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Our team

Lidia Dalton

Founder and Managing
Director

Lidia Dalton

With over 30 years of experience in the meetings and events industry, Lidia is the Founder and Managing Director of Expert Events. Known for her ability to create unforgettable events of any scale, Lidia is committed to delivering the best possible experience and outcome for every client. Her reputation in the industry is unparalleled, and her accreditation from the Professional Conference Organisers Association (PCOA) makes her a highly sought-after event professional. When she's not working, you can find Lidia in the kitchen whipping up a delicious meal or cheering on her son from the sidelines at his soccer matches.

About Lidia

Michele Zavaglia

Marketing & Operations Manager

Michele Zavaglia

Michele is responsible for overseeing the daily operations at Expert Events and providing clients with strategic business and marketing support. Her extensive experience in marketing, strategic planning, and event management spans over 25 years, backed by her degree in Economics and Marketing. Prior to joining Expert Events, Michele had the privilege of working with renowned companies such as Sony Australia, Flight Centre Travel Group, Albatross Tours and Allianz Partners. She is highly respected for her innovative ideas that bring value to clients and her exceptional ability to handle multiple projects. During her leisure time, Michele loves to explore new places, go hiking, and spend quality time with her family.

About Michele

Lisa Bentley

Finance Administrator

Lisa Bentley

As our Finance Administrator, Lisa's meticulous attention to detail and unwavering accuracy are essential. Her duties involve overseeing the daily accounting transactions and maintaining the financial records of both our clients and Expert Events. Boasting a professional career that spans over 25 years, Lisa has honed her financial, administrative, and clerical skills by working with a diverse range of companies and government organisations. Her expertise is invaluable in providing support to the Expert Events team and our clients. Outside of the Expert Events office, Lisa enjoys various forms of art, reading, travelling, socialising with family and friends, and she is a fanatical soccer fan.

About Lisa

Vanessa Knight

Senior Event Manager

Vanessa Knight

Vanessa oversees the management of many of our national and international conferences and events and has been working with associations since 2015. With nearly two decades of experience in event management and administration, Vanessa holds a Diploma in the field and has worked in various event roles in Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. One of her career highlights was managing a variety of outdoor public events for the Calgary Downtown Association in Canada, including their annual Canada Day celebration, which attracted over 10,000 attendees. Vanessa's ability to remain calm under pressure, her exceptional work ethic and her keen attention to detail has contributed to her success in delivering highly acclaimed events for our clients. In her free time, Vanessa enjoys going to musicals, online shopping, travelling and spending quality time with her daughter.

About Vanessa

Zoe Keogh

Event Manager

Zoe Keogh

Zoe brings 15 years of expertise in event planning and project management, specialising in professional conferences and business events. She holds a Bachelor of International Hotel & Tourism Management (Event Management) from The University of Queensland, and has extensive experience working across business events, tourism development and corporate partnerships. Zoe is focused on exceeding client expectations to deliver impactful events that drive meaningful business outcomes. Outside of the office, Zoe enjoys quality time with her family, loves a weekend visit to a local farmers market, and is forever searching for the perfect chocolate chip cookie recipe.

About Zoe

Barbara Lawless

Event Manager

Barbara Lawless

Barb is passionate about organising events and bringing people together to share ideas. Her dedication plays a crucial role in the success of the events she manages. She holds a degree in Hotel, Tourism and Event Management and has worked with renowned organisations, including rural health agencies and five-star hotels including the Hilton and InterContinental. Barb is known for her exceptional communication skills, attention to detail and enthusiasm, which make our clients' events unforgettable. When not managing conferences, Barb enjoys running, reading and travelling to new destinations.

About Barbara

Stephanie McMahon

Event Manager

Stephanie (Steph) McMahon

Steph is a highly skilled Event Manager with a wealth of experience in events. She first began at Expert Events as an Event Coordinator, before taking a bold step in her career by moving to Europe. Steph spent over three years as an Event Manager for a Copenhagen-based organisation that supports the Nordic start-up ecosystem. The pinnacle of her role was delivering their annual flagship summit, which grew to have an impressive 6,000 attendees. Steph holds Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of International Hotel and Tourism Management degrees from The University of Queensland. In her free time, she enjoys exploring nature, listening to music and travelling. Her favourite travel destination is Rome.

