Toby Travanner

Toby is an entertaining and challenging facilitator and MC, who consistently achieves 'excellent' ratings from his clients, with many of them rating him as the best corporate MC in Australia.

He brings his skills as a keynote presenter and consultant into his role as an MC. Being well versed in many industries and with over 20 years of experience in consulting and facilitating and 27 years in business across many industries and professions, Toby is able to capture and motivate audiences by ensuring that the key messages from each session are linked with the theme of the conference and that organisational strategies are consistently reinforced.

The Hon. Martin Ferguson AM MP, Minister for Resources and Energy, Minister for Tourism

Martin Ferguson was first elected to the Federal Parliament in March 1996 as the Federal Representative for Batman. The Labor Party recently won the 2007 Federal Election in a landslide victory and Martin was appointed to Cabinet as Minister for Resources and Energy and Minister for Tourism.

The Hon. Tim Holding MP

Tim Holding is Victoria's Minister for Water, Minister for Finance, WorkCover and the Transport Accident Commission and Minister for Tourism and Major Events. Elected to Parliament in 1999, he currently represents the Lower House seat of Lyndhurst in Melbourne's south east.

Rod Cameron (Canada), Director, AIPC

Rod Cameron is President of Criterion Communications Inc., a strategic management and marketing consultancy based in Vancouver, Canada with an extensive practice in international convention and exhibition centre management, marketing and development as well as association management. Through his company, he currently serves as Executive Director of Convention Centres of Canada, Director of International Development for the Brussels-based International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC) and Manager of the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC), an organization consisting of 12 major international meetings industry associations. He is also the Faculty Head for the AIPC Academy, a leading industry professional development program held annually in Brussels.

Proudly Sponsored by Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau

Rohit Talwar (UK), CEO, Fast Future Research

Rohit Talwar is a global futurist and award winning professional speaker. He was profiled as one of the top ten global future thinkers by the UK's Independent Newspaper and is in great demand as a keynote speaker for corporate events, governments and association conferences around the world. He specialises in studying the future of the meetings and events industry. He is currently leading Convention 2020 - a major global study looking at the future of meetings and events. The study is sponsored by ICCA, IMEX, Fast Future Research, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Visit London, The Best Cities Alliance, The QEII Conference Centre London and Qatar Convention Centre. Rohit has presented to audiences in over 40 countries worldwide, worked with a wide range of clients across the meetings industry and delivered inspirational presentations for ASAE, MPI, ICCA, PCMA, ISES, MIA, Eventia, BACD, ACE, IMEX, EITBTM, GIBTM, Congrex, Kellen Euroconference and a range of other global industry events.

Proudly Sponsored by Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre

Leigh Harry, Chief Executive, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC)

Leigh is the President, International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), President, Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC), Deputy Chairman of the Melbourne Convention and Visitors Bureau (MCVB); member, Business Events Council of Australia (BECA) and Member, Tourism Australia Business Events Industry Advisory Panel. He is also a Past National President of the MEA.

In his day job Leigh is Chief Executive of Australia’s largest convention and exhibition centre. The newly opened multi award winning 5500 seat Melbourne Convention Centre is the first facility in the world to have obtained 6 star green star environmental rating. The Centre is the key part of a $1.4 billion redevelopment of Southwharf a major new precinct within inner Melbourne. The Centre is the result of a $400 million investment by the Victorian State Government and the City of Melbourne in the   Business Events industry.

Elizabeth Rich, CEO, Business Events Council of Australia

Since its formation in 1994, Elizabeth Rich has managed the Business Events Industry Council of Australia (BECA), a peak body for the Australian industry. With 30 years experience in association and conference management, Elizabeth lectures, writes, trains and undertakes specialist business events work within Australia and Asia. 

Mike Cannon, Executive Director, Assoc of Australian Convention Bureaux Inc (AACB)

Mike began his career with TAA in Papua New Guinea and has been involved with the business of business events “for a long time”. Mike, an OPM graduate of Harvard’s Business School joined AACB in 2000. A founding member of the National Tourism Alliance, his current focus is with AACB & BECA.

Geoff Donaghy, Group Director Convention and Exhibition Centres, AEG OGDEN

Geoff Donaghy is Group Director Convention and Exhibition Centres for AEG OGDEN, one of the world’s leading venue management companies. He has specific responsibility for their new management projects in the Middle East, India and Asia Pacific regions.

Geoff is Chairman of the Business Events Council of Australia (BECA), the country’s peak convention and exhibition industry organisation and is Vice President of the Brussels based International Association of Congress Centres (AIPC).

Matt Pearce, President, Exhibition & Event Association of Australasia (EEAA)

Matt is President of the EEAA and has been for the last 2.5 years. Matt is also EEAA representative on Business Events Council. The EEAA is the focal industry body for the Exhibition industry and represents the major stakeholders interests of venues, organizers and suppliers.

Matt is Managing Director of Diversified Exhibitions, Australia’s leading Exhibition &
Event company. Diversified will hold 25 exhibitions in 2010 together with 5 conferences. Diversified won Consumer Exhibition of 2009 and Trade Exhibition of
2009 and overall Exhibition of the Year 2009.

