PCOA25

The Professional Conference Organisers Association Inc. is excited to announce our PCOA25 speakers.

Holly Barnett

Project Manager, Touchpoint

Holly started her events career straight out of high school, running events and campaigns across the sporting and hospitality industries whilst also completing her bachelor’s degree in business at UTS. She has now been in the industry for 9 years.Currently working at Touchpoint Meeting Services as a Project Manager, her day to day now consists of managing clients across Australia to ensure the seamless delivery of their in-person, hybrid and virtual events.Holly was honoured to have won the PCOA Tim Birley Rising Star Award in 2024 and looks forward to continuing support the next generations of event industry professionals climbing the ranks.

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Chris Buckley

CEO, Touchpoint

During almost 25 years in the events industry, Chris has worked on hundreds of large-scale global events across the world in a wide variety of environments including government, corporate and private industry. His experience includes ASEAN World Sumit, the G20 and APEC leaders’ meetings as well as the United Nations Summit on Sustainable Development. Specialising in accreditation and onsite technology for meetings and events, Chris is passionate about how technology and service can combine to enhance the delegate experience.Chris started Touchpoint Meeting Services in 2010 and has grown his company into a team of dedicated professionals, who deliver technology driven services for events including onsite event check-in, session scanning, access control and hybrid event support.

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Emily Churchley

Emily Churchley has over a decade of experience in the events industry, spanning live production, styling, hospitality, and now her role as Events Coordinator at Answers for Associations. Her passion for events began at 16, when she pursued a certificate, diploma, and traineeship before finishing school - a ground-up pathway that continued into a Bachelor's degree in Event and Tourism Management that shapes her human-centred and innovative approach today.Known for bringing a fresh perspective, Emily champions new networking formats, meaningful engagement and inclusive programming. With a study abroad semester at Disney World under her belt, she’s seen events from every angle - behind the curtain, on the floor, and leading from the front. As a young professional, she is passionate about amplifying voices and bringing fresh ideas to the industry. Emily is also a strong advocate for embedding mental wellbeing, accessibility, neurodivergence inclusion and sustainability as essential pillars of future-focused events.

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Joe Consedine

Joe is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading voices on inclusion.A highly engaging and in-demand speaker and consultant to a range of organisations and industries in New Zealand and globally, Joe has a unique ability to unite audiences around why inclusion is such a critical capability for individuals and organisations to adopt to survive and thrive in a diverse and complex future of work.Joe is a former Director of Champions for Change with Global Women where he worked with New Zealand’s leading 80 Chief Executives and Board Chairs on scaled Diversity Equity and Inclusion strategies for Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Prior to Champions for Change Joe was the New Zealand General Manger for Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand where he led the development of the accounting profession’s first ever inclusion strategy, developed a playbook on the gender pay gap with a reach of over 850k and was recognised by the NZ Minister for Women.Joe is also the co-founder of Mobilise – a groundbreaking leadership development and allyship program specifically for men.

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Ian Douglas

The Cardboard Mill

Ian is the CEO of the Cardboard Mill, a globally leading sustainable creative studio, specialising in recyclable and low-impact materials. Since its foundation at the end of 2022, when it blasted out of the blocks, it has, partnering with sector leaders across government, corporate, community and the events space. Ian and the Cardboard Mill brings to the events sustainable creativity and innovation experience across Sports, Design, Marketing and Events. 

With a 100% commitment to artistry, functionality, and sustainability Cardboard Mill leads with a focus on ‘zero environmental footprint’ to every engagement. Backed by ISO, SEDEX, and FSC certifications, delivering innovative, eco-conscious projects while educating and inspiring sustainable practices. Ian will share Cardboard Mill’s foundation, journey, success and failures, learnings and its future. If you are considering or wanting to imbed sustainable practices in your business this is a session not to miss.

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Shamubeel Eaqub

Chief Economist, Simplicity

Shamubeel Eaqub makes economics easy and fun. Shamubeel is the Chief Economist at Simplicity. He is also an author, media commentator and a thought leading public speaker.He graduated with Honours in Economics from Lincoln University and is also a CFA Charterholder.He has over two decades of experience as an economist in Wellington, Melbourne and Auckland in leading international banks and consultancy (ANZ Bank, Goldman Sachs JBWere,NZIER, Sense Partners and Simplicity).He balances a portfolio of economics, consulting, public speaking, governance and family duties. He lives in Auckland with his wife and two sons.

