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
Entrepreneurial Insights and Building Lasting Partnerships with Jacqui Bates
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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 that don’t align with your business vision.
About Jacqui Bates:
Jacqui Bates is Director of The Conference Manager, a Melbourne based professional conference organising company established in 2008. She has worked in the meetings and events industry for over 30 years, holding both senior sales/marketing and operational management positions in the hospitality industry before becoming a Conference Organiser.
Jacqui’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-bates-53ba3915/
Website: https://www.theconferencemanager.net.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/
