SAGE-AU freezes conference plans as exec steps down

The Systems Administrators Guild of Australia (SAGE-AU) has accepted the resignation of its executive officer, Burke Scheld.

SAGE-AU members face a nervous wait to find out whether they'll be winding down in Cairns this year.

Members of the professional association were informed of Scheld’s immediate departure as executive officer and board member late Friday.

Robert Hudson, vice president, of SAGE-AU confirmed to iTnews that Scheld’s resignation was effective immediately.

“A decision has not been made as to who will take over as the executive officer – or similar role, or when that may occur,” he said.

“The board will ensure that all responsibilities previously assigned to the executive officer will be covered in the interim.”

Scheld was listed as primary contact for organising SAGE-AU’s annual conference, scheduled to be held at the Hilton Hotel in Cairns, North Queensland on October 2-5.

SAGE-AU announced separately on Friday that it would not sell any more tickets to the conference until the board had assessed its progress.

A decision would be made on or before August 31, Hudson said.

“We have put a hold on accepting registrations while the board makes a decision as to whether or not to continue with the event,” he told iTnews.  

Hudson said the status of the conference and Scheld’s resignation were “entirely separate issues”.

Registrations for the event cost between $500 and $912 a ticket, with additional training modules costing between $300 and $2000.

Speakers from Microsoft, Symantec, Internode and Mobile Iron, among others, were scheduled to give presentations.

Telecommunications company Over The Wire had paid to sponsor the SAGE-AU dinner, TrackITOnline were signed on as a conference sponsor, and a handful of exhibitors had paid a small fee for a booth.

Burke Scheld has been contacted for comment.

Edited at 12.35pm to amend Burke Scheld's former title from 'Chief Executive Officer' to 'Executive Officer'. We apologise for any confusion caused.