It has been quite a journey for Chris and Meri Lategan since they started a small software company in their garage in Sydney, Australia, back in July of 1987. That once small software company now boasts over 35 years of experience in creating innovative enterprise software, featuring numerous industry firsts and holding several patents for unique aspects of its core technology. These innovations eventually became the framework for venue360.
Since 1992, Chris and Meri have also operated a not-for-profit Christian camp in the Southern Highlands of NSW, Australia. They have resided on-site for over 15 years, actively participating in the camp's leadership while also continuing to provide guidance for the global software company they founded 35 years ago.
Having managed a camp for many years, Chris personally felt the need for a better option to automate bookings and registrations for camps and conference centers, prompting him to apply his background in technology and software to find a solution. Following numerous conversations with CCI leaders, venue360 was launched in August 2010, addressing the industry's needs and significant technology gaps in the market.
“I started attending holiday camps in my early teens and first met my wife, Meri, at camp at the age of 16,” Chris shared when asked about his involvement in the camping industry. “It was an incredibly formative time on many levels, building my faith in God and my passion to give back by contributing to the great work that camps do. During high school, I volunteered as a leader in various ways. In 1992, we moved to the NSW Southern Highlands to run Attunga, a 300-acre campsite in a beautiful wilderness location that we still call home. Attunga is a non-profit ministry that I love being involved in, personally leading key aspects when time permits. It's also the first early adopter for all things venue360, so it's great to live and serve in an environment powered by the software our team is building, experiencing all the benefits firsthand.”
When asked about what he loves most about his role at venue360, Chris answered, “There are many answers to this question, but most of all, I love building effective teams and seeing the growth in team members. I also love building a 'values and principles'-based staff culture and watching clients experience that in day-to-day interactions. It's also great fun to steer the design and architecture of innovative software that solves real-world customer problems and makes camps more effective, while listening closely to customer feedback, including their ideas in the ongoing product vision."