The Conference Collective - Event Management Podcast

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Aug 2026

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About the show

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 PCOA24 conference, in Connected Event Group’s portable recording studio. We will be back recording new episodes at PCOA25, so please reach out to The PCOA if you are interested in starring as a guest for next season! About The PCOA: The PCO Association Inc. 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, a full-service technical production company that utilises creative AV solutions to produce innovative and meaningful event experiences. With 20 years of experience across marketing, events, technology, and broadcast production, Libbie brings a well-rounded approach to the new world of events. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, Libbie is particularly enthusiastic about the potential of AI to transform the industry and is dedicated to sharing her wealth of knowledge with her sector. She also serves as a Global Learning Ambassador for the Entrepreneurs' Organisation, further amplifying her impact on the industry. Libbie’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/libbie-ray/

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46 recent

August 18, 2026Episode 936 min

Scaling Smarter: Matt Elliott’s Guide for Leaders

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 strategically. Matt also dives into how these principles apply specifically to the business events industry. From designing experiences that engage audiences to creating organisational cultures that thrive under pressure, he shares real-world examples and actionable strategies that listeners can apply immediately. The Change Room Website: https://thechangeroom.info/ Matt's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-elliott-09132ba3/ 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: Connected Event Group delivers innovative audio-visual services, event production, and digital experiences that help people and businesses connect in meaningful ways. With over two decades of experience, the team specialises in AV equipment and services, technical event production management, broadcasting, and interactive event technology across a wide range of industries. In 2026, Connected Event Group expanded its offering with the launch of Connected Apps, a dedicated branch focused on custom event apps, business platforms, fast websites, and AI-powered automation. Designed for live environments, these solutions bridge the gap between creative vision and real-world delivery, ensuring technology performs on site, on the day. Website: www.connectedeventgroup.com About Libbie Ray: Libbie Ray is the Director of Connected Event Group and Founder of Connected Apps. With 20 years of experience spanning marketing, events, technology, and broadcast production, Libbie brings a holistic and forward-thinking perspective to the evolving events landscape. A strong advocate for innovation, Libbie is particularly passionate about the role of digital platforms and AI in shaping the future of live and hybrid events. Libbie’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/libbie-ray/ Send us Fan Mail

July 28, 2026Episode 835 min

What High-Performing Event Marketing Teams Do Differently with Kelly Harvey

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 the evolving world of event marketing. They discuss audience research, attendee behaviour, personalisation, registration conversion strategies, AI-powered insights and the growing importance of creating meaningful experiences that extend well beyond registration. Events Air: https://www.eventsair.com/ Kelly's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellynewbery/ 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: Connected Event Group delivers innovative audio-visual services, event production, and digital experiences that help people and businesses connect in meaningful ways. With over two decades of experience, the team specialises in AV equipment and services, technical event production management, broadcasting, and interactive event technology across a wide range of industries. In 2026, Connected Event Group expanded its offering with the launch of Connected Apps, a dedicated branch focused on custom event apps, business platforms, fast websites, and AI-powered automation. Designed for live environments, these solutions bridge the gap between creative vision and real-world delivery, ensuring technology performs on site, on the day. Website: www.connectedeventgroup.com About Libbie Ray: Libbie Ray is the Director of Connected Event Group and Founder of Connected Apps. With 20 years of experience spanning marketing, events, technology, and broadcast production, Libbie brings a holistic and forward-thinking perspective to the evolving events landscape. A strong advocate for innovation, Libbie is particularly passionate about the role of digital platforms and AI in shaping the future of live and hybrid events. Libbie’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/libbie-ray/ Send us Fan Mail

July 8, 2026Episode 733 min

Why Every Event Needs a Crisis Plan with Mark Schloesser

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 lessons learned during COVID to the importance of empowering teams, improving communication and identifying vulnerabilities before they become problems, this conversation offers a valuable framework for anyone responsible for delivering successful events in an increasingly unpredictable world. Mark's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-schloesser-099966/ 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: Connected Event Group delivers innovative audio-visual services, event production, and digital experiences that help people and businesses connect in meaningful ways. With over two decades of experience, the team specialises in AV equipment and services, technical event production management, broadcasting, and interactive event technology across a wide range of industries. In 2026, Connected Event Group expanded its offering with the launch of Connected Apps, a dedicated branch focused on custom event apps, business platforms, fast websites, and AI-powered automation. Designed for live environments, these solutions bridge the gap between creative vision and real-world delivery, ensuring technology performs on site, on the day. Website: www.connectedeventgroup.com About Libbie Ray: Libbie Ray is the Director of Connected Event Group and Founder of Connected Apps. With 20 years of experience spanning marketing, events, technology, and broadcast production, Libbie brings a holistic and forward-thinking perspective to the evolving events landscape. A strong advocate for innovation, Libbie is particularly passionate about the role of digital platforms and AI in shaping the future of live and hybrid events. Libbie’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/libbie-ray/ Send us Fan Mail

