The Conference Collective - Event Management Podcast

Dave Wood has spent his career performing when the stakes are at their highest. From 12 years as an intensive care paramedic and professional ocean lifeguard to coaching elite athletes and business leaders, he understands what it takes to remain calm when everything around you feels chaotic. In this episode of The Conference Collective, Dave joins Libbie Ray to unpack the difference between thrivi...

Julian Moore explores the intersection of technology, leadership, and human connection in this episode. He shares insights on how leaders can embrace digital innovation while keeping people at the centre of their strategies. From event design to organisational culture, Julian provides practical examples of how technology can amplify human potential rather than replace it. Listeners will also gain...

In this episode, Matt Elliott shares his insights on navigating the challenges of modern business and leadership. He explores how organisations can embrace change, innovate proactively, and build teams that are resilient and adaptive in an ever-evolving landscape. Whether you’re leading a company, a project, or an event, Matt’s practical advice will help you anticipate obstacles and respond strate...

What really sets high-performing event marketing teams apart? It’s not bigger budgets or larger teams. Kelly Harvey believes success comes from understanding your audience, clearly positioning your event, making smart use of data and maintaining a relentless focus on reducing friction throughout the attendee journey. In this episode, Libbie Ray sits down with Kelly Harvey from EventsAir to explore...

For many event professionals, crisis management is something that sits on a checklist until it's needed. But as recent years have shown, disruption can come from anywhere and at any time. In this episode, Libbie Ray sits down with venue development and operations expert Mark Schloesser to explore how event organisers, venues and suppliers can build stronger, more resilient businesses.  From l...

Shamubeel Eaqub, economist and author, unpacks the economic trends shaping our world and what they mean for leaders and organisations. He shares how businesses can anticipate change, plan strategically, and stay resilient in the face of uncertainty. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how macroeconomic shifts affect their industries and the events sector specifically. Shamubeel also disc...

Recorded live at the PCOA25 Conference in Christchurch, this episode of The Conference Collective features inclusion strategist Joe Consedine. Joe shares his journey from traditional corporate leadership into diversity, equity and inclusion, and why he believes inclusion is not a moral add-on but a commercial imperative. From demographic change and future talent pipelines to psychological safety a...

Recorded live at the PCOA25 Conference in New Zealand, this episode of The Conference Collective features resilience researcher and bestselling author Dr Lucy Hone. Dr Lucy shares the deeply personal journey that shaped her work in resilience, alongside the science behind how humans adapt to disruption. From her globally recognised TEDx Talk to her latest research on “living losses”, this conversa...

Recorded live at the PCOA25 Conference in New Zealand, this episode of The Conference Collective features leadership expert Lisa O'Neill. Known for delivering hard truths with humour, Lisa shares her powerful perspective on responsibility, energy and what it truly means to lead. She unpacks the idea of “response-ability”, the importance of setting clear boundaries, and why leadership is less...

Recorded live at PCOA25, this episode of The Conference Collective Podcast features futurist and entrepreneur Brooke Howard-Smith in conversation with Libbie Ray. Together they explore how AI, the creator economy and changing audience behaviour are transforming the business events industry. Brooke shares why conferences should think like media companies, how empowering delegate-creators can outper...

Recorded live at PCOA25 in New Zealand, Libbie Ray sits down with Kath Koschel to explore the real impact of kindness on leadership, workplace culture and human connection. The conversation unpacks the difference between being nice and being kind, the science behind psychological safety, and why empathy, communication and positive intent drive stronger teams and better outcomes. A practical and th...

In this episode of The Conference Collective , we’re joined by Ashton Bishop , strategy expert and award-winning keynote speaker, to explore how event professionals can apply Next Horizon Thinking to stay competitive in a fast-moving landscape. We dive into the power of AV technology as a strategic tool, the importance of long-term innovation in event planning, and how Predatory Marketing can help...