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Dana Goodwin

Dana is an aerospace design engineer with 32+ years experience in civil and military airworthiness environments. Dana has worked with major aircraft OEMs and airlines, including Beechcraft, Boeing, Airbus, Air NZ and Qantas where she conducted a wide range of aircraft maintenance and modifications. Dana also worked in Special Missions developing aircraft for Police, Fire & Emergency and Flying doctors, and has led the commercial management of major international programs. Since 2023, Dana has worked with start-ups across multiple sectors to increase capability within founding teams and provided free business mentoring. Dana is currently GM Design at NZAero.

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Jakki Govan

Director, 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.

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Mark Hoskins

Mark joined Fabrum in October 2024 as the Chief Revenue Officer, where he leads the commercial, sales and marketing, and customer relationship management required to deliver the organisation’s expansion and growth aspirations.He has been involved in global aerospace and business development related roles for over 30 years. His experience includes roles as a military pilot and qualified flying instructor; satellite communications; aerospace and defence investment management; international sales as well as being a director on the board of three aviation organisations.

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Lisa Kelliher

Chief Executive Officer, Be Challenged

As the Chief Executive Officer for Be Challenged, Lisa Kelliher has had a career firmly embedded in learning and development, cultural enhancement, educational design and team development.Her master’s degree in arts and education, coupled with rich career experiences across a range of non-government Independent schools, led to varied leadership opportunities, where she specialised in the development of professional development for the staff, students, and parents of these organisations.Prior to her appointment as CEO at Be Challenged, Lisa was the Head of People and Culture, Head of Business Support, and an in-house Educational Consultant.

An accomplished speaker and presenter, Lisa relishes the opportunity to deliver workshops and programs to clients from a range of sectors. Her passion for the development of soft skills for students comes from a motivation to ensure education resonates well beyond the classroom. Lisa’s commitment to the morale and well-being of teachers, drives the creation and delivering of bespoke programs for this sector. Her commitment to supporting optimal Graduate experiences enhanced through her participant in the Australian Association of Graduate Employers Advisory Group.

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Terri Lowsley

Director, Conference Innovators

With more than sixteen years’ experience in the Australasian conference industry, Terri Lowsley is an accomplished event professional, Project Manager and Company Director of Conference Innovators.She manages an impressive portfolio of complex international medical and scientific meetings requiring specialist knowledge. Leading by example and with exceptional standards, she fosters outstanding client and supplier relationships.With a degree in Human Resources, Terri’s leadership focuses on building a strong team culture and moulding a company which embraces flexibility and personal growth. She is a strong advocate for fostering creativity to produce fresh event experiences and to attract and retain event staff of the highest calibre.


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Kelly Maynard

Kelly Maynard has worked in the business events industry for over 25 years. Her experience ranges from corporate in-house event planning to some of the biggest names in business events including CiEvents, Event Travel Management, and the Commonwealth Bank. Kelly has worked in several countries including China and the UK and is highly experienced in strategy development, event creation and management as well as distribution development. She has worked at Tourism Australia in the Business Events Australia team since 2013, delivering Australia's global distribution development and partnerships strategy, and working closely with industry and international business events decision makers to ensure Australia maintains and grows its strong competitive positioning for business events. Kelly was appointed General Manager Business Events, Commercial and Industry on 1 May 2024.

Prior to Champions for Change Joe was the New Zealand General Manger for Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand where he led the development of the accounting profession’s first ever inclusion strategy, developed a playbook on the gender pay gap with a reach of over 850k and was recognised by the NZ Minister for Women.Joe is also the co-founder of Mobilise – a groundbreaking leadership development and allyship program specifically for men.

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Julie McGraw

Managing Director, Gems Event Management Australia

Julie McGraw is the Managing Director of GEMS Event Management Australia and brings over 30 years of experience in the business events industry. Throughout her career, she has managed more than 250 conferences and special events. Julie was named National Meetings Manager of the Year by Meetings and Events Australia in both 2015 and 2016. Julie has served as a judge for the Australian Event Awards for the past decade and was most recently a member of the Program Committee for PCMA’s EduCon 2025, held in Louisville, Kentucky.A recognised leader in the field of business events, Julie is a Certified Event Manager with PCOA, presented at the inaugural PCOA Conference and has contributed to numerous industry conferences and events over the past 30 years.

