The PCO Association is the leading body representing the interests of Professional Conference Organisers and Event Managers in Australia and New Zealand.
The Association aims to increase the standard of professionalism of its members and promote a better understanding of the roles, functions and contributions of Professional Conference Organisers and Event Managers in the conference and event sector.
Benefits of membership
Use of the PCOA member logo
Online learning – join our 30 minute knowledge sharing webinars
Accreditation program for individuals and companies
Connect on our social media platforms
Sign up for our blogs sharing the latest on industry trends
Regular e-newsletters and member offers
Discounted registration fees at our annual industry Conference
Access to a request for proposal (RFP) document developed by PCOA accommodation subcommittee with the support of our accommodation business partners
Opportunity to have a voice on issues that affect your business, position or career
Collaborate with event planners in Special Industry Groups
Networking opportunity with other industry professionals
Conference & exhibition insurance rebate with H2 Insurance Solutions
Opportunity to advertise a position vacant on the PCO website at a discount rate (Job must be within the Meeting & Events Industry)
Providing a voice for Members on the (BECA) Business Events Council of Australia board
Industry Association Membership is tax deductible
Councillors
Barry Neame – PCO-DIR, CEM, PCO Assoc. President
Director, Consec – Conference Management
Barry Neame is a Director of Consec – Conference Management and has extensive project management event management experience spanning over twelve 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.
Maxine Tod, Director of Business Partnerships
Maxine brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously worked for 13 years as International and Domestic Business Development Manager, Palazzo Versace.
Maxine worked from December 1999 to September 2000 on the pre-opening of Palazzo Versace, the world’s first full fashion-branded hotel. When the hotel opened Maxine became an integral part of the sales and marketing team, remaining with Palazzo Versace for the following 12 years. Her responsibilities as a business development manager covered domestic and international MICE business, attending trade shows, and hosting domestic and international media familiarity tours.
Maxine has continued to expand her contacts within the industry by working in a liaison role for Tourism Events Queensland, helping showcase the attractions Queensland offers by touring with travel groups and media.
Administration & Accreditation Manager
For the past four years Cindy has worked at AST Management as an Event Manager. She has run a number of successful Conferences in areas such as mental health, urban design and sustainability.
Prior to Cindy’s role with AST Management she worked in meetings and events roles in a hotel environment for more than 12 years. Cindy is focused, dedicated and hands-on, with proven customer service achievements that have seen her receive awards including employee of the year on two occasions for business support.
Cindy, a New Zealander, has worked in Australia for more than 20 years at destinations including Cradle Mountain Lodge in Tasmania and Hamilton Island. The Gold Coast has been her home for the past 16 years.
NSW – Karen Sainsbury, CEM, PCO-DIR
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.
QLD – Mary Sparksman CEM, PCO-DIR
Director, YRD
Mary is the founding director of YRD, a prominent Australian Professional Conference Organiser since 1995. Mary’s career in Hospitality and Event Management began over 30 years ago when she was the National Sales Director for a five star hotel.
YRD organisers and manages events and conferences throughout Australia and New Zealand and has successfully completed over 500 such engagements for State, Federal and local governments, scientific, educational, medical, legal, business and professional services organisations.
Mary is a member of the Sofitel (MICE) Advisory Board and she regularly leads or lectures University, training or other educational organisation forums on the management and organisation of events and conferences including the operation of and training on specialist software.
VIC – Mike Pickford CEM, PCO-DIR
Managing Director, ASN Events
ASN Events was formed by Mike Pickford and Simon Monk in 1990. After initially running the Great Australian Science Show and the Country Living Show, both public education events, the Directors changed the company direction in 1996 at the request of some of their clients and have since become nationally recognized for their event and conference management skills. The company specializes in bringing ideas to fruition.
Mike’s career has been varied but a common feature is his ability to implement innovative ideas and projects into successful outcomes. Be it working for others or creating new companies from start, his scientific and educational training has complemented his vision and practical skills to ensure great outcomes for all involved.