Proudly Sponsored by Ovations

Jackie Furey, Principal, Bedrooms to Boardrooms

Jackie Furey is the principal of Bedrooms to Boardrooms – an organisation that specialises in assisting people to bring out the best in themselves and the people around them. She travels internationally and nationally delivering presentations, facilitating workshops and conducting individual and group consultations.For over 15 years Jackie’s unique insight into human behaviour has provided individuals and organisations with knowledge, along with step-by-step strategies and practical techniques that assist them to fulfil personal and corporate objectives.

Simon Hammond, Director, Bastion

For more than two decades, Simon Hammond has pushed the boundaries of traditional thinking to provoke creative change within Australian business.

Rejecting the tag of 'futurist', Hammond describes himself as a ‘nowist'. Passionate on brand connection, Hammond's radical new advertising and branding methodologies are currently being used by some of Australia's top companies.

Hammond reshapes organisations and engages them to rethink their strategic approach. His goal remains: to re-engage and re-link organisations to their customers through emotional drivers.

Proudly Sponsored by Bastion and Epicure Catering

Simon Baggs, CEO and Creative Director, Lateral Marketing and Management Pty Ltd

Simon Baggs is the founder and CEO of Lateral Marketing & Management, which for the past 14 years has been producing upscale life style events, meetings and conferences for multinationals, associations and prestigious brands. Simon is the author of ‘Extraordinary Events,' a book published in 2006 on relationship marketing through events. The second edition of the book is due to be published in mid 2010. Simon is the current Vice Chair of MEA, and serves on the MEA National Board.

Prior to founding Lateral, Simon was the Director of Marketing of the ATP, the worldwide governing body of men's tennis and Director of Marketing of Tourism NSW.

Chris Helder, Master of Communication and Influence

Chris Helder is the most sought after keynote speaker in Australia when it comes to mastering the power of mindsets, genuine communication and influence. Originally from the United States, Chris' presentations are a high energy and hilarious look at understanding human behaviour. Chris speaks at conferences in the areas of sales, communication, influence, change and developing a mindset for growth. Well known for his powerful keynote presentations, Chris provides audiences with the tools to master the art of influence with both clients and themselves.

Presenting his high energy messages throughout Australia, New Zealand, the United States and Europe to rave reviews. Chris' keynotes are the ideal mix of high-energy motivation and impactful content, all delivered with a fresh and engaging style.

Proudly Sponsored by Ovations

Lisa McInnes Smith, Queen of the Corporate Stage and a Master of Audience Participation

Lisa McInnes Smith is Queen of the corporate stage and a master of audience participation. Along her incredible journey, Lisa has presented to more than one million adults across twenty-two countries and authored seven best selling books. Lisa is also the first person outside of the USA to ever be inducted into the international Speaker Hall of Fame - the highest designation possible in the speaking world. This international recognition from clients and peers alike is due to her extraordinary gift to communicate, connect and transform.

Proudly Sponsored by Ovations

Ian Stuart AFMEA, Business Events Consultant

Ian Stuart has 25 years experience in the management and production of major conferences, exhibitions and special events. Ian has served on the boards of the Sydney Convention and Visitors Bureau and MEA. Ian chaired MEA’s first offshore conference held in Hong Kong in 2000 and served on the committees of MEA’s annual conferences in 2005, 2006 and 2009. In 2010 Ian is a Wise Counsel. Ian was a judge in the 2006, 2007 and 2008 MEA Awards Program and was a mentor in the inaugural joint MEA/BEA mentor program. Ian consults on business events and manages the Ambassador Program for Business Events Sydney.

Sue Currie, Sue Currie Communications

Sue Currie is a leading personal branding consultant, trainer and professional speaker. She knows that it's more than just delivering a message…it is about really living it. Sue has spent many years in the public eye both on and off camera and with her experience understands the power of personal public relations.

Proudly Sponsored by Saxton

Ian Stephens, Managing Director, Enrich Management Group

Ian Stephens is a speaker with a passion for the practical. With 15 years experience in the Learning & Development world, Ian integrates his Master Practitioner NLP (Neuro-linguistic Programming) tools into his talks. Voted in the top 10 Business Motivational Speakers in Australia, he is the founder of Enrich Management Group and has lead major change management project designed to foster a ‘learning culture’. He is a master trainer of trainers specialising in adapting to all learning styles.

Proudly Sponsored by Saxton

Brad Foster, Managing Editor, BTPublishing

Rochelle Uechtritz, Director, Convention Marketing

Matt Crouch, Executive Lawyer, Bartier Perry

Matt Crouch is an Executive Lawyer at Bartier Perry, solicitors in Sydney. He has over 25 years experience helping clients in the meetings and events industry. Matt now acts for a variety of PCOs, event managers, inbound operators, venues and other participants in the meetings and events sector. Matt also proudly counts MEA itself as a client and is an advisor to the board of MEA. Matt writes a regular column in mice.net magazine and has often presented seminars to the industry.

