PROGRAM ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Guided by the conference theme, “The Next Chapter – From Insight to Impact,” this year’s committee are creating a program that will deliver real impact for our community. Chair, Karen Sainsbury is supported by a diverse team of business events professionals collaborating to design an engaging, thought-provoking, and interactive program.
This marks the fourth consecutive year the PCOA has leveraged a Program Advisory Committee to shape its conference content.
Karen Sainsbury
Managing Director - Cornerstone Events
Karen is the heart and soul of Cornerstone Events. Her journey into hospitality quickly became a calling, culminating in the co-founding of Cornerstone Events in 2010. Driven by a vision to create meaningful, memorable experiences, Karen’s commitment to excellence shines through in her meticulous attention to detail and her unwavering dedication to delivering on every promise.
A true industry stalwart, Karen brings decades of experience, boundless passion, and a deeply personal touch to everything she does. Her ability to understand clients and craft experiences that exceed expectations has become a hallmark of the business.
As a Certified Meeting Professional and NSW Councillor on the PCOA Board, Karen is not only a leader within Cornerstone Events but also a respected voice across the conference and events industry. Her influence continues to shape standards and inspire peers nationwide.
Beyond work, Karen’s love for travel and wine-tasting adventures with her partner Kevin reflect her zest for life and curiosity about the world. Today, she remains at the helm of Cornerstone Events as Managing Director, guiding the team with wisdom, warmth, and an unshakeable belief in the power of connection.
Karen Sainsbury
Managing Director - Cornerstone Events
Karen is the heart and soul of Cornerstone Events. Her journey into hospitality quickly became a calling, culminating in the co-founding of Cornerstone Events in 2010. Driven by a vision to create meaningful, memorable experiences, Karen’s commitment to excellence shines through in her meticulous attention to detail and her unwavering dedication to delivering on every promise.
A true industry stalwart, Karen brings decades of experience, boundless passion, and a deeply personal touch to everything she does. Her ability to understand clients and craft experiences that exceed expectations has become a hallmark of the business.
As a Certified Meeting Professional and NSW Councillor on the PCOA Board, Karen is not only a leader within Cornerstone Events but also a respected voice across the conference and events industry. Her influence continues to shape standards and inspire peers nationwide.
Beyond work, Karen’s love for travel and wine-tasting adventures with her partner Kevin reflect her zest for life and curiosity about the world. Today, she remains at the helm of Cornerstone Events as Managing Director, guiding the team with wisdom, warmth, and an unshakeable belief in the power of connection.
Managing Director
Cornerstone Events
Phoebe Bowen
Communications and Events Officer - ACSI
Phoebe Bowen joined ACSI in April 2023. She holds a Bachelor of Media and Communications from La Trobe University, majoring in Media Industries with a minor in Social Media.
In her role as Communications and Events Officer, Phoebe works across the planning and coordination of ACSI conferences and events, supported by stakeholder communications and digital media, including social media design and content.
Phoebe contributes experience in events, communications, and digital engagement to the PCOA Program Advisory Committee.
Phoebe Bowen
Communications and Events Officer - ACSI
Phoebe Bowen joined ACSI in April 2023. She holds a Bachelor of Media and Communications from La Trobe University, majoring in Media Industries with a minor in Social Media.
In her role as Communications and Events Officer, Phoebe works across the planning and coordination of ACSI conferences and events, supported by stakeholder communications and digital media, including social media design and content.
Phoebe contributes experience in events, communications, and digital engagement to the PCOA Program Advisory Committee.
Communications and Events Officer
ACSI
Linda Brookes
Events Manager, NSW Health – Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHD)
I am a certified professional Event Manager with PCOA Inc. and bring more than 20 years of senior experience delivering high‑profile, strategically aligned events across NSW Health and the Mid North Coast Local Health District.
Between 2002-2008, I led the planning, sponsorship and delivery of major statewide initiatives including the NSW Health Awards, expos, symposiums and conferences, driving strong stakeholder engagement and operational excellence.
Following maternity leave, I transferred to MNCLHD in 2011 and relocated with my family to Coffs Harbour, where I continue to lead flagship corporate and recognition events that support organisational culture and strategic priorities.
Linda Brookes
Events Manager, NSW Health – Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHD)
I am a certified professional Event Manager with PCOA Inc. and bring more than 20 years of senior experience delivering high‑profile, strategically aligned events across NSW Health and the Mid North Coast Local Health District.
