Ticketing Australia Conference 2025

Jannawi Dance Clan

From the rich story telling traditions of Aboriginal NSW Jannawi dance clan shines a light on strength, resilience and artistry of Aboriginal women, men, youth and dance culture today. Jannawi dance clan is an Indigenous dance company encompassing modern urban and traditional Aboriginal dance styles with traditional music by song man Matthew Doyle singing in the Sydney languages. The name Jannawi means ‘with me, with you’ in the Dharug language of NSW Jannawi has a passion and are dedicated to continue and revitalize Sydney’s language culture and stories. Jannawi dance clan’s work involves performing traditional ceremonies, welcome to country dances, contemporary dance, music festivals, community and corporate events, educational school shows and workshops for early childhood, primary, high school and teaching in communities. Jannawi practices, performs and teaches to inspire other indigenous people to practice cultural values and identities. To be proud and show our commitment to honour and share knowledge, encourage awareness and understanding of the world’s oldest living indigenous culture. Led by Artistic Director Peta Strachan is a descendant of the Dharug people, of the Boorooberongal clan of NSW. Peta is a professional dancer choreographer, teacher and costume maker with 31 year’s experience in the industry.

Jo Michel

Lucy Bloom

Sylvie Maclean

Head of Commercial | Tixel Sylvie Maclean is the Head of Commercial at Tixel, Australia’s leading honest ticket exchange. She leads the local team, working with the country’s biggest festivals, promoters, and artist teams to deliver secure, data-driven resale solutions that protect fans, reduce box office strain, and grow audiences. With a background in event promotion, marketing, and ticketing operations, Sylvie has been instrumental in embedding trusted ticket resale strategies into campaigns for many of Australia’s most iconic events and artists - including Beyond the Valley, Dom Dolla, Vance Joy, and the Formula 1 Grand Prix.

James Baggaley

CEO | Made Media James Baggaley is CEO at Made Media — a leading digital agency that works with performing arts and cultural institutions across the world. He sold his first ticket from a box office in 2002, and has spent many years helping arts and cultural organisations harness digital technology. James has a background in digital technology and arts management, and holds degrees from the University of Cambridge and Cranfield University. Prior to joining Made as Strategy Director in 2017, he was Administrative Director at The Place in London – the UK's leading centre for contemporary dance — and between 2009 and 2015 he held a series of leadership roles at Spektrix in both the US and UK. James is chair of Potential Difference Theatre — a theatre company operating at the intersection of art, science, philosophy and technology — and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. 

Jo Michel

Linda Forlini

With over 37 years of experience in ticketing and customer service leadership, I am a retired performing arts professional who has had the privilege of working with two of the top five orchestras in the U.S.—the New York Philharmonic and The Philadelphia Orchestra.

As Vice President of Ticket Philadelphia, I managed a multi-million dollar operation supporting over $30M in revenue and overseeing teams of 30 to 70 staff across various customer touch points. My leadership extended beyond operations to strategic initiatives, including spearheading service culture transformation projects.

At the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, I was a core member of the five-person team behind GRACE (Guest Relations and Customer Experience), a campus-wide customer service initiative. We designed and delivered comprehensive training across all departments and organizations performing at the Center, embedding a consistent, high-level service culture across nine primary and resident companies.

Matilda Dwyer

Matilda has been a theatre fan for as long as she can remember and since leaving university has pursued an active career in the arts. Since joining the Theatre Royal Sydney team in 2021, Matilda has worked her way up from Box Office Assistant to Ticketing Manager. Helping audience members have the best possible time at the theatre, and making sure they come back, is something she is truly passionate about.  When not at work, Matilda can be found flexing her creative muscles with her local community theatre organisation, cooking up a storm, or hunting for the best new spot in town for a sunset cocktail.  

Gabe Johnson

Kylie Jeffrey

Ticketing Director | Frontier Touring Kylie Jeffrey is the Ticketing Director at Frontier Touring. With over 30 years of experience in ticketing live music and sports, she has held various management roles in ticketing and event operations. Before joining Frontier Touring three years ago, Kylie spent 15 years as Ticketek's National Tours Manager, working with Australia’s leading promoters on stadium, arena, theatre tours, and music festivals. 

Since joining Frontier Touring, her career highlights include the Taylor Swift | The Eras tour, Paul McCartney, and Ed Sheeran's current 2026 tour. Other career highlights include her involvement in Robbie Williams’ stadium tour in 2006, Elton John’s 2019/2020 Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour, P!NK, One Direction, and Ed Sheeran’s record-breaking 2018 tour, along with opportunities to come together with the broader industry on fundraising events such as Wave Aid, Live Earth and Fire Fight.