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Scott Millar

Generational Consultant & Chief Executive Officer, BOP Industries

Scott Millar is a high-impact generational strategist, dynamic keynote speaker and trusted voice on the future of work. Through his work with over 20,000 young people each year, Scott offers unparalleled insight into the trends transforming workplaces, industries and communities.

Driven by a mission to bridge generational divides and future-proof organisations, Scott empowers leaders to connect with the next generation of consumers and employees in meaningful, strategic ways. As one of Australia’s Top 30 Business Leaders Under 30, APAC’s Inspiring Youth Leader and a two-time TEDx speaker, he brings deep expertise and fresh perspective to every stage he steps onto.

Scott works with leaders across corporate, government and industry to stay ahead of generational shifts, emerging technologies and evolving workforce trends. Whether it’s designing strategies for intergenerational teams, understanding the next generation of consumers or navigating our increasingly digital future of work, he helps organisations build relevance and resilience in a rapidly changing world.

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Belinda Moore

Strategic Membership Solutions

Belinda Moore has spent 30 years helping associations worldwide lead strategic change, reinvent membership models, and adapt to emerging technologies. Renowned for her practical, research-backed approach and engaging delivery, she’s a sought-after speaker who makes complex topics like strategy, innovation, and AI both clear and compelling. 

Her sessions are fast-paced, actionable, and built to inspire. Belinda blends fresh thinking with proven frameworks to craft solutions that work – and stick. She’s also a prolific author on the future of associations and the forces shaping them.

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Julian Moore

Julian Moore is well-known across Australasia for helping associations, nonprofits, companies, and governments boost revenue through AI implementation. An unabashed technology geek, he has a deep understanding of AI and how organisations can use it to improve operations and make a greater impact.  Julian created Australia’s first AI Board member and founded “AIR Music 12”, Australia’s largest AI music YouTube channel, with 122K subscribers and 1.7M listeners. Julian advises insurance companies, banks, hospitals, advisory firms, the Australian federal government, local governments, and associations. Having worked extensively in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK, he makes complex topics easy to grasp, sharing practical solutions through keynotes, coaching, consulting, and training. Say goodbye to PowerPoint—Julian brings AI tools to life through live demonstrations tailored to your sector. 

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James Owen

Project Pilot - Standards & Training NextGen Aircraft, Air New Zealand

James Owen is a Project Pilot – Standards & Training at Air New Zealand, involved in developing operational readiness activities for the Beta Technologies CX300 electric aircraft demonstrator programme. With over 20 years in aviation across line flying, flight operations, fleet management, and digital projects, James brings practical insight to the energy transition. Alongside his role on the Boeing 777, the project role includes flying the CX300 aircraft alongside Beta, establishing the supporting operation, and capturing learnings to inform the integration of next-gen aircraft technologies into an airline environment. His recent Master’s research project focused on pilot perceptions towards carbon reduction efforts, exploring how frontline decision-making can enable more sustainable outcomes in airline operations.

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Anne-Marie Quinn

Anne-Marie Quinn is the visionary Founder and Managing Director of the All Occasions Group, a leading event management company in South Australia. Since establishing the company in 1998, she has transformed it into a national success story, recognized for its award-winning conference, event, and travel management services. 

With over 35 years of experience in tourism and hospitality, Anne-Marie has led her team in organizing high-profile national and international events, earning a reputation for excellence in professional conference organizing.Over the past 25 years, Anne-Marie has grown the All Occasions Group into a dynamic organization with a team of 12 multi-skilled professionals. Her leadership has attracted an impressive array of major clients, both locally and globally. As a Certified Event Manager (CEM), she ensures that the All Occasions Group maintains its certification as a Certified Event Company (CEC), delivering unparalleled service and consistently exceeding client expectations.

Anne-Marie’s extensive career began at the Adelaide Convention Bureau (formerly ACTA) in 1991, and she holds a Bachelor of Management in Tourism and Hospitality from the University of South Australia. She is an active industry leader, serving as a PCOA Councillor and Board Director for Business Events Adelaide, where she plays a key role in shaping the future of the events industry.