David Grant, Managing Director, dg3

After 23 years at the very forefront of events, the multi award winning David Grant is widely acclaimed as an event industry pioneer and trailblazer. His blue chip clients, his A-team staff and his ability to keep fresh and innovative ensures he and his team at dg3 remain one of the most sought after event producers in Australia. Having worked extensively throughout Europe, Asia and the USA for the past 15 years solid, gives David a unique insight into global event trends and keeps he and the dg3 team at the cutting edge of events in Australia.

Rick Willis, Director, Network Four Productions

Rick started his career as a cadet journalist with The Melbourne Herald newspaper in 1968 at the age of 18. In 1980 he went into Television and started with ATV-1O in Melbourne. Spent five years reporting and presenting news before moving into administration as news chief-of-staff and Deputy News Editor.

Currently Nick’s expertise is in: Strategic development of corporate objectives, Reputation management and media training, Media placement, liaison and release preparation and Corporate networking.

Geoff Slade, Executive Chairman, Slade Group

Geoff Slade has worked at the forefront of the Recruitment Industry for over 30 years. He is the Executive Chairman of Slade Group. National & International Executive Search. Geoff sold his previous business, the Slade Consulting Group, in 1988 after 21 years of successful national growth, building it into the then largest executive recruitment company in the country, with revenues of $25M.

A Chartered Management Consultant, Geoff is a past President of the RCSA (Recruitment & Consulting Services Association) and was founding Chairman of the industry’s education body. He was awarded a Centenary Medal for services to the recruitment industry. As a tribute to his emphasis on staff training, many of the leading consultants in Australia have worked for and been trained by Geoff at various times in the last three decades. He is also a regular speaker at major industry conferences.

Rob Vass, Managing Director, The Showcraft Institute

Rob has worked in this industry for over 20 years on some of Australia’s biggest (and smallest) events, and cannot think of another career that would have given him so many opportunities for creativity and innovation, or so many unique and rewarding experiences.

Fleur Heazlewood, Chief Executive Officer, Stolmack Group, Executive Coach and Mentor

Fleur Heazlewood is the Chief Executive Officer of the Stolmack Group, a leading executive coaching, mentoring and leadership development company within Australasia. She is a dynamic business professional who has experienced considerable success with coaching, mentoring, facilitation and team building whilst holding senior roles in leading Australian businesses.

Her experience has been gained across diverse industries, including Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), apparel, and home furnishings; within well–respected companies including the Charles Parsons Group (Rapee), Pacific Brands (Bonds), Cerebos Foods, Reckitt Benckiser and Frito-Lay. Her expertise incorporates leadership and general management, strategy development and planning, change structuring and management, and people development and performance.

Alan Patching, Managing Director, Alan Patching and Associates Pty Ltd

Alan Patching is probably best known for negotiating some of Australia’s largest property deals, including one to bring Tiffany of New York to Australia, and for his role as CEO of the owning entity of the Sydney Olympic Stadium.

In addition to the negotiation process and human behaviour factors, Alan sees the development of the ‘soft’ skills as critical for the successful negotiator. He is also a qualified psychotherapist and NGH(USA) Board Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist and his insights into applying Emotional Intelligence and influencing skills in all aspects of business and leadership, and especially in the art of negotiating, keep him in high demand for presentations both in Australia and internationally

Proudly Sponsored by Saxton

Jan Tonkin, Managing Director, The Conference Company

Jan Tonkin founded The Conference Company in 1990. Successful conferences have been the focus of Jan’s entire professional life in Britain and in New Zealand. Jan is a member of the Board of Conventions & Incentives New Zealand, the Board of Tourism Auckland and the Council of the London based International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO), speaking at their conferences, facilitating working groups and presenting at IAPCO training courses in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and the association’s flagship annual seminar in Wolfsberg, Switzerland.

Jacqui Muir AFMEA, Managing Director, The Conference Manager

Jacqui Muir has been Managing Director of The Conference Manager since 2007.  She has worked in the meetings and events industry for over fifteen years, having held senior sales and operational roles at a number of Melbourne venues prior to becoming a Conference Organiser. Jacqui has presented this topic for MEA on a number of occasions.

Edward Kemp, Managing Director, Alcatera Pty Ltd

Edward Kemp is a marketing professional who has worked with, and consulted to, some of the most successful national and global brands of the last 20 years. Having held senior management positions at the coalface of business he has experienced many challenges inherent in marketing, sponsorship and management.

Kym DeLany, Co-founder of the Change Management Professionals – a community of experienced Change Managers

Kym has consulted in organisational change management for over 10 years; designing and delivering change strategy/plans, coaching executives, building L&D/OD and communications plans across a diverse range of stakeholders and sponsors. These engagements have been executed in Australia, Germany and Great Britain across the automotive, professional and financial services and SMB sectors. Clients have included DaimlerChrysler (Mercedes), Deutsche Bank, Primus National Australia Bank and ANZ. She has a Master of Organisational Learning; a Post Graduate Diploma in Program Evaluation, Diploma in Education and a BA (Hons). She is also TESL certified and in 2009 co-founded the Change Management Professionals – a community of experienced Change Managers.