SA – Anne-Marie Quinn CEM, PCO-DIR
Director, All Occasions Group
Anne-Marie is the Managing Director of All Occasions Group and has developed the company since its inception in 1998.
She has built the organisation over the past 13 years to a staff of 18 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 is a current board member of the Adelaide Convention Bureau and a past committee member of MEA South Australia. She regularly presents to audiences at industry functions and is a guest lecturer to students studying at the International College of Hotel
TAS – Paula Leishman 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.
WA – Alison Petrie, PCO-DIR
Managing Director, Encanta Event Management
Alison Petrie is Managing Director and co-owner of Encanta Event Management (previously trading as EECW), a market leading PCOA Certified Event Management Company, based in Melbourne and Perth. The company manages and organises conferences and events all over Australia and Asia.
Her association with the professional conference and event management sector stretches back 30 years having previously established and grown successful businesses in the PCO space. She has also held senior management and leadership roles with both the Hilton and Starwood Hotel Groups. This provides invaluable insight as she continues to develop Encanta Event Management into an even stronger event management company, having experience as both client and supplier.
She is a strong advocate of the PCOA and especially its accreditation program.
NZ – Alison Copeman, CEM, PCO-DIR
Owner, akB Conference Management Limited
Ali established akB in 1999. She is a lead Professional Conference Organiser (PCO) and an Australian/NZ Certified Event Manager.
Having been a director of the Otago Chamber of Commerce for a number of years Ali has developed many competencies around good strategy. She is skilled and experienced in working with and leading multiple stakeholders to bring projects to completion. Being on both sides of the management and governance table Ali’s knowledge and practice around good governance is strong.
Ali has contributed to the University of Otago School of Medicine ambulatory course, through medical teaching of 3rd – 5th year medical students over the last 9 years.
Ali is the NZ Councillor on the PCOA Board.
Accreditation
The PCO Accreditation is a set of standards established by and for the PCO Association and its members. It provides clients and industry with an assurance that the Event Manager and or Event Management Business they are dealing with is committed to the highest quality event management business practices, consistency and reliability in the delivery of services, professional standards and dedication to continuous improvement.
Membership
The PCO Association is a leading body representing the interests of Professional Conference Organisers and Event Managers in Australia and New Zealand.
The Association aims to increase the standard of professionalism of its members and promote a better understanding of the roles, functions and contributions of Professional Conference Organisers and Event Managers in the conference and event sector.
Business Partners
The PCO Association’s Business Partner Program is available to organizations with an interest in, or who supply to the conference and events sector. The Business Partner Program was developed to facilitate engagement between Professional Conference Organisers and the greater conference, meetings, and events community.
Webinars
The PCO Association online learning is the focus of our Personal Development program.
Members and non-members are welcome to join the webinars.
PCO Association Business Partners
PCOA Conference & Exhibition
The 10th Annual PCOA Conference & Exhibition themed ‘MEETING Beyond Tomorrow’ provided the perfect backdrop for an event that focused on future opportunities. Hear from some of the speakers at the Conference below.
The PCO Association would like to sincerely thank the conference speakers, sponsors and exhibitors who played a major role in making the 10th Anniversary a highly successful, productive and memorable conference.
The Association would also like to thank our business partners, who have continued to provide great support.
The 11th annual PCOA Conference & Exhibition will be held at the Melbourne Convention Centre, 9 – 11 December 2018. Visit the Conference tab for further information.
PCOA18 Sponsors
PCOA18 Exhibitors
Government Support
Visit the Government Support page for information on Government support for the Business Events sector.
Representation
PCOA is an integral member of the Business Events Council of Australia (BECA), a formalised umbrella structure for the key industry associations operating in the Australian business events sector to develop industry positions on issues of common interest and communicate those views to government and relevant agencies. BECA also provides a forum for the industry associations to exchange information and cooperate on appropriate matters, with a view to strengthening and growing the business events sector in Australia.