Under her leadership, the All Occasions Group has seen consistent growth, providing specialized event management solutions for local, national, and international meetings, incentives, and corporate events. Anne-Marie’s commitment to innovation and excellence has propelled the company’s business across Australia and onto the global stage, making it a true South Australian success story!

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Libbie Ray

Libbie Ray is the Director of Connected Event Group, a full-service technical production company that utilises creative AV solutions to produce innovative and meaningful event experiences. With 20 years of experience across marketing, events, technology, and broadcast production, Libbie brings a well-rounded approach to the new world of events.Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, Libbie is particularly enthusiastic about the potential of AI to transform the industry and is dedicated to sharing her wealth of knowledge with her sector. She also serves as a Global Learning Ambassador for the Entrepreneurs' Organisation, further amplifying her impact on the industry.

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Penelope Ryan

Global Manager Business EventsTourism New Zealand

Penelope Ryan built a strong commercial background in global FMCG marketing before moving into the travel and tourism sector seven years ago with Tourism New Zealand.  Penelope has held marketing leadership roles for Tourism New Zealand in the Australian market, New Zealand domestic market and most recently was appointed Global Manager Business Events.  

The benefits to innovation, communities and culture and the ripple effect of the magic that happens when people come together to share their knowledge is what drives Penelope’s love of Business Events.

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Ali Rossiter is the Creative Director of EPIC Entertainment, a creative force with over 25 years of experience designing immersive event experiences that captivate and connect. With a rich background in the Performing Arts, both as a performer on national and international stages and as a passionate educator, Ali and her team bring theatricality, storytelling, and soul to everything they touch.For over a decade, EPIC Entertainment, Ali’s brain-child, has collaborated across the industry to craft unforgettable and immersive experiences that fuse narrative with performance. Her unique approach and perspective has earned her the trust and reputation to transform events into powerful storytelling platforms.


Karen Sainsbury

Starting her career with a Bachelor of Education, Karen soon fell into the world of hospitality which saw her work across the country, finishing her hotel career with Accor for 14 years and as General Manager at Novotel Manly Pacific before she and Natalie opened Cornerstone Events. Karen has a unique ability to really understand what a customer needs, taking the time to get to know their business, and is extremely passionate about delivering what is promised ensuring every little detail is covered. Karen is a certified meeting professional with the Professional Conference Organisers Association Australia and New Zealand and is also the NSW Councillor on the PCOA Board.Away from work, Karen has a love for travel and taste testing vineyards around the world with her partner Kevin. Karen remains as Managing Director and Co-Founder of the business.

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Oliver Sheer

Oliver, as Be Challenged Strategic Director, inspires greatness through team development.His educational background in Sport and Exercise Management and Business, combined with certifications in DiSC and 5 Behaviours of a Cohesive Team, grounds his approach in both theory and practice.He’s pivotal in creating programs that push individuals to excel, focusing on diverse and strategic thinking for cohesive work.Oliver specialises in programs that challenge norms and encourage innovative thinking and cohesive team functioning.His leadership is integral to developing a range of workshops that cater to varied objectives, from graduate recruitment to business simulations.

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Megan Spielvogel

Megan has run events for over 25 years, from both the venue and organisers perspective. Her experience ranges from small focus groups to large industry conferences, festivals and weddings with industry associations, local community groups and operated her own events business for a period of time. She joined the Australian Information Security Association (AISA) in August 2018, and is now in the role of the General Manager, bringing over 25 years of experience in event management, membership, communications and sales with membership associations and enterprises to the role. Her deep understanding of what a strong, engaged membership can achieve has been instrumental in AISA's growth and member satisfaction. Megan recently attained the Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential. The CAE is the highest professional credential in the association industry.Over the past 7 years, Megan has become deeply embedded in the cyber security industry, leading diversity initiatives and helping curate comprehensive professional development programs for members. AISA runs over 100 events per year, including the Australian Cyber Conference, which has grown into the largest cyber security conference in the southern hemisphere.

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Ross Steele

General Manager, Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre

Ross has over 25 years’ experience in business events and venue management and is currently General Manager of Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, New Zealand’s first international standard convention centre which opened in May 2022.

Prior to moving to Christchurch in March 2019, Ross was General Manager of the Cairns Convention Centre, which was voted International Association of Convention Centre’s (AIPC) World’s Best Congress Centre in 2014, and before that was with the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

With a background in finance, Ross is a Fellow of CPA Australia (FCPA), a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD) and a Fellow Certified Venue Executive (FCVE). Ross has experience across several industries and extensive board and governance experience directly aligned to Tourism, Economic Development and Business Events and is currently a Director of the International Association of Convention Centers (AIPC).