Anthony Laye reveals the power of understanding human behavior in business and events. In this episode, he shares strategies for reading body language, responding to client feedback, and ensuring your communication resonates deeply. He emphasizes the importance of embodying the words you speak and developing consistent, small habits to improve your communication skills. About Anthony Laye: Behavio...

Jacqui shares her journey from hotels to starting her own business, revealing the lessons learned along the way. She talks about the importance of training, mentorship, and fostering relationships in the event industry. Jacqui also discusses the challenges of running a business in an industry with frequent turnover, the value of word-of-mouth marketing, and the importance of turning down clients t...

Dr. Sean Richardson draws from his experience in high-intensity sports to discuss how to perform at the highest level under pressure. In this episode, he reveals strategies for managing stress, preventing burnout, and creating successful, resilient teams. He also explores the importance of clearly defined company values and how leadership can model these values for their teams, all while navigatin...

In this episode, Karen Bolinger shares her journey through the events industry and discusses how events can be more than just a good time - they can be a catalyst for intellectual and social impact. She talks about the importance of educating government bodies about the long-term value events bring to communities, how bold thinking from other industries can inspire the event sector, and how sustai...

Dr. Louise Mahler discusses the intersection of performance and communication, emphasising how to incorporate confidence-building techniques into everyday business practices. She talks about how your voice, tone, and body language can influence customer trust and experience, and how confidence isn’t just a mindset - it’s a skill that must be practiced. She also delves into how communication has ev...

Join us as we chat with Kelly Maynard about her unique journey from working in hotels to leading Business Events Australia. Kelly takes us through her experiences traveling the world and attending events as a customer, using those insights to shape how Tourism Australia supports and promotes business events. She dives into the impact of the business events sector on Australia's economy, the s...

In this episode, we sit down with Lauren Parsons to explore the art of thriving under pressure, particularly in the fast-paced and often stressful world of events. Lauren shares how resilience, mindset, and self-care techniques—like exercise, breathwork, and creating non-negotiables—are essential for boosting productivity without burning out. She also discusses how leaders can foster emotional con...

Adam Spencer explores the exciting role AI will play in the future of events, from overcoming language barriers to personalising marketing efforts. He discusses how improvisation skills, along with preparation and AI collaboration, can make a world of difference for MCs and event professionals. Adam also looks at how AI is reshaping industries, including health and sustainability, and how event pr...

Join us on The Conference Collective as Nicole White delves into the crucial topic of self-care in the bustling world of events. Nicole emphasises the importance of personal well-being for professionals in the industry, highlighting how taking time for oneself contributes to enhanced performance and productivity. Discover practical mindfulness tips as Nicole shares insights on finding balance in a...

In this episode of The Conference Collective, Darrell Hardidge takes centre stage to unravel the intricacies of customer success in the realm of business events. Join us as we delve into the critical role of analytics and reporting in monitoring client satisfaction, event success, and attendee engagement. Darrell sheds light on common pitfalls affecting client happiness and emphasises the pivotal...

In this episode of The Conference Collective, we are thrilled to welcome Rebecca Wessels, the founder and CEO of Ochre Dawn, to discuss the transformative power of Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs). Rebecca shares her insights on what RAPs are and why they are crucial for businesses aiming to foster inclusivity and reconciliation within their communities. Learn practical steps for incorporating a...

On this episode of The Conference Collective, dive into the enchanting world of music, events, and well-being with our guest, Ciaran Gribbin. Throughout the episode, Ciaran discusses his rich background in the music and events industries, offering a unique perspective on the intersection of sound and health within our personal lives, and in our events. Ciaran further delves into the profound healt...

In this episode of The Conference Collective, Dr. Lucy Mercer-Mapstone shares invaluable insights on fostering inclusivity and safety in business events. Join us as we explore the nuances of planning for accessibility and discover small, impactful changes that can be implemented to make events more inclusive. Dr. Mercer-Mapstone highlights common pitfalls in event planning and discusses the system...