June 16, 2026Episode 623 min

How Economics Shapes Innovation and Events with Shamubeel Eaqub

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 discusses actionable strategies for leaders to make better data-driven decisions. From identifying opportunities in disruption to leveraging insights for innovative solutions, this episode provides practical takeaways for anyone looking to future-proof their organisation while remaining grounded in evidence-based thinking. Website: https://www.eaqub.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eaqub/ 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: Connected Event Group delivers innovative audio-visual services, event production, and digital experiences that help people and businesses connect in meaningful ways. With over two decades of experience, the team specialises in AV equipment and services, technical event production management, broadcasting, and interactive event technology across a wide range of industries. In 2026, Connected Event Group expanded its offering with the launch of Connected Apps, a dedicated branch focused on custom event apps, business platforms, fast websites, and AI-powered automation. Designed for live environments, these solutions bridge the gap between creative vision and real-world delivery, ensuring technology performs on site, on the day. Website: www.connectedeventgroup.com About Libbie Ray: Libbie Ray is the Director of Connected Event Group and Founder of Connected Apps. With 20 years of experience spanning marketing, events, technology, and broadcast production, Libbie brings a holistic and forward-thinking perspective to the evolving events landscape. A strong advocate for innovation, Libbie is particularly passionate about the role of digital platforms and AI in shaping the future of live and hybrid events. Libbie’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/libbie-ray/ Send us Fan Mail

May 26, 2026Episode 532 min

From Culture Fit to Culture Add with Joe Consedine

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 and innovation, this conversation explores how organisations can remain relevant in a rapidly shifting world. Libbie and Joe unpack practical ways to move beyond performative DEI, open up safe dialogue across generations, rethink recruitment from “culture fit” to “culture add,” and design events and workplaces that amplify diverse voices. About Joe Consedine Joe is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading voices on inclusion. A highly engaging and in-demand speaker and consultant to a range of organisations and industries in New Zealand and globally, Joe has a unique ability to unite audiences around why inclusion is such a critical capability for individuals and organisations to adopt to survive and thrive in a diverse and complex future of work. Joe is a former Director of Champions for Change with Global Women where he worked with New Zealand’s leading 80 Chief Executives and Board Chairs on scaled Diversity Equity and Inclusion strategies for Aotearoa, New Zealand. Joe’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeconsedinenz/ 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: Connected Event Group delivers innovative audio-visual services, event production, and digital experiences that help people and businesses connect in meaningful ways. With over two decades of experience, the team specialises in AV equipment and services, technical event production management, broadcasting, and interactive event technology across a wide range of industries. In 2026, Connected Event Group expanded its offering with the launch of Connected Apps, a dedicated branch focused on custom event apps, business platforms, fast websites, and AI-powered automation. Designed for live environments, these solutions bridge the gap between creative vision and real-world delivery, ensuring technology performs on site, on the day. Website: www.connectedeventgroup.com About Libbie Ray: Libbie Ray is the Director of Connected Event Group and Founder of Connected Apps. With 20 years of experience spanning marketing, events, technology, and broadcast production, Libbie brings a holistic and forward-thinking perspective to the evolving events landscape. A strong advocate for innovation, Libbie is particularly passionate about the role of digital platforms and AI in shaping the future of live and hybrid events. Libbie’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/libbie-ray/ Send us Fan Mail