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Jan Tonkin

Advisor (former Managing Director), The Conference Company

Advisor (former Managing Director), The Conference Companya Past-President of IAPCO (International Association of Professional Congress Organisers) and a former Chair of the association’s Training AcademyJan has worked in the meetings business all her professional life, both in the UK and New Zealand. 

She founded The Conference Company in 1990 and until recently was the hands-on managing director of the busy company which has offices in Auckland and Sydney. With the acquisition of the company by the Uno Loco Group in April this year, Jan has taken on the role of strategic advisor, assisting the Group’s management with the transition.

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Claire Waghorn

Sustainability Transition Leader, Christchurch Airport

Claire Waghorn is the Sustainable Transition Leader at Christchurch Airport, co-Chair of the Zero Emission Aviation Working Group within Sustainable Aviation Aotearoa, and advisor on the International Expert Taskforce on Airport Carbon Accreditation.

She has been admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand with a focus on international climate law, with MSc International Relations (LSE, London), and LLB and BA (Hons) in Diplomacy and International Relations (UC, New Zealand).Claire is currently working towards accelerating the transition within the aviation sector towards zero emissions. Claire’s previous roles include Parliamentary Researcher for the Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand, and Foreign Policy Officer for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Claire currently sits as a Director of Hollin Consulting NZ, a Board Member of the New Zealand Centre for Global Studies, as well as the International Airport Review Advisory Board.

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Meg Williams

Meg Williams is a highly experienced leader in the creative industries and the Chief Executive of World of WearableArt ™ (WOW), the globe’s premier wearable art competition and New Zealand’s largest arena spectacle. She leads WOW’s team of over 300 to deliver its iconic show in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, which attracts over 60,000 visitors annually and in 2024 delivered over $30 million to the Wellington regional economy.Meg has over 20 years’ experience in organising festivals and major events in the UK, Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, including the Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts, Wellington Jazz Festival and Te Hui Ahurei Reo Māori.She is a coaching peer mentor for a small group of creative arts leaders in Aotearoa and is a member of the Te Rōpū Mana Toi advocacy advisory for Creative New Zealand.

Sponsored by Business Events Wellington

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Alex Wilson

DirectorTechnical Event Solutions Limited

Alex Wilson is a Director of Technical Event Solutions Ltd (TES), a leading full-service event production company specialising in audiovisual, lighting, sound, staging, and broadcast. With extensive experience delivering seamless solutions for conferences, corporate functions, live events, and large-scale productions, Alex is passionate about helping clients achieve outstanding results while maximising their return on production investment.

Since founding TES in 2017, the company has grown to a team of 25 full-time technical staff, operating from offices in Christchurch and Auckland. Alex continues to drive TES’s reputation for innovation, reliability, and excellence across New Zealand’s event industry.

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Contact Us

Professional Conference Organisers Association Inc.  IA 35380 | ARBN 136 627 088 | ABN: 3069 0730722

Phone

Maxine Tod:  +61 435 103 912
Cindy Axisa: +61 435 374 476 

Email

conference@pco.asn.au

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Karakia 

A karakia is a short Māori prayer or blessing used to open or close an event, helping to set the tone and bring people together. It acknowledges the space, the people, and the purpose of the gathering. This karakia has been selected by Liz Kereru (Ngāi Tūāhuriri) to align to the 2025 PCOA conference theme of connection and community.

Tuia ki runga, Tuia ki raro, Tuia ki waho, Tuia ki roto,
Tuia ki te here tangata,
Ka rongo te po, Ka rongo te ao, Haumi….e, Hui…e - Taiki….e

Unite from above, Unite from below, Unite from without, Unite from within,
Unite to connect people,
The night hears, The day hears, Join all, bind all, together as one

Meet the Artist

Wongi Wilson is a street artist with a reputation for high-quality, large-scale works in prominent positions around Christchurch.  

Find out more about Wongi Wilson

Acknowledgement of Country  

The PCO Association acknowledges the traditional owners and custodians of Country throughout Australia and acknowledges their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the people, the Cultures and the elders past, present and emerging.