Claire Leonard, Executive Manager - Communications, MDA National

Claire Leonard’s career has seen a focus on Health Communications with roles in a variety of healthcare related professional associations. At various times she has turned her hand to conference and event management, graphic design and publications and promotional advertising. Claire is currently responsible for the sales and marketing functions for medical indemnity insurer, MDA National.

Dr Marianne Broadbent, Senior Partner, EWK International

Dr Marianne Broadbent is an executive advisor, specialist in leadership and executive capabilities, highly regarded international speaker, facilitator and author. She is a Senior Partner at the innovative global leadership consultancy, EWK International, where she has both global and regional responsibilities. Her senior executive roles have included Senior Vice President, New Product Development for Gartner Inc globally, Associate Dean (and Chair of Management) at Melbourne Business School, and Group Vice President for Gartner’s CIO Executive Programs. She has been a visiting researcher at Boston University, and held other academic, business leadership and consulting positions. Her insights and research have been published in many genres, including academic journals, two books published by Harvard Business School Press, and regular columns

Proudly Sponsored by Saxton

Shaun Rae, National Business Development Manager, ExpoNet

Shaun brings a wealth of experience to his role having worked in the Conference and Exhibition Industry since 1993, starting with ExpoNet 12 years ago when the company was known as Exhibition Hire. Shaun currently works in a national role focusing on the business growth and development in the conference industry working with the major Professional Conference Organisers.  Importantly, he works closely with the ExpoNet Account Managers taking an overview of their business relationships, strategy and delivery of shows for the major Exhibition Organisers.

Ian Whitworth, Co-Owner, Scene Change

Sydney creative director Ian Whitworth leads a strange double life. He is the co-founder of Australia's fastest-growing audiovisual group Scene Change. Outside the meeting industry his marketing communications agency, A Lizard Drinking, creates award-winning TV, press and digital campaigns for business and consumer brands.

In 2009 Ian won the inaugural Miles Clark Business Events Communication Award, and he writes a regular column for MICE.net magazine on presentation trends.

Nathan Kayser, Sales Manager, Conference & Events, RACV City Club

Nathan is a hospitality professional with over 10 years experience working in a variety of fields.

Nathan was a founding committee member of YMEA in Victoria and is now Co-Chair for this committee. Nathan also won the inaugural MEA Future Leader award in Victoria in 2009.

Bill Hovey, CEO, The Linchpin Group Australia

Bill Hovey is the CEO of The Linchpin Group Australia. As an acknowledged expert on succession management, Bill regularly leads workshops and master classes on crafting succession pathways which include “succession” and sale.  Bill is a regular presenter to members of the CEO Institute, and has previously worked with members of the NSW Business Chamber, the Public Relations Institute of Australia, and the Association of Consulting Engineers of Australia.

Shaun Murphy, Director - Sales & Marketing, Crown Towers, Crown Metropol and Crown Promenade Hotel

Shaun Murphy will join us for an insightful Q&A on Meetings Mean Business.  With over 15 years experience in the business events and hotel industry, Shaun oversees the Sales and Marketing of the newly expanded Crown Conference Centre and all three Crown hotels, and has a passion for promoting Melbourne to the world. Commencing his career in Sydney with Park Hyatt,  Art Gallery of NSW,  and Sega World Theme Park, Shaun then moved to London to work with Parrimark Technology to establish the London office. Shaun's diverse background in meetings, hotels and entertainment industry will provide an interesting insight into business in 2010 and beyond.

Owen Bennett, Venue Manager Catering, Melbourne Cricket Ground

Owen commenced at Spotless in 1994 as manager of their special events division, moving to the MCG in 1998 as retail manager.

In 2002 he took on the newly created position of Re-development Project Manager for the Northern stand redevelopment project. Following the successful opening of the stand for the 2006 Commonwealth Games he moved to the role of Finance and Administration Manager, then in 2008 onto the role of Commercial and Finance Manager. In March of 2009 he was made Venue Manager for the Epicure and Spotless catering business at the MCG.

Anthea Somerville, Tourism Development Executive, Qantas Airways Limited

Anthea Somerville has been with Qantas Airways for 18 years. Previously based in Auckland and London, and for the last 8 years in Sydney. During her career with the airline she has held a range of positions within Sales and Marketing. Anthea is now Relationship Executive for Qantas Tourism Development and is responsible for managing the relationship at a national level between Qantas and Business Tourism organisations such as the AACB, Tourism Australia Business Events and the State Convention Bureau of Australia. Qantas Tourism Development works in close partnership with National and State Tourism organisations and stakeholders through a range of marketing and partnership initiatives.

Carol Scott, Marketing Manager, Canberra Convention Bureau

Carol Scott has been with the Canberra Convention Bureau since April 2005. She has a proven track record the meetings and tourism industry and has worked as a marketing consultant for the Golden Gate Hotel in Sydney, and Global Learning and the Planning Institute of Australia in Canberra. Before that she was public relations manager for the Capital Parkroyal and National Convention Centre from 1980 to1985.

