Barry Neame | President & ACT

PCO-DIR, CEM

Director, Consec – Conference and Event Management

Barry Neame is a Director of Consec – Conference and Event Management and has extensive project management event management experience spanning over 30 years in business.

He has a sound understanding of the logistical issues associated with planning and managing events as well as an understanding of international protocols and has been commended for his sound strategic and organisational planning skills.

Barry is a current board member of the Canberra Convention Bureau and has played a role in contributing to the focus group that advised on the redevelopment of the National Convention Centre.

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Barry Neame | President & ACT

PCO-DIR, CEM

Director, Consec – Conference and Event Management

Barry Neame is a Director of Consec – Conference and Event Management and has extensive project management event management experience spanning over 30 years in business.

He has a sound understanding of the logistical issues associated with planning and managing events as well as an understanding of international protocols and has been commended for his sound strategic and organisational planning skills.

Barry is a current board member of the Canberra Convention Bureau and has played a role in contributing to the focus group that advised on the redevelopment of the National Convention Centre.

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Paula Leishman | Tasmania

CEM, PCO-DIR

Managing Director, Leishman Associates

Paula Leishman is the founder and Managing Director of Leishman Associates, a conference, event and association management business with offices in Hobart and Melbourne.

Having been involved in the events industry for over 20 years, she has relevant experience in the staging of major public events, corporate events and the management of associations for the not-for-profit sector.

Employing a team of 17, with a  long list of established clients, the company manages 25-30 events annually in Tasmania, nationally and internationally.

Leishman Associates has been built on a reputation of delivering outstanding events underpinned by the company motto conference management – it’s all about people.

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Paula Leishman | Tasmania

CEM, PCO-DIR

Managing Director, Leishman Associates

Paula Leishman is the founder and Managing Director of Leishman Associates, a conference, event and association management business with offices in Hobart and Melbourne.

Having been involved in the events industry for over 20 years, she has relevant experience in the staging of major public events, corporate events and the management of associations for the not-for-profit sector.

Employing a team of 17, with a  long list of established clients, the company manages 25-30 events annually in Tasmania, nationally and internationally.

Leishman Associates has been built on a reputation of delivering outstanding events underpinned by the company motto conference management – it’s all about people.

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Mary Sparksman | Queensland

PCO-DIR, CEM

Director, YRD

Mary is the Managing Director of YRD Event Management, a company that she founded 26 years ago.

With a background spanning 40 years in Hotel Management, Event Management and the Management of Not-for-Profit Associations, Mary has been a member of numerous Hospitality Advisory Boards and is currently the QLD Council Member of the Professional Conference Organisers Association (PCOA).

Mary Co-Chairs the PCOA Hotel Advisory committee, which she instigated 8 years ago. She places great value on the relationships that she has established with the various Hotel Chains and the sharing of information and knowledge that this committee has facilitated. She is passionate about maintaining strong relationships with venues and suppliers that enable PCO’s to deliver a seamless experience to our clients.

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Mary Sparksman | Queensland

PCO-DIR, CEM

Director, YRD

Mary is the Managing Director of YRD Event Management, a company that she founded 26 years ago.

With a background spanning 40 years in Hotel Management, Event Management and the Management of Not-for-Profit Associations, Mary has been a member of numerous Hospitality Advisory Boards and is currently the QLD Council Member of the Professional Conference Organisers Association (PCOA).

Mary Co-Chairs the PCOA Hotel Advisory committee, which she instigated 8 years ago. She places great value on the relationships that she has established with the various Hotel Chains and the sharing of information and knowledge that this committee has facilitated. She is passionate about maintaining strong relationships with venues and suppliers that enable PCO’s to deliver a seamless experience to our clients.

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Denise Broeren  | Victoria

PCO-DIR, CEM

Co-Founder, Director of Business Development, Think Business Events

Denise Broeren is the co-founder and Director of Think Business Events, a professional conference organiser based in Melbourne, VIC with offices across the country.

She is an expert in international and national association conference management and has built a company of events professionals whose collective vision is to produce meaningful, educational and innovative events that foster connection and collaboration.

As a leader, she instils the values of excellence, innovation, team-work, delivery, connection and sustainability in her work. With over 20 years’ experience working in professional business events, Denise offers a depth of insight when it comes to running a business that elevates its people, develops talent and builds trust with clients and partners within the industry.

