Priava: 26th February 2019, Sydney – Today we celebrate our exiting founder, Michael Scroop, who for twenty-one years has shepherded the growth and expansion of Priava.
Michael is a graduate of a Swiss hotel management school and has amassed over 30 years of experience at the top end of the hospitality industry in Europe and Australia. He moved into the rapidly developing area of information technology for the hospitality and tourism industry and saw a need in the marketplace for a dedicated provider and developer of specialist venue and event management software – this is when Priava (previously known as Parrimark Technology) was born.
In Priava, Michael has developed a world-class suite of solutions for the event and venue management sector, which creates real opportunities for venue owners and operators, delivering management systems that optimise their return on investment in facilities and human resources.
From its start in Sydney to its office expansions into London, New York, and Christchurch, Priava has become a global leader with over 500 clients in 13 countries under Michael’s tenure. Priava serves caterers, dedicated conference and exhibition centres, art galleries, museums, government departments, clubs, stadiums, universities, town halls, theatres, places of worship, meeting rooms and numerous outdoor venues.
In early 2013, Priava launched its SaaS (Software as a Service) enterprise product, the most ambitious growth project since the company’s inception. Our cloud-based solution incorporates a range of impressive features including an interactive calendar, online enquiries and bookings, catering and inventory management, together with a fully integrated CRM platform, all designed to add real value to venue owners and operators making it easier, and more fun to use.
Priava would not be where it is today without Michael, his vision, and his backing of the strategy to move to a cloud-based solution.
Michael has previously held positions such as Vice Chairman and then Chairman of the Meetings Industry Association (MIA) in the UK. Since stepping down from Chair in 2008, Michael has continued to play an active role in education and raising awareness of the meetings and events industry.
We wish to thank Michael’s wife, Deanne, and their children, Alex and Hugh, for their part in building Priava. Families are often the unsung heroes in company growth, and the unwavering support of Michael’s family has not gone unnoticed.
We also want to acknowledge the positive impact Michael has had on our staff and customers who understand what he did to grow the business and are grateful that he created the global impetus to shift the competitive landscape to benefit all venues.
As Michael passes the baton to our Chief Executive Officer, James Pegum, we thank him for his leadership legacy, offer our gratitude for his service, and wish him all the best in his next chapter.