The Conference Collective Podcast Series 5
Welcome to the ‘The Conference Collective’ Podcast, celebrating the best in innovation and leadership from those who are creating a positive change in the business events industry. A podcast brought to you by the Professional Conference Organisers Association Inc. and hosted by Libbie Ray from Connected Event Group. This podcast provides listeners with behind the scenes access to some of the key innovators in our industry as they share their honest and raw insights. It highlights how collaboration, innovation and resilience are at the core of the events industry and the reasons we have managed to survive through the most challenging time our industry has faced. Get ready to learn more about the brave new world of the business events industry.
This season of ‘The Conference Collective’ Podcast was primarily recorded live at the PCOA25 conference, in Connected Event Group’s portable recording studio. We will be back recording new episodes at PCOA26, so please reach out to The PCOA if you are interested in starring as a guest for next season!
Episode 11
Calm Under Pressure with Dave Wood
In this episode of The Conference Collective, Dave joins Libbie Ray to unpack the difference between thriving under pressure and simply surviving it. Together they explore why recovery is just as important as performance, how leaders can create calm during challenging moments and the simple habits that build long-term resilience.
Whether you're managing a team, leading an event, or navigating the daily pressures of business, this conversation is packed with practical science-backed strategies you can implement immediately.
About Dave Wood
Dave Wood is a human performance expert and keynote speaker who simplifies the world of self-development with rare authenticity. Drawing on 12 years as an Intensive Care Paramedic and Professional Ocean Lifeguard, he brings real-world expertise in resilience, stress mitigation, and peak performance.
Dave’s own journey from debilitating pain to a pain-free life fuels his passion for radical ownership of physical and mental well-being. As founder of a thriving human performance business, he mentors elite athletes – including UFC champion Israel Adesanya and Emirates Team New Zealand – alongside professionals across diverse industries.
Dave is sponsored by Celebrity Speakers New Zealand – https://www.celebrityspeakers.co.nz/speakers/dave-wood
Thank you to our webinar and podcast partner for 2026 – Connected Event Group