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I am a Creative & Strategic Leader with over 25 years’ experience shaping exhibitions, festivals, and cultural programs that connect people, place, and purpose. I blend creative direction with strategic delivery for not-for-profit and values-driven organisations, leaning on event coordination, stakeholder engagement, and member communications to drive impact. My practice spans arts and heritage programming, marketing, and community development, guided by the belief that creativity and education are powerful catalysts for social change. As a practicing photographer and experienced executive, I thrive in collaborative environments where ideas become meaningful outcomes, and I am deeply committed to inclusion, education, and cultural storytelling. I’m passionate about empowering communities and nurturing the next generation. Through Taybian, I lead with authenticity and curiosity, building purposeful brands and delivering end-to-end programs that prioritise impact, collaboration, and sustainability. I’m dedicated to authentic partnerships, education, and shaping cultural narratives that strengthen place-based identity.…I am a Creative & Strategic Leader with over 25 years’ experience shaping exhibitions, festivals, and cultural programs that connect people, place, and purpose. I blend creative direction with strategic delivery for not-for-profit and values-driven organisations, leaning on event coordination, stakeholder engagement, and member communications to drive impact. My practice spans arts and heritage programming, marketing, and community development, guided by the belief that creativity and education are powerful catalysts for social change. As a practicing photographer and experienced executive, I thrive in collaborative environments where ideas become meaningful outcomes, and I am deeply committed to inclusion, education, and cultural storytelling. I’m passionate about empowering communities and nurturing the next generation. Through Taybian, I lead with authenticity and curiosity, building purposeful brands and delivering end-to-end programs that prioritise impact, collaboration, and sustainability. I’m dedicated to authentic partnerships, education, and shaping cultural narratives that strengthen place-based identity.

Melissa Hoedel

Creative Director, Photographer, Designer, +2

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I am a Creative & Strategic Leader with over 25 years’ experience shaping exhibitions, festivals, and cultural programs that connect people, place, and purpose. I blend creative direction with strategic delivery for not-for-profit and values-driven organisations, leaning on event coordination, stakeholder engagement, and member communications to drive impact. My practice spans arts and heritage programming, marketing, and community development, guided by the belief that creativity and education are powerful catalysts for social change. As a practicing photographer and experienced executive, I thrive in collaborative environments where ideas become meaningful outcomes, and I am deeply committed to inclusion, education, and cultural storytelling. I’m passionate about empowering communities and nurturing the next generation. Through Taybian, I lead with authenticity and curiosity, building purposeful brands and delivering end-to-end programs that prioritise impact, collaboration, and sustainability. I’m dedicated to authentic partnerships, education, and shaping cultural narratives that strengthen place-based identity.…I am a Creative & Strategic Leader with over 25 years’ experience shaping exhibitions, festivals, and cultural programs that connect people, place, and purpose. I blend creative direction with strategic delivery for not-for-profit and values-driven organisations, leaning on event coordination, stakeholder engagement, and member communications to drive impact. My practice spans arts and heritage programming, marketing, and community development, guided by the belief that creativity and education are powerful catalysts for social change. As a practicing photographer and experienced executive, I thrive in collaborative environments where ideas become meaningful outcomes, and I am deeply committed to inclusion, education, and cultural storytelling. I’m passionate about empowering communities and nurturing the next generation. Through Taybian, I lead with authenticity and curiosity, building purposeful brands and delivering end-to-end programs that prioritise impact, collaboration, and sustainability. I’m dedicated to authentic partnerships, education, and shaping cultural narratives that strengthen place-based identity.

Available to hire

I am a Creative & Strategic Leader with over 25 years’ experience shaping exhibitions, festivals, and cultural programs that connect people, place, and purpose. I blend creative direction with strategic delivery for not-for-profit and values-driven organisations, leaning on event coordination, stakeholder engagement, and member communications to drive impact. My practice spans arts and heritage programming, marketing, and community development, guided by the belief that creativity and education are powerful catalysts for social change. As a practicing photographer and experienced executive, I thrive in collaborative environments where ideas become meaningful outcomes, and I am deeply committed to inclusion, education, and cultural storytelling.