Between 2002-2008, I led the planning, sponsorship and delivery of major statewide initiatives including the NSW Health Awards, expos, symposiums and conferences, driving strong stakeholder engagement and operational excellence.
Following maternity leave, I transferred to MNCLHD in 2011 and relocated with my family to Coffs Harbour, where I continue to lead flagship corporate and recognition events that support organisational culture and strategic priorities.
Events Manager
NSW Health – Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHD)
Charlotte Emery
Project Manager - Conference Innovators Ltd
Charlotte is a Project Manager at Conference Innovators, where she has worked since 2015 delivering conferences and events across New Zealand and Australia. She has managed conference across the medical, legal, government and scientific sectors, bringing strategic oversight and meticulous attention to detail to each project.
Passionate about exceptional customer experiences, Charlotte is involved from concept to delivery, ensuring every event is executed with professionalism and style. Holding a Bachelor of Commerce, she brings strong financial and budget management expertise to all aspects of planning. Charlotte looks forward to contributing her practical insights and industry perspective as a member of the Program Advisory Committee.
Charlotte Emery
Project Manager - Conference Innovators Ltd
Charlotte is a Project Manager at Conference Innovators, where she has worked since 2015 delivering conferences and events across New Zealand and Australia. She has managed conference across the medical, legal, government and scientific sectors, bringing strategic oversight and meticulous attention to detail to each project.
Passionate about exceptional customer experiences, Charlotte is involved from concept to delivery, ensuring every event is executed with professionalism and style. Holding a Bachelor of Commerce, she brings strong financial and budget management expertise to all aspects of planning. Charlotte looks forward to contributing her practical insights and industry perspective as a member of the Program Advisory Committee.
Project Manager
Conference Innovators Ltd
Samantha Hart
Conference Manager - Conference Logistics (Conlog)
Samantha Hart is an event strategist with over 15 years’ experience delivering conferences and group events across Australia. At Conlog, she specialises in regional event solutions, sponsorship and exhibition growth, and program design that drives genuine delegate connection.
Thriving at the intersection of creativity and commerciality, Samantha builds experiences that achieve strong commercial outcomes while fostering meaningful human connection. A self-confessed numbers person, she enjoys uncovering opportunities within tight budgets and transforming them into high-impact results.
With foundations in five-star venues nationwide, she brings polished service standards, operational insight and collaborative leadership to every event she delivers.
Samantha Hart
Conference Manager - Conference Logistics (Conlog)
Samantha Hart is an event strategist with over 15 years’ experience delivering conferences and group events across Australia. At Conlog, she specialises in regional event solutions, sponsorship and exhibition growth, and program design that drives genuine delegate connection.
Thriving at the intersection of creativity and commerciality, Samantha builds experiences that achieve strong commercial outcomes while fostering meaningful human connection. A self-confessed numbers person, she enjoys uncovering opportunities within tight budgets and transforming them into high-impact results.
With foundations in five-star venues nationwide, she brings polished service standards, operational insight and collaborative leadership to every event she delivers.
Conference Manager
Conference Logistics (Conlog)
Meeghan Howard
Senior Conference and Operations Manager - Waldron Smith Management
Meeghan Howard is an accomplished events professional with 20 years’ experience delivering national and international conferences. She currently serves in a dual role as Senior Conference Manager and Operations Manager at WALDRONSMITH Management Australia, where she combines strategic oversight with meticulous operational delivery.
Meeghan specialises in end-to-end conference management, overseeing projects from concept development and stakeholder engagement through to onsite execution and post-event evaluation. Her strong attention to detail, structured approach and commitment to excellence ensure seamless delivery across logistics, budgets, governance and client communications.
In her operations capacity, Meeghan plays a key role in refining internal processes, strengthening systems and supporting team performance to drive consistent, high-quality outcomes. She is recognised for her calm leadership style, solutions-focused mindset and ability to manage complex moving parts while maintaining strong stakeholder relationships with clients, suppliers and team members.
Meeghan Howard
Senior Conference and Operations Manager - Waldron Smith Management
Meeghan Howard is an accomplished events professional with 20 years’ experience delivering national and international conferences. She currently serves in a dual role as Senior Conference Manager and Operations Manager at WALDRONSMITH Management Australia, where she combines strategic oversight with meticulous operational delivery.
