehler joins Vivid Sydney event
Oh Joy! Hit comedian Amy Poehler will make an emotional appearance at the Sydney Opera House for Vivid.
Emirates unveils future plans with new hub at Al Maktoum International Airport
We've also been looking into our future. It involves plenty of famils, we hope.
Two thirds of Australians support introduction of tourism tax, survey reveals
Can you guess which generation was the most outraged at the news? Hint: It is exactly who you think!
“The consumer really just wanted more classic reward availability” – customers underwhelmed by Qantas FF shakeup
All this consumer wants is to sit behind someone that doesn't push their seat back to near-horizontal levels.
Aussie travellers warned of ‘significant’ visa shifts in destinations including Chile, US and Vietnam
To be honest are biggest advice for having a layover in the US, is just don't.
Profile: Delta CEO Ed Bastian
Bastian says the airline business isn't for the faint hearted. We're sure Alan Joyce would agree!
Final Call: Travel DAZE Exec early birds are about to expire
Much like the auctioneer at the hottest sale of the year, we're giving you one more chance to jump at this deal!
Forget the weekend! Experience Gold Coast launches mid-week travel campaign
Your boss might be a bit bothered if you jet off mid-week, but you'll be the envy of all of your Instagram followers.
Victorian Tourism Industry Council warns of losing tourism dollars to NSW & QLD
Trendy cafe's hidden in CBD laneways can only get so many tourism dollars, clearly!
AIME 2024 rustles up $330m for APAC economy
This figure is a 65 per cent increase on 2023, much alike The Nibbler staff's alcohol consumption.
Amex GBT to purchase CWT for $871m
It's big deals like this that get a firm handshake - hence the sore hands over at the CWT and Amex GBT offices.
Boeing cleanout: CEO, chair to go as safety crisis plagues the manufacturer
CEOs are falling thick and fast these days. We should have started up a bingo game with their headshots in the office.
Star boss resigns, admits retaining NSW casino licence unlikely under his leadership
The CEO resigned after 18 months in the role. 'Another one bites the dust' rumoured to be heard playing in Pyrmont.
Corporate Traveller swings amateur golfers around the globe for World Golf Competition
How're your golf skills? Consider yourself a Tiger Woods or often get quadruple bogeys? We take after the latter.
Corporate travellers to spend big on Melbourne F1 despite financial pressures
Part of the attraction is sick days after the event as corporate travellers suffer creaked necks and blown eardrums.
Bonza officially kicks off Gold Coast-Darwin route
The Flying Purple Thumb is back at it with another route. We swear, we're going to make this nickname stick!
South West Sydney Tourism launches Western Sydney Tourism Awards
Penrith's 3 consecutive NRL premierships wasn't enough? The people of Western Sydney could fill the trophy cabinet more!
Hotels vs. Airbnb: Industry leaders at odds over who should pay accommodation levy
There's not as much gore in the Hotels vs. Airbnb saga as there is in Alien vs. Predator, but it's just as thrilling!
Singapore Airlines revamps premium economy with new menu, amenity kit
Felt Singapore Airlines was lacking "the sauce" (as the kids say). Bolster belief in the carrier's je na sais quoi here.
Business Events Adelaide set for 20th Destination SA event
Destination SA turns 20! Hopefully it's not celebrated with vodka cruisers and vapes like most 20th birthdays.
Boeing’s woes delay massive Virgin Australia order
This delay means Virgin staffers will be without that new plane smell, inspiring us to sell it in a can.
All the winners from the 2023 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards
Somehow missed this news recently? Good thing you're subscribed to our fabulous newsletter!
Corporate international travel from Brisbane up 30% YOY: Flight Centre
Queenslanders seem keen to go somewhere that actually serves good beer! Sorry, we actually like Great Northern.
Amora Brisbane undergoes $30m remodelling, geared up for MICE offerings
When $30m goes into an amazing hotel to get it geared up for MICE offerings, that's amore!
Corporate Travel Management’s CEO Laura Ruffles steps down
CTM confirmed that Ruffles will be stepping down due to a personal health issue, effective immediately.
Qatar Airways crowned World’s Best MICE Airline at World MICE Awards
You could say Qatar Airways really 'nabbed the cheese' with this one! Alright, we'll see ourselves out...
Qantas, Jetstar & Virgin hike airfares as supplier costs inflate
Supplier increases means you'll pay more. It's like pass the parcel, but instead of getting a present, you owe money.
NSW Central Coast wins global sustainability award for promoting ecotourism at ITB
NSW Central Coast jumped the gun on St. Patricks Day and got the green celebrations going early!
PHOTOS: RuPaul’s Drag Race stars hit Kings Canyon for Priscilla’s 30th anniversary
The stars have renamed the iconic spot 'Queens Canyon'. No name change to the adjacent 'Priscilla's Crack', however.
Air NZ to suspend Auckland-Chicago route amid aircraft troubles
Sorry Kiwis, your craving for authentic deep dish pizza will go unsatiated (or you could just fly with another airline).
Tasmanian Premier promises to build the world’s largest chocolate fountain if re-elected
If only sticky 6-year-old children could vote. Then the Tassie Premier would be guaranteed a victory!
The staggering amount invested in 2022/23 Australian tourism projects revealed!
Any guesses on how much it was? We'll give you a hint: It's between $1 and $9 trillion (hope this helps).
Marriott’s Bonvoy Lounge makes it a 5-peat at Formula 1 in Melbourne
If Formula 1 is so good, then why isn't there a Formula 2? Oh there is one... Never mind.