Carol has a post graduate degree in marketing

As the Marketing Manager for the Bureau her role is to increase the return on investment for the bureau’s stakeholders, both in the government and private sectors, and to help increase the total value of business events to Canberra through strategic marketing and promotional activities

Elaine Trevaskis, CEO, Australian Sonographers Association

Elaine Trevaskis commenced working for the Australian Sonographers Association in July 1999 and progressed to the position of Chief Executive Officer in November 2004. During this period the organisation has established itself as the peak body for Australia’s diagnostic medical sonographers, enjoying membership growth in excess of 5% annually by expanding and enhancing its range of member services including a range of around 75 education and continuing professional development events which are managed by in-house event co-ordinators.

Elaine obtained her MBA in 2008 and gained significant experience in the management of small to medium businesses prior to joining the ASA. 

Felicity Zadro, Managing Director, Zadro Communications

A passionate, committed and energetic communicator, Felicity Zadro is the Managing Director of Zadro Communications. 

Felicity is inspired by supporting the development of companies through excellent communications, directing the strategic communications process on all client accounts. Felicity has worked in an array of industries including community health, construction, events and SMEs.

Coco Eke, Senior Events Coordinator, Essendon Football club

Coco Eke has worked in the sporting industry her entire career. Beginning at Tennis Australia, to Golf Australia and currently at Essendon Football Club - all within events operations. Coco currently sits on the YMEA Victorian Committee and is Chair of the Essendon Football Club’s Reconciliation Action Plan Committee.

Sharon Goldie AFMEA, Head of MLC Marketing Services Communication : Business Events : Design : Print

Sharon is Head of Marketing Services for MLC & NAB Wealth, leading the Communications, Business Events, Design & Print teams. The Business Events team of 9 provides in-house meetings and events services to the group. Prior to her 7 year tenure with MLC, Sharon was CEO of Lend Lease Corporate Projects for 15 years. Sharon is a past President of MEA.

Peter McCloskey, Managing Director, freshcatering

Peter has 39yrs of experience in the catering and hospitality industry. After completing his training as a chef, he worked in various roles as Executive Chef & Food & Beverage Manager within 5 star Hotels.

Peter was the founder of the infamous Mode Group, which he owned and directed until he sold the company in 1998.

He established freshcatering in 1999. Since this time, it has been recognised as one of the premier catering companies in Sydney boasting excellence in quality of food, offering new and exciting standards within the catering industry.

The success of freshcatering has been recently recognised by winning:

• “Best Caterer at an Event” 2007 - 2009 NSW Restaurant & Catering Awards
• “Best Catering Company” in the mice.net magazine 2009 Readers’ Choice Awards
• “City of Sydney Business Awards” 2009 Catering Services
• “Event Caterer of the Year” 2007 - 2008 BT Publishing E-Awards

Frank Burger, Food and Beverage Manager, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre

Renowned chef in his own right, Frank Burger has been at the helm of food and wine for Australia’s premier venue, the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre for seven and a half years. He led his team to take out the top industry award for food and wine - awarded both the state and national MEA (Meetings & Events Australia) Awards 2008.

That’s no small feat when you’re catering for more than two million people a year including the country’s leading politicians, corporate and sporting community and celebrities – and tailor-making every single menu, regardless if it’s for 20 or 2000.
Frank Burger is dedicated to assisting the local industry, whether it’s through joining with more than 30 other top Victorian restaurants and wineries to raise cash for the Australian Childhood Foundation, or assisting with the catering for the Variety Club Christmas Party attended by 5000 under-privileged children.

Mick O’Neill, Group Health & Safety Manager, Randstad Pty Ltd

Mick is currently the Group Health & Safety Manager for Randstad Pty Ltd, an international HR Services company.  He manages OH&S and workers compensation for the Asia Pacific operations.  He Chairs the Risk & Compliance Committee of a Health Insurance fund. Previously he was an Organisational Development consultant working with private and public organisations in the areas of leadership, team development, change management and risk management.  Before this he was a Specialist Risk Management professional, appointed to lead the elite STAR Group section of the SA Police. He has fifteen years operational and management experience in a wide range of high profile and politically sensitive community safety situations, including: Counter Terrorism, Hostage Resolution, Public Order Management (Riots), Search and Rescue & VIP Protection.

Momtchill (Momo) Vassilev, Event Risk Management Practicing Professional, Assure Event Safety/Avert Risk Management

Ten years delivery specialist OHS risk management services to the facilities/events and recreational services industry. Previous operational roles (security, safety and customer service) in public venue workplaces.

Momo is now a senior associate of Avert Risk Management. His recent projects include risk management projects at AC/DC Black Ice Tour (ANZ Stadium Sydney), Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2010 (Sydney Cricket Ground), Sydney Opera House (Theatre Technical Services – TTS), Parramatta Granville Sportsground Trust (public activities), Australia Day Spectacular (SHFA - Darling Harbour), Eastern Creek International Racecourse, Australian Racing Drivers Club (event operations), Luna Park Sydney (cash handling).

Bryan Holliday, Managing Director and Owner, ICMS Australasia

Bryan Holliday is Managing Director and owner of ICMS Australasia. The founding company was established in 1966, making it the oldest PCO in Australia.

