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

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

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 a text

Anthony Laye reveals the power of understanding human behavior in business and events. In this episode, he shares strategies for reading body language, responding to client feedback, and ensuring your communication resonates deeply. He emphasizes the importance of embodying the words you speak and developing consistent, small habits to improve your communication skills.


About Anthony Laye:
Behaviour Expert, Anthony Laye has an exceptional ability to understand how we think and behave. Through Anthony's insights, you can elevate your professional communication to stand out, win trust and amplify your influence. Imagine becoming so attuned to your customers' needs that you can deliver experiences that far exceed their expectations. But there's more to Anthony than just reading and influencing people. He also shows you how to understand and influence the way you are thinking too, so you can build more self confidence and awareness.

Anthony’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonylaye/
Website: https://www.anthonylaye.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. 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 a text

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/

Send a text

Dr. Sean Richardson draws from his experience in high-intensity sports to discuss how to perform at the highest level under pressure. In this episode, he reveals strategies for managing stress, preventing burnout, and creating successful, resilient teams. He also explores the importance of clearly defined company values and how leadership can model these values for their teams, all while navigating the uncertainties and last-minute changes often faced in the events industry.


About Dr. Sean Richardson:
High performance and leadership consultant to professional athletes, performing artists, and successful CEOs, Sean brings an Olympic level of commitment to excellence to his work with clients. Combining 30 years as an athlete in competitive sports with a PhD, MA & BA in psychology, ongoing research & professional development in brain and behaviour functionality, and 22 years in practice, Sean has found that the principles of mental discipline, and mental & physical health, required for performance at the highest levels in sport apply similarly to performance at the highest levels in business & life.


Sean’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drseanr/

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

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/

Send a text

Dr. Louise Mahler discusses the intersection of performance and communication, emphasising how to incorporate confidence-building techniques into everyday business practices. She talks about how your voice, tone, and body language can influence customer trust and experience, and how confidence isn’t just a mindset - it’s a skill that must be practiced. She also delves into how communication has evolved and why it’s essential to train and develop these skills.

About Dr. Louise Mahler:

After moving from the Vienna State Opera back to Australia, Louise observed a ‘missing ingredient’ in corporate leadership and completed an award - winning PhD around the unsung wisdom of the mind-body-voice connection she named Vocal Intelligence. Her highly participative sessions mean you leave knowing, understanding and even embodying the change. In 2006 Louise was the recipient of RMIT’s award for innovation in PhD research and in 2023, she was awarded the title of Adjunct Professor and an official member of Forbes Coaches Council.

Louise’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisemahler/

Website: http://www.louisemahler.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/

Send a text