May 6, 2026Episode 437 min

Real-Time Resilience for High-Pressure Humans with Dr Lucy Hone

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 conversation explores what actually helps people stay steady in high-pressure environments. Together, Lucy and Libbie unpack practical tools for real-time resilience, how to sit with difficult emotions, why community is critical, and how leaders can reduce burnout by creating clarity, fairness and psychological safety in their teams. About Dr Lucy Hone Dr Lucy Hone is a bestselling author and resilience researcher who helps people and organisations turn disruption into opportunity. Her work bridges science and real-world experience, showing audiences how to stay steady, connected and effective in times of change. Lucy’s TED Talk Three Secrets of Resilient People -now ranked by TEDx as one of the Top 100 “must-watch” talks of all time - has inspired more than nine million viewers worldwide. Her forthcoming book How Will I Ever Get Through This? shares fresh insights on thriving through uncertainty with clarity, compassion and confidence. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlucyhone/ Website: https://www.drlucyhone.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: Connected Event Group delivers innovative audio-visual services, event production, and digital experiences that help people and businesses connect in meaningful ways. With over two decades of experience, the team specialises in AV equipment and services, technical event production management, broadcasting, and interactive event technology across a wide range of industries. In 2026, Connected Event Group expanded its offering with the launch of Connected Apps, a dedicated branch focused on custom event apps, business platforms, fast websites, and AI-powered automation. Designed for live environments, these solutions bridge the gap between creative vision and real-world delivery, ensuring technology performs on site, on the day. Website: www.connectedeventgroup.com About Libbie Ray: Libbie Ray is the Director of Connected Event Group and Founder of Connected Apps. With 20 years of experience spanning marketing, events, technology, and broadcast production, Libbie brings a holistic and forward-thinking perspective to the evolving events landscape. A strong advocate for innovation, Libbie is particularly passionate about the role of digital platforms and AI in shaping the future of live and hybrid events. Libbie’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/libbie-ray/ Send us Fan Mail

April 13, 2026Episode 335 min

Response-Ability: The Secret to Powerful Leadership with Lisa O'Neill

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 about what you do and more about who you choose to be. Practical, honest and energising, this conversation is a reminder that in high-pressure industries like events, your energy isn’t optional. It’s your job. About Lisa O'Neill: For over two decades, Lisa O'Neill has been electrifying audiences with her unique ability to deliver profound messages through side-splitting humour. After watching countless people struggle with energy, leadership and personal growth, Lisa discovered that transformation happens when hard truths are delivered with lightness and laughter. Lisa's Website: https://www.lisaoneill.co.nz/ Lisa's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisaonz/ 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: Connected Event Group delivers innovative audio-visual services, event production, and digital experiences that help people and businesses connect in meaningful ways. With over two decades of experience, the team specialises in AV equipment and services, technical event production management, broadcasting, and interactive event technology across a wide range of industries. In 2026, Connected Event Group expanded its offering with the launch of Connected Apps, a dedicated branch focused on custom event apps, business platforms, fast websites, and AI-powered automation. Designed for live environments, these solutions bridge the gap between creative vision and real-world delivery, ensuring technology performs on site, on the day. Website: www.connectedeventgroup.com About Libbie Ray: Libbie Ray is the Director of Connected Event Group and Founder of Connected Apps. With 20 years of experience spanning marketing, events, technology, and broadcast production, Libbie brings a holistic and forward-thinking perspective to the evolving events landscape. A strong advocate for innovation, Libbie is particularly passionate about the role of digital platforms and AI in shaping the future of live and hybrid events. Libbie’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/libbie-ray/ Send us Fan Mail

March 24, 2026Episode 234 min

How The Creator Economy Is Reshaping Events with Brooke Howard-Smith

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 outperform traditional production models, and why “always-on” content is becoming essential for event growth. The conversation moves from big-picture tech shifts to practical actions event organisers can take now, from lowering barriers to content creation to building advocacy and trust in an attention-scarce world. Expect equal parts optimism, realism and actionable insight for anyone navigating rapid change in events, marketing or business. About Brooke Howard-Smith Brooke Howard-Smith is a futurist and entrepreneur with a decade leading ventures in AI, extended reality, and the creator economy. A former X Games medallist and TV presenter, he co-founded global brand Senate, talent agency WeAreTENZING, and Non Fungible Labs/Futureverse, the first Māori-founded tech unicorn. He has led major New Zealand fundraisers, including work that helped find a cure for Batten’s disease, and now fronts projects like NZCreatorCon and NZRenoTok, following his appearance on The Traitors in 2023. Brooke’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brookehowardsmith/ NZCreatorCon: https://nzcreatorcon.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: Connected Event Group delivers innovative audio-visual services, event production, and digital experiences that help people and businesses connect in meaningful ways. With over two decades of experience, the team specialises in AV equipment and services, technical event production management, broadcasting, and interactive event technology across a wide range of industries. In 2026, Connected Event Group expanded its offering with the launch of Connected Apps, a dedicated branch focused on custom event apps, business platforms, fast websites, and AI-powered automation. Designed for live environments, these solutions bridge the gap between creative vision and real-world delivery, ensuring technology performs on site, on the day. Website: www.connectedeventgroup.com About Libbie Ray: Libbie Ray is the Director of Connected Event Group and Founder of Connected Apps. With 20 years of experience spanning marketing, events, technology, and broadcast production, Libbie brings a holistic and forward-thinking perspective to the evolving events landscape. A strong advocate for innovation, Libbie is particularly passionate about the role of digital platforms and AI in shaping the future of live and hybrid events. Libbie’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/libbie-ray/ Send us Fan Mail