After tertiary studies in sociology, Bryan worked in publishing, university administration and audio visual production before concentrating on meetings management.

From 1988-1996 Bryan was an office holder with the Meetings & Events Australia, including the position of inaugural national president. He sits on advisory boards in Brisbane and Melbourne and is a director of Business Events Sydney. He was nominated by mice.net magazine as one of the 20 most influential people in the meetings industry.

Alison Drover, Director, The Alison Principle

Inspired by sustainability to recreate authenticity, quality and pleasure without compromising planet...

A former chef, marketing strategist, stylist and event designer Alison Drover helps companies become more corporate and socially responsible in their practices with a holistic approach which embraces planet, profit, people and pleasure. In particular, Alison is an ambassador for “taste” and responsible eating and concerned with the role organizations and individuals play in influencing the future of what we will be eating and the cost to the environment and to health.

The Alison Principle is inspired by sustainability and the intrinsic benefits of quality, authenticity, integrity and scale.

David Smorgon, Executive Chairman of Inmatrix & President of Western Bulldogs Football Club

David spent 25 years as a senior executive and Director of Smorgon Consolidated Industries which was one of Australia's largest family companies.  In 1995, the company announced a staged divestment of all of the business interests and David then established his own investment company, Generation Investments Pty Ltd. Since October 1996, David has been President of the Western Bulldogs Football Club, one of 16 clubs in the national Australian Football League.  David’s commitment and dedication to his Club is widely acknowledged. David was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in June 2000 for services to the Western Bulldogs Football Club and to the community through health, education and social welfare organisations.

Sharon Caris, Executive Director, Haemophilia Foundation Australia (HFA)

Sharon Caris has been in the role of Executive Director of Haemophilia Foundation Australia (HFA) since April 2001. HFA is the national peak body which represents people with bleeding disorders in Australia. A key responsibility is to advocate for best practice care and treatment for people with bleeding disorders. Through her work, she has established effective relationships with government and other peak bodies in the blood sector, and with other stakeholders engaged in health, welfare and advocacy in Australia, and overseas through the World Federation of Hemophilia.

Sharon has a background in health administration and social work and has worked in hospital and community health settings in Melbourne, Australia. She is a member of several national government and non government committees.

In 2009 Sharon commenced a process to bid for the World Federation of Hemophilia Congress to be held in Australia in 2014.

Anne-Marie Flynn, M.HEd. (MQ), Head of Program - Event Management, International College of Management, Sydney

With over 20 years experience, Anne-Marie Flynn has developed long term business relationships within the corporate events and higher education sectors. Prior to establishing her own event consultancy in 1999, Anne-Marie held the position of senior event director for a publishing company. She specialises in event concept and creation, sponsorship and event project management. She is the head of event management studies at The International College of Management, Sydney.

Joyce Weir, Regional Account Manager Group & Convention Sales Australia, Qantas Airways

Joyce has had extensive experience in sales, marketing, promotions and public relations. She holds a post graduate certificate in Business Administration from the University of Technology Sydney and has been working for Qantas Airways for the past 17 years. Her current role as Regional Account Manager for Qantas Group & Convention Sales includes responsibility for the MICE and Fly Cruise markets.

Matthew Michalewicz, Director and Co Founder, SolveIt Software

A former Ernst & Young management consultant and serial entrepreneur, Matthew Michalewicz has more than fifteen years of experience in technology commercialization, innovation, best practises, and supply chain optimisation. He is the co-author of several books and publications, including “Adaptive Business Intelligence” and “Puzzle-Based Learning”, both of which have been adopted as university courses by Carnegie Mellon and other leading institutions.

Prior to moving to Australia in 2004, Matthew Michalewicz served as CEO of a global supply chain software company he founded in the United States. During a 4 year period from 1999 to 2003 he grew the company to almost 200 employees in 6 international offices – a feat that earned him the honour of becoming an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year finalist.

Besides writing, lecturing, and speaking, Matthew Michalewicz is currently a Director and co-founder of SolveIT Software, a supply chain optimisation company he co-founded in 2005 with several research organisations and computer scientists. He is also a Business Ambassador for the state of South Australia and a Visiting Fellow at the University of Adelaide.

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Derryn Heilbuth, Managing Director, Businesswriters & Design

Derryn Heilbuth is the Managing Director of Businesswriters & Design, a creative services and custom publishing business. The company produces online and print magazines, annual and sustainability reports, and marketing campaigns for some of the leading companies in Australia.  Derryn, a former newspaper, magazine and television journalist,  has over 20 years of corporate communications experience including the role of Publications Editor at Westpac.  She is a published author,  has taught at university and now runs Better Business Writing and Strategic Writing courses for corporate clients. She maintains her interest in journalism, writing for business and travel publications.  Derryn has an Honours degree in English and a Masters degree in journalism.  Derryn will share with you the critical tools and tips that have the ability to transform your brand, the communication with your customers and your bottom line

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Margie Stewart, Cluster Director of Sales, Hilton Worldwide Sales

Margie Stewart has enjoyed a rewarding and diverse career across a range of industries including finance, film, fashion, executive recruitment, management consulting and hospitality.

