The Conference Collective - Event Management Podcast Professional Conference Organisers Association

In this episode of The Conference Collective, we're joined by Rachel Hibble, who takes us on her inspiring career journey with OzHarvest, a leading organisation in the fight against food waste. Rachel shares insights into OzHarvest's current and future plans, shedding light on the profound impact of food waste on our environment. Delve into practical tips as Rachel discusses how organisations can play a pivotal role in reducing food waste and gain valuable insights into implementing sustainable practices on both event and organisational levels.


The conversation further extends beyond the professional sphere, with Rachel offering actionable advice on how individuals can make a difference in their own households. Join us for a thought-provoking exploration of how OzHarvest and Rachel Hibble are driving positive change and paving the way for a more sustainable future.


About Rachel Hibble:
Rachel comes from an agriculture and nutritional science background and has a great passion for advocating for purpose driven work, legacy, sustainable food systems, the power of people, education and community connection. Rachel has invested time into food relief and community capacity projects both in Colorado, USA and Zambia, Africa. Rachel has had a number of roles within OzHarvest including large scale food rescue and relief logistics, public health education, corporate partnerships, and now manages OzHarvest South Australia.


Rachel’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-hibble-504b74146/ 
OzHarvest Website: https://www.ozharvest.org/ 


About The PCOA:
The PCO Association is the leading body representing the interests of Professional Conference Organisers and Event Managers in Australia and New Zealand.


The Association’s objectives are 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 and other practitioners in the conference and event sector.


Website: www.pco.asn.au


About Connected Event Group: 
At Connected Event Group we offer innovation and creativity in audio-visual services and event production, employing technical solutions that help people and businesses communicate with each other. We’ve been translating event technologies for our clients for over two decades specialising in AV equipment and service, technical event production management and broadcasting, across a range of industries. We’re experts in making the impossible possible.


Website: www.connectedeventgroup.com


About Libbie Ray: 
Libbie Ray is the Director of Connected Event Group and the President of the Entrepreneurs Organisation Sydney. Libbie's 20 years of experience across marketing, events, technology, and broadcast production provides a well-rounded approach to the new world of events. Libbie's passionate about sharing her knowledge and insights and works with Skills IQ and TAFE to assist in the development of the training and education framework for her sector. 


Libbie’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/libbie-ray/ 

Join us on The Conference Collective Podcast as we sit down with Barry Neame, PCOA president, to discuss the association's plans for 2024 and beyond. Barry shares insights into the future of PCOA, outlining upcoming initiatives and goals, while sharing details about this year's focus on helping members navigate contract negotiations. Explore the pivotal role The PCOA plays in supporting the broader event industry, from fostering the next generation of event organisers, to providing crucial assistance for professionals and businesses within the field. Barry further sheds light on the collective strength that a unified voice brings to the industry, emphasising the power of collaboration over individual efforts. Tune in to the episode to find out more about PCOA member benefits and hear more of Barry’s career journey. 

About Barry Neame:
Barry Neame is a Director of Consec, Conference and Event Management and has extensive project and 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. And of course, we all know Barry as the President of The Professional Conference Organisers Association
Barry’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barry-neame-ab66b328/ 

About The PCOA:
The PCO Association is the leading body representing the interests of Professional Conference Organisers and Event Managers in Australia and New Zealand.
The Association’s objectives are 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 and other practitioners in the conference and event sector.
Website: www.pco.asn.au


About Connected Event Group: 
At Connected Event Group we offer innovation and creativity in audio-visual services and event production, employing technical solutions that help people and businesses communicate with each other. We’ve been translating event technologies for our clients for over two decades specialising in AV equipment and service, technical event production management and broadcasting, across a range of industries. We’re experts in making the impossible possible.
Website: www.connectedeventgroup.com


About Libbie Ray: 
Libbie Ray is the Director of Connected Event Group and the President of the Entrepreneurs Organisation Sydney. Libbie's 20 years of experience across marketing, events, technology, and broadcast production provides a well-rounded approach to the new world of events. Libbie's passionate about sharing her knowledge and insights and works with Skills IQ and TAFE to assist in the development of the training and education framework for her sector. 
Libbie’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/libbie-ray/


Questions
Where does The PCOA sit in the market?How does The PCOA support your members?Do you foresee any trends or changes in the near or far future for the industry?Do you foresee any challenges that the industry will face, and how do these challenges flow down onto The PCOA?What initiatives does PCOA plan for 2024? What are the legal pitfalls of venue contracts, and how can you avoid them?What advice would you give

On this episode of The Conference Collective, Mykel Dixon shares his insights on creating standout events that resonate with attendees. From challenging norms to embracing innovation, Mykel discusses the power of simplicity, creative thinking, and the courage to take risks. Discover how to connect with your audience, switch up your event, and gain practical advice for speakers and MCs, while learning about the need for us to break free from conventional event structures. 