About Stephanie

Katrina Woods

Event Manager

Katrina Woods

Katrina is a dedicated and passionate event professional, bringing over 20 years of experience in event planning, management, and operations. Her extensive background includes the successful orchestration of a wide range of events, spanning from intimate gatherings to large-scale international conferences, with delegate numbers ranging from 10 to over 8,000. Having held key positions at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Hilton Hotel and Crowne Plaza, Katrina has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence. Her track record is characterised by meticulous planning, efficient execution, and a keen eye for detail. Outside of her professional pursuits, Katrina finds joy in spending time with her family, listening to music and cooking.

About Katrina

Sarah Hargreaves

Sponsorship and Exhibition Manager

Sarah Hargreaves

As Sponsorship and Exhibition Manager, Sarah leverages her extensive industry experience to maximise revenue opportunities while creating seamless experiences for sponsors, exhibitors, and attendees. She develops customised sponsorship packages, oversees exhibitor logistics, and ensures flawless delivery of sponsor benefits.  Outside of work, Sarah enjoys relaxing with a good book, spending time with family and friends, shopping and camping.

About Sarah

Annika Melkersson

Event Coordinator

Annika Melkersson

As an Event Coordinator, Annika collaborates closely with our Event Managers to deliver successful conferences and meetings. Her careful oversight of registrations, marketing campaigns, travel logistics, and administrative operations ensures she helps deliver seamless events. Drawing from her background in office administration, she brings exceptional organisational skills and attention to detail to every event. Beyond the office, Annika is an avid explorer of new hobbies who cherishes quality time with friends and family.

About Annika

Georgia O'Keefe

Event Coordinator

Georgia O'Keefe

Georgia collaborates closely with our Event Managers to ensure the smooth operation of our events. Her duties include overseeing event registrations, coordinating marketing, communications, and sponsorship, handling accommodation and travel bookings, and other administrative tasks. Georgia has a Bachelor’s degree in Business and International Tourism and Hotel Management from Griffith University and has a background in customer service and hospitality. Georgia’s enthusiasm and cheerful disposition make her a valuable member of the Expert Events team. In her free time, she enjoys socialising with friends and family, camping and boxing.

About Georgia

Emalee Stanton

Event Coordinator

Emalee Stanton

As an Event Coordinator, Emalee works closely with our Event Managers to ensure the success of every event. Her responsibilities encompass coordinating event registrations, marketing and communications, arranging accommodation and travel bookings, and overseeing various administrative tasks. With a Bachelor's degree in Business, specialising in event management and marketing, her previous experience in customer service and hospitality bolsters her ability to provide exceptional service to our clients and attendees. In her free time, Emalee enjoys immersing herself in music, exploring new travel destinations and playing netball.

About Emalee

Renee Degerholm

Association Manager

Renne Degerholm

Renee leads all aspects of secretariat management and governance with expertise honed over more than a decade in executive assistance, marketing, and administration. Her career spans roles at the British Medical Association and Association of MBAs in the UK and as Executive Assistant to a Deputy Director-General in New Zealand. Her Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing and Diploma in Graphic Design uniquely position her to blend administrative prowess with creative problem-solving. Renowned for her meticulous attention to detail, efficiency, and skill in fostering strong professional relationships, Renee thrives in fast-paced environments.

About Renee

Jessica Guild

Association and Event Coordinator

Jessica Guild

Jess works closely with our Association Manager catering to all aspects of our association secretariat services including membership management and communications and association administration. She also works closely with our Event Managers to assist with the seamless coordination of our events. Jess has a Bachelor of Business degree, majoring in Tourism, Leisure and Event Management, and has diverse experience in customer service, administration, event management and sales. In her free time, Jess enjoys staying active at the gym, photography and travelling to new destinations.

About Jessica