March 10, 2026Episode 136 min

Resilience, Loss and the Impact of Kindness with Kath Koschel

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 thought-provoking discussion on how small actions can create meaningful change - for individuals, organisations and the wider events community. About Kath Koschel 2024 Australian of the Year, Kath Koschel is a former professional cricketer and Ironman competitor whose world came crashing down when she broke her back twice in the span of five years and was told that she would never walk again. Instead, she faced the challenges head-on and defied all medical prognosis by teaching herself to walk again on three separate occasions. Driven by a passion to spread gratitude and kindness in the world, she founded Kindness Factory™ with the goal of encouraging one million acts of kindness. To date, Kindness Factory has recorded over 7 million acts of kindness and is now a registered not-for-profit in three countries. Kath’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kath-koschel-74044436/ Kindness Factory: https://kindnessfactory.com/ Kath’s Website: https://kathkoschel.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: Connected Event Group delivers innovative audio-visual services, event production, and digital experiences that help people and businesses connect in meaningful ways. With over two decades of experience, the team specialises in AV equipment and services, technical event production management, broadcasting, and interactive event technology across a wide range of industries. In 2026, Connected Event Group expanded its offering with the launch of Connected Apps, a dedicated branch focused on custom event apps, business platforms, fast websites, and AI-powered automation. Designed for live environments, these solutions bridge the gap between creative vision and real-world delivery, ensuring technology performs on site, on the day. Website: www.connectedeventgroup.com About Libbie Ray: Libbie Ray is the Director of Connected Event Group and Founder of Connected Apps. With 20 years of experience spanning marketing, events, technology, and broadcast production, Libbie brings a holistic and forward-thinking perspective to the evolving events landscape. A strong advocate for innovation, Libbie is particularly passionate about the role of digital platforms and AI in shaping the future of live and hybrid events. Libbie’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/libbie-ray/ Send us Fan Mail

November 9, 2025Episode 946 min

Next Horizon Thinking: How to Future-Proof Your Events with Ashton Bishop

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 your event messaging stand out. Ashton shares actionable insights on how to elevate your events with smarter tech decisions, stronger messaging, and a clearer vision for the future. About Ashton Bishop: When it comes to speakers, Ashton is of the rare variety, in that he’s actually out in the field applying his theories and working the tools with some of Australia’s largest brands every day. This is because he believes that with things changing so quickly the only way to constantly provide value to audiences is to be a part of the madness. Ashton has spent over 20 years working internationally on some of the world’s biggest brands, running million-dollar campaigns for billion-dollar brands - specialising in Predatory Marketing - pinpointing how brands can grow by outsmarting their competitors. He’s a business owner and serial entrepreneur, always challenging, often controversial, and always focused on what gets results. Step Change website: https://www.hellostepchange.com/ Ashton's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashtonbishop/ 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: Connected Event Group delivers innovative audio-visual services, event production, and digital experiences that help people and businesses connect in meaningful ways. With over two decades of experience, the team specialises in AV equipment and services, technical event production management, broadcasting, and interactive event technology across a wide range of industries. In 2026, Connected Event Group expanded its offering with the launch of Connected Apps, a dedicated branch focused on custom event apps, business platforms, fast websites, and AI-powered automation. Designed for live environments, these solutions bridge the gap between creative vision and real-world delivery, ensuring technology performs on site, on the day. Website: www.connectedeventgroup.com About Libbie Ray: Libbie Ray is the Director of Connected Event Group and Founder of Connected Apps. With 20 years of experience spanning marketing, events, technology, and broadcast production, Libbie brings a holistic and forward-thinking perspective to the evolving events landscape. A strong advocate for innovation, Libbie is particularly passionate about the role of digital platforms and AI in shaping the future of live and hybrid events. She is committed to sharing knowledge across the industry and works closely with Skills IQ and TAFE to support the development of training and education frameworks that prepare the next generation of event professionals. Libbie’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/libbie-ray/ Send us Fan Mail