She has worked with leading global organizations including Citibank, ANZ, and luxury hotel brands Intercontinental Hotel Group, Sofitel, and Hilton Hotels Worldwide.

Margie has a passion for the hospitality industry and enjoys the challenge of managing sales teams and working with customers across all market segments.

Anne Gill, Area Director of Sales, Australasia, InterContinental Hotels Group

Anne holds the position of Area Director of Sales, Australasia for IHG, an area that encompasses Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and the South Pacific. Currently there are 55 hotels within this region operating under the globally recognised brands of InterContinental, Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn.

Anne was appointed to this role in August 2009. Prior to this Anne held the role of Director of Regional Sales ANZSP for IHG and was appointed to this position in June 2007.

Prior to joining IHG Anne held senior Sales positions with Rydges Hotels and Resorts and CDL Hotels and Resorts. Anne was the opening Director of Sales for the Crown Entertainment Complex in Melbourne in 1996 and prior to this she worked in a variety of sales roles at Conrad Jupiters and Conrad Treasury in Queensland. Anne commenced her hotel career with Conrad Jupiters in the Conference and Events arena.

Anne holds a Bachelor of Business – Hospitality Management from the University of Queensland – Gatton Campus.

Mark McKeon, Founder and Managing Director of Mischief Motivation & Attitude

He spent 18 years in the AFL as a Player, Fitness Coach and Motivator including 5 years with the Victorian State of Origin Team. He acted as Collingwood’s Runner for over 250 games, and at age 41 he was a member of the winning team in inaugural AFL Triathlon. He is Consulting Editor for both Australian and U.K. editions of Ultra-Fit Magazine and is the Author of 2 successful books, ‘Every Day Counts’ and ‘Work a Little Less, Live a Little More’. He is also a regular Magazine and Newspaper columnist. He is one of the few Australians to receive a short-listing to present at the U.S. ‘Million Dollar Round Table’. Mark is the author of 'Every Day Counts', the first book ever to be endorsed by the Australian Government's Health Promotion arm, 'Active Australia'. His second book, ‘Work a Little Less, Live a Little More’ has become the bible for dynamic teamwork and time creation in corporate Australia.

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Morris Miselowski, Princiapl and Founder of Success Through Focus

Principal and founder of ‘Success through Focus’, Morris is in constant demand as a business futurist and consultant to some of Australia’s leading companies, state and federal government institutions and provides his expertise to start-up and growing businesses. Morris also works with thousands of CEOs and key decision makers around the world, as a guide and business mentor.

Educated at Melbourne University, Morris has numerous business qualifications and accreditations and has won many awards. His business acumen is displayed in the profitable sales of several companies, which he developed, grew and sold. In the corporate world, he's been involved in the daily operation of seven publicly listed companies, welfare and human resource organizations, and has also developed multi-million dollar projects in local, national and international arenas.

Morris appears regularly in the media including 3AW (Melbourne), Mornings with Kerr-Anne, 6PR (Perth) and ABC Victoria

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Kirsty Spraggon, Relationship Building Expert

Kirsty is an incredibly driven individual with high energy. Kirsty is passionate about supporting high performance sales people through the transition from salary to commission and performance based incentives. She works with the recruitment industry, real estate agents, car sales people, mortgage brokers, finance advisors & networking groups. Her deep insight into the industry enables her to connect with her audience and encourage them to take action.

Her business grew by 20% to 50% annually with over 80% being repeat or referral clients due to her “customer for life” philosophy. With an extensive knowledge of the sales industry and extraordinary networking skills, she has an ability to connect with people and build relationships.

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SophieRose Wachtel BBA Macq, Sales & Logistics Co-ordinator, Romeo’s Chair

SophieRose Wachtel Committee Chair of YMEA NSW was recently named 2009 Y MEA NSW Future Leader of the Year. At her recent University graduation Sophie was awarded dux of her graduating class, resulting in a full tuition scholarship to complete her Masters studies. In 2007 she was the recipient of the Events Industry’s two major student awards – the MEA/AV1 NSW Student Scholarship and the Amlink (now Certain Software) Rising Star Award for Excellence.

Kealan Coleman AFMEA, Production Manager, AV1 Audiovisual Production

“Kealan has been working in the events & entertainment industry for over ten
years. Starting out in Ireland as a performing musician, he very quickly found
himself working as a live sound engineer, studio owner, stage manager and
production manager on festivals, concerts and events. Kealan is a Production
Manager at AV1, where he specialises in national roadshows.

Kealan is also a keen industry contributor. He made his debut as a presenter at
the MEA NSW Student Insight event in 2006, and has conducted many
informative sessions since. He also sits on the MEA NSW PD committee, and is
a proud recognised AFMEA.

Whenever he’s not in an airport or a ballroom, he can be found in the lobby bar,
with his guitar, entertaining the travelling crew!”

Nicole Preston, Manager Human Resources, arinex pty limited

Nicole has a Commerce Degree majoring in Human Resources and Industrial Relations plus over 10 years experience in the HR field. Nicole joined arinex in 1999 and manages all aspects of HR for the company.