About Mykel Dixon:
Mykel Dixon is an award-winning speaker, award winning author, professional musician and recognised authority of Creativity, Culture and the Human Future of Work. He works globally with a stellar cast of fortune 500 and ASX 200 listed companies who strive to make
work feel more like play, teams feel more like family, and organisations feel more like festivals of possibility.
Mykel’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mykeldixon/ 
Mykel’s Website: https://www.mykeldixon.com/ 

About The PCOA:
The PCO Association is the leading body representing the interests of Professional Conference Organisers and Event Managers in Australia and New Zealand.
The Association’s objectives are 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 and other practitioners in the conference and event sector.
Website: www.pco.asn.au


About Connected Event Group: 
At Connected Event Group we offer innovation and creativity in audio-visual services and event production, employing technical solutions that help people and businesses communicate with each other. We’ve been translating event technologies for our clients for over two decades specialising in AV equipment and service, technical event production management and broadcasting, across a range of industries. We’re experts in making the impossible possible.
Website: www.connectedeventgroup.com


About Libbie Ray: 
Libbie Ray is the Director of Connected Event Group and the President of the Entrepreneurs Organisation Sydney. Libbie's 20 years of experience across marketing, events, technology, and broadcast production provides a well-rounded approach to the new world of events. Libbie's passionate about sharing her knowledge and insights and works with Skills IQ and TAFE to assist in the development of the training and education framework for her sector. 
Libbie’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/libbie-ray/ 

In this episode of The Conference Collective Podcast we welcome Helen Oswald who shares her top tips on capturing prominent moments from your next event. Helen discusses how to maximise staging and what design features will have a positive impact on photograph composition. Helens warns you on common mistakes event organisers make that can detract from your images while shedding light on how an event photographer can add value for your sponsors and enhance your brand. Helen further shares ways in which event imagery can be used in marketing and promotional efforts in the future to get added value from your photographer. 


About Helen Oswald:
Helen is the owner and operator of Magnetic Shots, an event photography business which she started back in 2013 with her wife Megan, after moving home to Sydney from London.
Using the people and business skills she had learnt in hotels and restaurants, whilst travelling and working overseas, it was time to try her hand at running her own show.
Helen has always loved the visual arts, and it was back in school that she picked up photography to express herself after quickly learning that drawing wasn’t her forte.
Combining her passion for photography and events, she has refined her skills as both a photographer and business owner over the last 10 years. Helen now travels to capture her client’s amazing events all over Australia and so is rarely back at her Hunter Valley home to tend to the veggie garden. She doesn’t do it all alone, Magnetic Shots now with a team spread from Newcastle to Canberra who are equally passionate about event photography.
Magnetic Shots Website: https://magneticshots.com/ 
Helen’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helenoswaldphotographer/ 
Don't forget to email Helen at 'helen@magneticshots.com' to receive your free event photography guide!

About The PCOA: 
The PCO Association is the leading body representing the interests of Professional Conference Organisers and Event Managers in Australia and New Zealand.
The Association’s objectives are 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 and other practitioners in the conference and event sector.
Website: www.pco.asn.au


About Connected Event Group: 
At Connected Event Group we offer innovation and creativity in audio-visual services and event production, employing technical solutions that help people and businesses communicate with each other. We’ve been translating event technologies for our clients for over two decades specialising in AV production, content creation and broadcasting, across a range of industries. We’re experts in making the impossible possible.
Website: www.connectedeventgroup.com


About Libbie Ray: 
Libbie Ray is the Director of Connected Event Group and the President of the Entrepreneurs Organisation Sydney. Libbie's 20 years of experience across marketing, events, technology, and broadcast production provides a well-rounded approach to the new world of events. Libbie's passionate about sharing her knowledge and insights and works with Skills IQ and TAFE to assist in the development of the training and education framework for her sector. 
Libbie’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/libbie-ray/ 

In this episode of The Conference Collective Podcast we welcome Belinda Meredith who discusses the significant waste problems in the exhibition and event space along with the sustainability practices that event organisers, stand builders, and exhibitors can implement to combat this. Belinda also draws attention to the impact that an event’s venue has upon stand design and further highlights the benefits of innovation when designing your exhibition booth.


