Up in lights: Brissie stadium boss makes Billboard power list

A Brisbane man has been named in the entertainment bible Billboard for his contribution to the entertainment industry, joining Taylor Swift, Drake and Mariah Carey.

ASM Global's Peter Loxtom again makes Billboard

What do Taylor Swift, Drake, Mariah Carey and Brisbane’s Peter Loxton all have in common? They have all been named in the entertainment bible Billboard at some point in time.

Loxton may not be rocking out on stage, but he sure knows how to run stadiums and for the second year running has made Billboard’s International Power Players.

Loxton, who is ASM Global’s Asia Pacific chief operating officer, also made the list last year for his contribution to the international entertainment business.

In Australia, he helps manage Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena and Optus Stadium in Perth.

Loxton says he is fortunate to work for a company that delivers live experiences for millions of people in their favourite genres. In 2024, ASM Global expanded its venue network, particularly in the Middle East.

Suncorp Stadium

“It is an honour to be recognised again as part of the Live event industry internationally and to be working on new opportunities from my hometown of Brisbane ahead of the 2032 Olympics, to the new entertainment frontier of Saudi Arabia,” says Loxton.

Of all the acts, Loxton has been responsible for over the years his favourite is Paul McCartney. “I had tickets for his concert in Brisbane way back in 2001 but it was cancelled,”

Loxton tells your diarist. “Thankfully he was able to return in 2018 and maybe we will see him again some day.”

HOMELESS HELP

Local PR king Geoff Rodgers will bring out the cardboard on June 20 for his 14th Vinnies CEO Sleepout. The CEO Sleepout brings together Brisbane’s business and community leaders to sleep out for the night to raise vital funds for Queensland’s homelessness.

The Rowland chairman says it’s not a comfortable night sleeping on a piece of cardboard on the ground – but nothing about our current homelessness crisis should be comfortable.

Donations will help Vinnies’ latest undertaking to build 500 homes in the next five years; providing housing for hundreds of vulnerable Queensland families. On any given day in Queensland, more than 120 people reach out for help to escape homelessness.

“I can only imagine the courage it would take to ask for help, and the challenges faced by organisations like Vinnies Queensland to find someone a safe place to call home in the midst of a statewide housing shortage,” Rodgers says.

With a state social housing waiting list of more than 43,000 Queenslanders, the challenge to end homelessness in Queensland has never been greater.

;Geoff Rodgers at the CEO Sleepout in 2011

TALENT SCOUTS

Accor has launched a new hotel traineeship to provide career pathways and development opportunities for young indigenous talent. Designed in collaboration with various community and higher education partners, including Yugambeh Regional Aboriginal Corporation Alliance and Busy @ Work, the traineeships will include classroom instruction and practical experience, with three training days per month, complemented by on-the-job training in various departments. The inaugural group of trainees hails from South East Queensland, specifically the Gold Coast and Brisbane regions, with Accor planning to expand the program across Australia from next year. All trainees will undergo three four-month departmental block rotations in food and beverage, housekeeping, and front office. The traineeships are aimed at individuals aged 17-25.