The Conference Collective - Event Management Podcast
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/
The Conference Collective - Event Management Podcast
Events as a Catalyst for Change with Karen Bolinger
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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 sustainability measures will impact the future of events.
About Karen Bolinger:
Karen Bolinger is an innovative, outcome-driven C-suite executive with over 30 years of experience across government, commercial, public-private partnerships, and not-for-profit sectors in the Visitor Economy. She has held senior roles in convention bureaus, hotels, and major events, including developing some of Australia’s largest trade shows. Karen’s strategic leadership has transformed businesses in highly contested markets, delivering results beyond traditional measures.
Karen’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-bolinger/
Website: https://goldcoastevents.com.au/
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/