About Belinda Meredith:
Belinda is an event professional, of nearly 25 years. Having studied a Bachelor of Business & Events Management, she started her career as an Event Manager working across a range of different sectors: NFP, public and private, including Brisbane International Airport, The Gabba Corporate Suites, Landscape Queensland and Spotless Services at South Bank Institute of TAFE. 
In 2013 Belinda made the decision to transfer her venue knowledge and event planning skills to the supply side of business events; And along with her husband Tom Meredith, and business partners David and Keryn Coulthard started a new exhibitions company, Outstanding Displays – supplying quality, sustainable and modern exhibition infrastructure to the Business Events sector.  
Belinda is passionate about working collaboratively with event managers and venues to deliver unique, memorable event experiences. Her key focus is on education relating to sustainable exhibitions and how to develop intrinsic networking opportunities to improve overall delegate and sponsor satisfaction.
Outstanding Displays Website: https://outstandingdisplays.com.au/ 
Belinda’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/belinda-meredith-b09503188/ 


About The PCOA: 
The PCO Association is the leading body representing the interests of Professional Conference Organisers and Event Managers in Australia and New Zealand.
The Association’s objectives are 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 and other practitioners in the conference and event sector.
Website: www.pco.asn.au


About Connected Event Group: 
At Connected Event Group we offer innovation and creativity in audio-visual services and event production, employing technical solutions that help people and businesses communicate with each other. We’ve been translating event technologies for our clients for over two decades specialising in AV production, content creation and broadcasting, across a range of industries. We’re experts in making the impossible possible.
Website: www.connectedeventgroup.com


About Libbie Ray: 
Libbie Ray is the Director of Connected Event Group and the President of the Entrepreneurs Organisation Sydney. Libbie's 20 years of experience across marketing, events, technology, and broadcast production provides a well-rounded approach to the new world of events. Libbie's passionate about sharing her knowledge and insights and works with Skills IQ and TAFE to assist in the development of the training and education framework for her sector. 
Libbie’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/libbie-ray/ 

In this episode of The Conference Collective Podcast we welcome Liliana Sanelli who takes us through the process of creating and implementing The Legacy Centenary Torch Relay 2023 event for Legacy Australia. Liliana sheds light on the challenges the team faced throughout both the planning and execution stages of the event, along with how she managed to keep the team motivated across this large international project. Liliana further shares with us a few of her core memories while working on the event, from meeting The King to partnering with the band KISS.
Find out more about the The Legacy Centenary Torch Relay 2023 event:  https://legacytorchrelay.com.au/ 

About Liliana Sanelli:
Producing life-changing events, Liliana Sanelli is the CEO of The Perfect Events Group. With a Masters of Business in Events and over 25 years of experience in the industry producing over 1000 world renowned events across Australia and overseas including:


The Leukaemia Foundation World’s Greatest Shave for a Cure2000 Sydney OlympicsThe Melbourne International Film FestivalArnold Schwarzenegger Family WalkFred Hollows Foundation launch in Los AngelesAl Gore exclusive function in SydneyOlivia Newton John Walk & GalaPrime Minister of Australia Literary AwardsCity of Melbourne Lord Mayor’s Student WelcomeVMC: Premier’s Gala DinnerMAV Technology ConferenceEqual Access for Autism Inaugural GalaThe Legacy Centenary Torch Relay 2023Liliana is a key industry thought leader in event production and strategy, fundraising, building key partnerships and sponsorships. She has spoken to thousands of students across Australia on the event industry over the past decade.
Perfect Events Website: https://www.theperfecteventsgroup.com.au/ 
Liliana’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lilianasanelli/ 


About The PCOA: 
The PCO Association is the leading body representing the interests of Professional Conference Organisers and Event Managers in Australia and New Zealand.
The Association’s objectives are 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 and other practitioners in the conference and event sector.
Website: www.pco.asn.au


About Connected Event Group: 
At Connected Event Group we offer innovation and creativity in audio-visual services and event production, employing technical solutions that help people and businesses communicate with each other. We’ve been translating event technologies for our clients for over two decades specialising in AV production, content creation and broadcasting, across a range of industries. We’re experts in making the impossible possible.
Website: www.connectedeventgroup.com


About Libbie Ray: 
Libbie Ray is the Director of Connected Event Group and the President of the Entrepreneurs Organisation Sydney. Libbie's 20 years of experience across marketing, events, technology, and broadcast production provides a well-rounded approach to the new world of events. Libbie's passionate about sharing her knowledge and insights and works with Skills IQ and TAFE to assist in the development of the training and education framework for her sector. 
Libbie’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/libbie-ray/