I’m passionate about empowering communities and nurturing the next generation. Through Taybian, I lead with authenticity and curiosity, building purposeful brands and delivering end-to-end programs that prioritise impact, collaboration, and sustainability. I’m dedicated to authentic partnerships, education, and shaping cultural narratives that strengthen place-based identity.

Skills

Experience Level

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Intermediate

Language

English

Fluent

Work Experience

Executive Director at Sunshine Coast Open House

February 1, 2025 - September 1, 2025

Appointed by the SCOH Board to lead the strategic growth and delivery of this regional architecture, heritage and design festival. Responsibilities include curating programming, talks, tours and partner activations; strengthening community engagement and audience development across digital and traditional channels; building enduring relationships with sponsors, councils and cultural partners to ensure sustainability; and introducing new revenue opportunities including immersive experiences, merchandise and grant funding.

Executive Director at Gold Coast Open House

April 1, 2024 - Present

Led the evolution and delivery of Gold Coast Open House, expanding its scope and cultural impact. Curated a vibrant program of building tours, talks, workshops and events; fostered stakeholder, council and community partnerships; drove audience growth across marketing channels and onsite experiences; developed funding strategies through sponsorship, grants and new revenue streams.

Executive Director & Chief Curator at Brisbane Open House

April 1, 2022 - November 1, 2024

Successfully delivered three Brisbane Open House events, navigating post-COVID challenges and achieving significant growth. Strategically and operationally led all festival curation and delivery, managed a small team and collaborated with sponsors, partners, and 200+ volunteers to activate 60–100 buildings and spaces across Brisbane; curated diverse programming including panels, workshops, guided walks, performances, exhibitions and community activities; expanded audience engagement and introduced new revenue streams including walking tours, memberships, grants and merchandise.

Founder & Managing Director at Taybian Group Pty Ltd

January 1, 2007 - Present

Founder and strategic lead of a full-service marketing and communications agency with two decades of experience across branding, design, copywriting, PR, digital, advertising and stakeholder engagement. Specialises in building purposeful brands and growing organisations through strategic, values-led marketing. Led major campaigns and programs across cultural tourism, festivals, not-for-profit and community sectors, including current roles as Executive Director of Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and previously Brisbane Open House. End-to-end delivery from audience development and creative direction to partnership strategy, program curation and team leadership.

National Communications Manager at Australian Property Institute (API)

January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2020

Managed all communications for the API (national membership-based organisation), including EDMs, website content and social media. Oversaw change-management initiatives and implemented new systems to support platforms for communication management and dissemination.

Project Marketing Manager at AV Jennings

January 1, 2017 - January 1, 2019

Managed all aspects of project marketing for major residential projects, including brand development, marketing strategy, collaboration with external agencies, and coordination with internal teams to achieve project success and sales targets.

Marketing & Communications Manager at Oktoberfest Brisbane

January 1, 2015 - January 1, 2017

Marketing & Communications Manager for Australia’s largest German festival, overseeing all marketing and communications; drove year-on-year growth, rebuilt the website, expanded digital reach, and boosted merchandise revenue through strategic improvements.

Marketing & Business Development Manager at dining out Magazine

January 1, 2011 - January 1, 2013

Marketing & Business Development Manager for a long-standing print publication; strengthened B2B strategy and revenue; rebuilt the website, refreshed editorial content, redesigned layout, and implemented targeted advertising and communications strategies.

Marketing Manager at Charlton Hotels

January 1, 2010 - January 1, 2011

Marketing Manager for four Brisbane properties; established branding, built a multi-property marketing solution, developed brand identities, website assets, and promotional videos; crafted comprehensive marketing and communications plans.

Marketing & Business Development Manager at Kookaburra River Queens

January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2010

Managed comprehensive marketing and communications, including traditional and digital advertising, social media, PR, EDMs, and event promotion; developed partnerships with distribution agents and tourism boards to expand market reach.