Nicole holds a Certified Professional Membership to the Australian Human Resources Institute (CAHRI)

Frank Prestipino MBA, BBA, International Management & Marketing
Managing Director, International College of Management - Sydney

Frank joined Touraust Corporation in September 2007 as Managing Director of the International College of Management Sydney, (ICMS) with international experience spanning over 30 years and across 3 continents in Marketing, IT, Business Strategy Development and Executive Management, in a diverse range of industries.

Frank’s extensive background of international markets comes from his experience in working for small, medium and large corporations all over the world, spanning from New Zealand, South Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, Canada, Latin America and the United States. His vast experience has included pioneering new technologies and marketing techniques and strategies that are being used the world over.

Dr Attracta Lagan, Co-principal, Managing Values and one of Australia’s leading business ethicist.

She was a founding director of the Australian Ethical Investment Movement; a founding director of the Australian Futures Foundation and the founding director of consulting services for the St James Ethics Centre before going on. 

She is a public advocate and a regular contributor in the business press on applied business ethics in Australia and internationally.

Attracta holds an Honours degree in Sociology, a Masters degree in Social Ecology and a Ph.D. which reviewed how the organisational context compromises personal values and has published two books on business ethics.

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Stephen Johnson, Regional Head of Digital Innovation, DRAFTFCB

Stephen is a prominent thought leader in social media innovation. He has 15 years experience working with global brands and is passionate about mobilising communities to action in support of social and environmental change. Stephen’s contribution to industry is critically acclaimed with accolades including Cannes Cyber Lion, AIMIA & Webby. Strategic advisor ‘Live Earth’ 2007 and United Nations ‘UNDER COVER’ malaria net distribution movement, 2010.

Scott Eames, National Conference Manager & Business Manager Trade Relations, Woolworths Limited

Scott is currently the National Conference Manager & Business Manager Trade Relations at Woolworths Limited a position he has held for 7 years. With a career spanning over 22 years at Woolworths Scott has developed his career from grass roots position through to senior manager working across various aspects of the organisation. 

For the past 8 years Scott has been instrumental in building and developing the Annual Woolworths National Conference which has now become one of the most respected and renowned Corporate Events in Australia. 

Scott is a well known and respected industry figure with a great passion for the events industry here in Australia always striving to create something new and outside the box.

Deborah Monk, Director - Innovation and Industry Policy, Medicines Australia

Deborah holds a Bachelor of Pharmacy from the University of Sydney and a Diploma in Hospital Pharmacy.

She started her working life as a clinical pharmacist in a major teaching hospital in Sydney.

Deborah joined the innovative medicines industry association in mid-1989. She is now the Director of Innovation and Industry Policy at Medicines Australia.

Deborah’s responsibilities within Medicines Australia include seeking to negotiate a more favourable Government industry policy environment that will attract greater global investment to Australia and managing the Ethical Conduct Program.

Andrew McManus, Director, Andrew McManus Presents

Andrew is a promoter of local and international music, theatre and sporting events throughout Australia, New Zealand and Asia. Andrew's initiation into the music industry began as the manager of the iconic live music venue - Selina's, in Sydney, Australia, where he met and then managed the internationally phenomenally successful rock band "Divinyls" for eight years, before the group disbanded in 1997.

Andrew has worked with acts such as INXS, KISS,  Natalie Cole, Barry Manilow, Paul Rodgers, Tony Bennett, Culture Club, Julio Iglesias, Sammy Hagar, Suzi Quatro, Air Supply, Inner Circle, Alice Cooper, The Beach Boys, Pavarotti, Diana Ross and many more and has established Andrew McManus Presents Pty Ltd (AMP).

Andrew Hiebl AFMEA, Convention Bureau Co-ordinator, Business Events Geelong

After graduating from La Trobe University (Albury Wodonga Campus) with a Bachelor of Business in Tourism & Hospitality, Andrew entered the business events arena managing events and operations at the Albury Convention & Performing Arts Centre. With five years of venue-based event management skills under his belt, the world of Bureaux called and Andrew took on the challenge of heading up the Albury Wodonga Convention Bureau for Destination Albury Wodonga in 2005.

In 2008, Andrew was lured to the calls of Geelong and the Great Ocean Road where he established the Convention Bureau, Business Events Geelong, for the award-winning regional tourism organisation, Geelong Otway Tourism. Still in the role today, Andrew has a vision to improve access to business event opportunities throughout Regional Victoria and was recently appointed Chairman of Business Events Victoria.

Simon Hamm, Lecturer in tourism and hospitality management, William Angliss Institute of TAFE Melbourne, Australia

Simon Hamm is a lecturer in the tourism and hospitality degree program at William Angliss Institute of TAFE, Melbourne Australia. Simon has over twenty years experience in the event industry ranging from exhibition and conference venues, hotels and small to medium size event companies. Simon has been teaching at William Angliss for the last eight years. In 2009 Simon completed a Masters by research examining learner engagement in event management education and the implications for industry.