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Denise Broeren  | Victoria

PCO-DIR, CEM

Co-Founder, Director of Business Development, Think Business Events

Denise Broeren is the co-founder and Director of Think Business Events, a professional conference organiser based in Melbourne, VIC with offices across the country.

She is an expert in international and national association conference management and has built a company of events professionals whose collective vision is to produce meaningful, educational and innovative events that foster connection and collaboration.

As a leader, she instils the values of excellence, innovation, team-work, delivery, connection and sustainability in her work. With over 20 years’ experience working in professional business events, Denise offers a depth of insight when it comes to running a business that elevates its people, develops talent and builds trust with clients and partners within the industry.

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Anne-Marie Quinn  | South Australia

PCO-DIR, CEM

Director, All Occasions Group

Anne-Marie is the Founder and Managing Director of the All Occasions Group and has built the company since its inception in 1998.

She has developed the organisation over the past 24 years to a staff of 12 multi-skilled team members and has attracted a very impressive range of major national and international clients. All Occasions Group is a true South Australian success story, offering award winning conference, event and travel management services.

Anne-Marie leads her team with vision and foresight and constantly seeks new opportunities for growth, expansion and development of the All Occasions Group.

An extensive career spanning over 35 years in tourism and hospitality, Anne-Marie commenced her employment at the Adelaide Convention Bureau (formerly ACTA) back in 1991. She has a Bachelor of Management in Tourism and Hospitality from the University of South Australia and is a current board director with the Adelaide Convention Bureau. She is a Certified Event Manager (CEM) and All Occasions Group is a Certified Event Company (CEC). Anne-Marie is the councilor for South Australia with the PCO Association of Australia and is a past committee member of MEA South Australia and a guest lecturer to students studying at the International College of Hotel Management.

The All Occasions Group provides clients with an unrivalled range of corporate capabilities matched with a premium level of service and dedication to maintaining success.

As a specialist in local, national and international meetings, events and incentives, the company has achieved a healthy growth per annum and taken its business across the state, around the country and to the world.

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Anne-Marie Quinn  | South Australia

PCO-DIR, CEM

Director, All Occasions Group

Anne-Marie is the Founder and Managing Director of the All Occasions Group and has built the company since its inception in 1998.

She has developed the organisation over the past 24 years to a staff of 12 multi-skilled team members and has attracted a very impressive range of major national and international clients. All Occasions Group is a true South Australian success story, offering award winning conference, event and travel management services.

Anne-Marie leads her team with vision and foresight and constantly seeks new opportunities for growth, expansion and development of the All Occasions Group.

An extensive career spanning over 35 years in tourism and hospitality, Anne-Marie commenced her employment at the Adelaide Convention Bureau (formerly ACTA) back in 1991. She has a Bachelor of Management in Tourism and Hospitality from the University of South Australia and is a current board director with the Adelaide Convention Bureau. She is a Certified Event Manager (CEM) and All Occasions Group is a Certified Event Company (CEC). Anne-Marie is the councilor for South Australia with the PCO Association of Australia and is a past committee member of MEA South Australia and a guest lecturer to students studying at the International College of Hotel Management.

The All Occasions Group provides clients with an unrivalled range of corporate capabilities matched with a premium level of service and dedication to maintaining success.

As a specialist in local, national and international meetings, events and incentives, the company has achieved a healthy growth per annum and taken its business across the state, around the country and to the world.

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Renee Bennett  | Western Australia

PCO-DIR, CEM

Managing Director, Encanta Event Management

Renee Bennett, Managing Director of Encanta Event Management, has been involved in the business events industry for over 20 years.

Based in Perth, Renee started her journey at Congress West as an Event Coordinator, working her way through all the event management career milestones until appointed Director of Events of EECW in 2007. In 2015 she purchased the company along with a business partner and changed the name to Encanta Event Management.

A devoted mother to Grace (9) and Max (5), she fully understands the continuing challenge of maintaining a busy work and home life, whilst running a national business and managing a varied and large client portfolio. Thankfully, she is ably supported by a wonderful understanding husband.

Renee is highly respected and well known in the events industry having managed major events all over Australia and Asia, and in fact delivered the first conference to be held at the Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre when it first opened. She is also a past member of the Perth Convention Bureau Board.

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Renee Bennett  | Western Australia

PCO-DIR, CEM

Managing Director, Encanta Event Management

Renee Bennett, Managing Director of Encanta Event Management, has been involved in the business events industry for over 20 years.