Meeghan specialises in end-to-end conference management, overseeing projects from concept development and stakeholder engagement through to onsite execution and post-event evaluation. Her strong attention to detail, structured approach and commitment to excellence ensure seamless delivery across logistics, budgets, governance and client communications.
In her operations capacity, Meeghan plays a key role in refining internal processes, strengthening systems and supporting team performance to drive consistent, high-quality outcomes. She is recognised for her calm leadership style, solutions-focused mindset and ability to manage complex moving parts while maintaining strong stakeholder relationships with clients, suppliers and team members.
Senior Conference and Operations Manager
Waldron Smith Management
Megan Porter
Event Coordinator - RANZCOG
Megan Porter has over 15 years’ experience in the events industry, spanning government, private, and not‑for‑profit sectors. She has delivered virtual, hybrid, and large‑scale national and international conferences, symposia, and events.
Megan is passionate about working with industries that create meaningful impact, with a particular interest in women’s health and healthcare. She is currently part of the exceptional Events team at RANZCOG and is known for her calm approach, strong stakeholder relationships, and commitment to high‑quality event delivery.
Outside of work, Megan enjoys time with her nine‑year‑old daughter, her partner, and their energetic six‑month‑old Jack Russell puppy.
Megan Porter
Event Coordinator - RANZCOG
Megan Porter has over 15 years’ experience in the events industry, spanning government, private, and not‑for‑profit sectors. She has delivered virtual, hybrid, and large‑scale national and international conferences, symposia, and events.
Megan is passionate about working with industries that create meaningful impact, with a particular interest in women’s health and healthcare. She is currently part of the exceptional Events team at RANZCOG and is known for her calm approach, strong stakeholder relationships, and commitment to high‑quality event delivery.
Outside of work, Megan enjoys time with her nine‑year‑old daughter, her partner, and their energetic six‑month‑old Jack Russell puppy.
Event Coordinator
RANZCOG
Vivian Vo
Senior Conference Coordinator - Think Business Events
Vivian Vo is a Senior Conference Coordinator at Think Business Events, with five years of professional experience in the business events sector. She brings extensive expertise in the planning and delivery of conferences, working closely with clients, stakeholders, and speakers to support successful outcomes.
Her experience includes coordinating complex conference programs for events of over 1,500 delegates, liaising with clients, and managing venue and logistical requirements to ensure seamless delivery.
Vivian is recognised for her methodical, detail‑oriented approach and her professional, engaging manner when working with clients.
Vivian Vo
Senior Conference Coordinator - Think Business Events
Vivian Vo is a Senior Conference Coordinator at Think Business Events, with five years of professional experience in the business events sector. She brings extensive expertise in the planning and delivery of conferences, working closely with clients, stakeholders, and speakers to support successful outcomes.
Her experience includes coordinating complex conference programs for events of over 1,500 delegates, liaising with clients, and managing venue and logistical requirements to ensure seamless delivery.
Vivian is recognised for her methodical, detail‑oriented approach and her professional, engaging manner when working with clients.
Justin Voigt
Senior Events Manager - DNA Events & Travel
With over a decade of experience in events, Justin Voigt has worn many hats, spending much of his career as an in-house Event Manager across different sectors before making the move to DNA Events & Travel.
That shift opened a whole new side of the industry, one that’s challenged him to grow, learn new skills, and gain exposure to areas he’d never worked in before. It’s reignited his passion and deepened his appreciation for how dynamic our industry truly is.
Justin Voigt
Senior Events Manager - DNA Events & Travel
With over a decade of experience in events, Justin Voigt has worn many hats, spending much of his career as an in-house Event Manager across different sectors before making the move to DNA Events & Travel.
That shift opened a whole new side of the industry, one that’s challenged him to grow, learn new skills, and gain exposure to areas he’d never worked in before. It’s reignited his passion and deepened his appreciation for how dynamic our industry truly is.
Senior Events Manager
DNA Events & Travel
PCO Association, the premier organisation representing Event Management Professionals across Australia and New Zealand.
Contact us
Acknowledgement of country
The PCO Association acknowledges the traditional owners and custodians of Country throughout Australia and acknowledges their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the people, the Cultures and the elders past, present and emerging.
PCO Association © 2026. All rights reserved.