Jakki Govan - Clockwise Consulting

Jakki Govan is a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience in business and tourism. Her career spans across both public and private sectors, where she has represented various national and international venues, placemaking initiatives, and destinations. Jakki is known for her strategic thinking and innovative approach, consistently delivering solutions that benefit the organisation or client she is working with. 

 Throughout her career, Jakki has held senior leadership roles including General Manager and Commercial Director. Jakki's dedication to her profession is evident in her status as a certified practising marketer and her commitment to lifelong learning. She thrives on seeking out new opportunities to grow and challenge herself professionally, ensuring that she remains at the forefront of industry trends and developments. With her extensive experience, collaborative approach, and data-driven mindset, Jakki Govan continues to make significant contributions to the business and tourism sectors. 

 Most recently Jakki worked on National and International Conferences and incentives with Business Events Adelaide, destination host of the incredibly successful PCOA Conference 2023. Along with Nicole Tingey, Jakki is Co-Director of Clockwise Consulting, a leading destination management, in-market representation and MICE Industry Consultancy.

Jacqui Bates - The Conference Manager

Jacqui Bates is Director of The Conference Manager, a Melbourne based professional conference organising company established in 2008. She has worked in the meetings and events industry for over 25 years, holding both senior sales/marketing and operational management positions in the hospitality industry prior to becoming a Conference Organiser. 

 Jacqui has worked as PCO for over 15 years and has managed every facet of conferencing, including program, financials, speakers, social functions, sponsorship, exhibition, registration, marketing and tours. She is a regular attendee of PCOA conferences and is excited to be contributing to the 2024 program.

Nadia Kentera - Ke. Creative Events Pty Ltd

Nadia is the visionary, creative change maker and Founder of Ke. Creative Events. With over 20+ years specialising in end-to-end conference and event management, brand engagement and marketing specialising in the indigenous, corporate and association sectors. 

 Nadia is also a Director of Clear Air Sports, Australia’s only community that facilitates sporting programs that focus on human connection for the sole purpose of enhancing mental health, wellbeing and camaraderie. 

 A natural communicator, problem solver and big believer of the power of an idea. Known to share her expertise as a consultant and industry expert at various events Nadia continues to lead and inspire her team to always aim to ‘Create Greatness’!

David Leach - ASMIRT

David is an events and sales manager with over 25 years of experience including 15 years as a conference manager in the association sector. During his time as a conference manager, he has curated and delivered national and international conferences in entertainment, engineering, sustainability for the built environment, and medical radiation sciences. 

David’s role at Australian Society of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy (ASMIRT) is as the in-house conference, exhibition, and sales manager, while also providing external PCO services with the ASMIRT events team to aligned industry conferences including in paediatric imaging, breast cancer, radiation safety, clinical education and more. David is a stickler for contract management and has a particular understanding of balancing in-house services with external event contractors and PCO partners to provide optimal outcomes for host organisations, delegates, sponsors, and industry stakeholder for events of all sizes.

Alarnah Roberts - Providence Consulting

Alarnah Roberts has a background in delivering events as an inhouse events coordinator and driving strategic marketing initiatives within the not-for-profit sector. Recently making the leap to the private sector, Alarnah brings a perspective and a deep-seated passion for enhancing event security standards and leveraging events as a powerful platform for promoting services. 

 Alarnah's dedication to excellence and innovation in event management was recognised when she was named the Inaugural Tim Birley Rising Star recipient last year, highlighting her commitment to growth and excellence. This recognition has driven Alarnah's mission to empower others new in the sector, providing them with the guidance needed to thrive and build meaningful connections..

Katie Tomkins - Iceberg Events

Meet Katie, the Events Director at Iceberg Events. She has a passion for the business events industry that's stronger than her favourite spicy margaritas. 

From wrangling unruly convention centre layouts to charming hotel ballrooms into submission, Katie's seen it all, having previously held roles at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre and the Queensland Performing Arts Centre and worked on logistical beasts like the opening of the Queensland Children’s Hospital and the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. 

When she’s not wearing her events hat, she can be in the kitchen baking her award-winning macarons!