Based in Perth, Renee started her journey at Congress West as an Event Coordinator, working her way through all the event management career milestones until appointed Director of Events of EECW in 2007. In 2015 she purchased the company along with a business partner and changed the name to Encanta Event Management.

A devoted mother to Grace (9) and Max (5), she fully understands the continuing challenge of maintaining a busy work and home life, whilst running a national business and managing a varied and large client portfolio. Thankfully, she is ably supported by a wonderful understanding husband.

Renee is highly respected and well known in the events industry having managed major events all over Australia and Asia, and in fact delivered the first conference to be held at the Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre when it first opened. She is also a past member of the Perth Convention Bureau Board.

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Karen Sainsbury | New South Wales

PCO-DIR, CEM

Managing Director, Cornerstone Events

Karen is a founder and Managing Director of Cornerstone Events. She has a unique ability to really understand what a customer needs, and takes the time to get to know their business – Karen is extremely passionate about delivering what is promised, and ensures every little detail is covered.

Karen’s career has seen her achieve a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, work in both Education and Private Hospital Industry, as well as a strong background in Hospitality. In the hotel industry, she has managed to win two national industry awards leading her teams to success, both as a Director of Sales, then as a General Manager. Her business acumen leading large hotel based teams and national committees within the Accor Network gives Cornerstone a unique edge and value add to its customers.

Karen is an accredited meeting professional with the Professional Conference Organisers Association Australia and New Zealand and is also the NSW Councillor on the PCOA Board.

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Karen Sainsbury | New South Wales

PCO-DIR, CEM

Managing Director, Cornerstone Events

Karen is a founder and Managing Director of Cornerstone Events. She has a unique ability to really understand what a customer needs, and takes the time to get to know their business – Karen is extremely passionate about delivering what is promised, and ensures every little detail is covered.

Karen’s career has seen her achieve a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, work in both Education and Private Hospital Industry, as well as a strong background in Hospitality. In the hotel industry, she has managed to win two national industry awards leading her teams to success, both as a Director of Sales, then as a General Manager. Her business acumen leading large hotel based teams and national committees within the Accor Network gives Cornerstone a unique edge and value add to its customers.

Karen is an accredited meeting professional with the Professional Conference Organisers Association Australia and New Zealand and is also the NSW Councillor on the PCOA Board.

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Arna Wahl Davies  | New Zealand

PCO-DIR, CEM

Managing Director, Composition

Arna’s love for conference management starts with the long lead-in times that allow for careful preparation through to the excitement that increases exponentially as the opening day grows closer. It also includes the feverish yet organised buzz that occurs during the event; and finally, the satisfaction gained afterwards from knowing she has fulfilled her client’s expectations.

Arna has been involved in the hospitality, event management, and professional conference organising industry for over 20 years. After a career as a chef, she refined her event management skills within one of New Zealand’s largest professional conference companies, before stepping out on her own and partnering with Nerida Ramsay over a decade ago, to form Composition. A Professional Conference Organising company, which proudly manages mid to large-size conference throughout New Zealand, while still providing a personal client-focused experience.

She sees her role as providing a path and a structure for her clients to build their event around. She is energetic, keeps things on track, is a leader when required and calls on her natural unflappability to find solutions to problems, quickly and professionally.

Arna is passionate about the business events sector. Knowing the industry is filled with hard-working, amazing personalities, and she is delighted to be a part of it.

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Arna Wahl Davies  | New Zealand

PCO-DIR, CEM

Managing Director, Composition

Arna’s love for conference management starts with the long lead-in times that allow for careful preparation through to the excitement that increases exponentially as the opening day grows closer. It also includes the feverish yet organised buzz that occurs during the event; and finally, the satisfaction gained afterwards from knowing she has fulfilled her client’s expectations.

Arna has been involved in the hospitality, event management, and professional conference organising industry for over 20 years. After a career as a chef, she refined her event management skills within one of New Zealand’s largest professional conference companies, before stepping out on her own and partnering with Nerida Ramsay over a decade ago, to form Composition. A Professional Conference Organising company, which proudly manages mid to large-size conference throughout New Zealand, while still providing a personal client-focused experience.

She sees her role as providing a path and a structure for her clients to build their event around. She is energetic, keeps things on track, is a leader when required and calls on her natural unflappability to find solutions to problems, quickly and professionally.

Arna is passionate about the business events sector. Knowing the industry is filled with hard-working, amazing personalities, and she is delighted to be a part of it.

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