Brooke Arthur

Shaunak Joshi

Head of Event Delivery | Rugby World Cup Experiences

Shaunak has been working in major events for over 20 years. Starting his career in ticketing, from call centre and box office to Event Services and Account Management. Shaunak then saw a pathway to major events overseas with Wembley Stadium, Summer Olympics, Pan Am Games Toronto, Rugby World Cup in New Zealand and Japan, Venue General Manager of the Opening, Closing and Athletics for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and most recently as Head of Event Delivery for Rugby World Cup Experiences.

His passion for sport, live events and creating memories for fans influences the way he leads his teams and delivers mega events.

Charlie Whitworth

Business Expansion Lead, Australia & New Zealand | Spektrix Charlie has been part of Spektrix for over 15 years, joining in the company’s early start-up days and helping shape its growth while focusing on supporting the organisations it serves. With experience spanning box office, marketing, and ticketing, Charlie has held roles across Client Success and Strategy & Operations, helping clients grow, refining processes, and driving organisational efficiency.  In July 2025, Charlie relocated to Melbourne to take on the role of Business Expansion Lead for Australia and New Zealand, bringing Spektrix to the region with the aim of supporting arts and cultural organisations in connecting with audiences, driving revenue, and strengthening their operations.  Alongside his work at Spektrix, Charlie is an award-winning UK theatre maker and co-founder of the company Yet To Be. While taking time away from the UK theatre scene, he is immersing himself in the cultural sector in Australia and New Zealand. A passionate sports fan and theatre lover, Charlie is enjoying the chance to explore everything from major sporting events to new performance work. 

Samantha Bagwell

Business Expansion Lead, Australia & New Zealand | Spektrix Samantha Bagwell is the Business Expansion Lead for Australia and New Zealand at Spektrix, based in Melbourne. She works closely with organisations across Spektrix's client base to drive growth, strengthen audience relationships, and turn data into clear, practical strategies that help teams meet — and exceed — their goals.  With over eight years at Spektrix, Samantha has supported clients through every stage of their journey, specialising in implementation and consultancy. For the past five years, she served as Spektrix’s Global Fundraising Lead, collaborating with organisations globally on how to use data and insights to better cultivate relationships and increase support.  Before joining Spektrix, Samantha held various box office and fundraising roles, most recently as a member of the Individual Giving Team at Roundabout Theatre Company in New York City. 

Michelle Pascoe

Michelle's journey from the humble beginnings on a turkey farm in rural Australia to becoming one of the select few international Certified Speaking Professionals (CSP), Accredited Trainer, author, and podcast host is a testament to her resilience, adaptability, and dedication to fostering inclusivity and diversity in the workplace. Her rich tapestry of experiences, gained from a life that bridges traditional rural values with cutting-edge professional expertise, underpins her deep understanding of the subtleties of succeeding in today's multigenerational workplace. In 1994 she founded one of Australia’s most respected training companies, Optimum Operating Procedures and Services Pty Ltd (OOPS). Now a thriving provider of mystery shopping, service benchmarking, surveys and focus groups, competitor audits and team training and leadership development, Michelle has applied the very tips and techniques that she presents on in achieving her own business success. She is an experienced businesswoman and specialist in every aspect of service operations and processes, and their impact on the customer experience.

Harley Evans

Managing Director | Moshtix

Harley is Managing Director of Moshtix, Australasia’s leading GA ticketing and marketing company, and part of the Ticketmaster family.

Harley is currently on the Board of the Australian Festival Association and a Founder of the recently launched Australian Music Venue Foundation (AMVF)

Anya Podbury

Director of HR | AXS ANZ Anya Podbury is the Director of HR for AXS ANZ, where she leads the people strategy with a strong focus on building high-performing, values-driven cultures. She has over a decade of senior leadership experience across government, sport, media, and technology, where she has partnered with executives and leaders to drive cultural transformation and strengthen organisational performance. Throughout her career, Anya has championed leadership development, employee engagement, wellbeing and psychological safety, successfully delivering initiatives that enhance performance, capability, and resilience. Passionate about coaching leaders and teams, she has a proven record of shaping environments where people thrive, enabling both individuals and organisations to reach their full potential. At AXS ANZ, she applies this breadth of experience to create a culture that attracts, develops, and retains top talent, while enabling the business to deliver exceptional outcomes for clients and fans across the live entertainment industry.

Lee Davis

Lee is a passionate, driven and highly motivated marketing professional with over 30 years working in the live entertainment industry. Prior to ACMN, where she is the General Manager, Lee has also worked at Showbiz International, as Commercial Director- Theatre, Arts & New Business, and prior to this as Group Director of Marketing & Commercial Development. Lee has extensive knowledge and skills in the areas of sales and marketing, media planning, co-operative marketing campaigns, advertising, digital, tourism and partnership marketing, new business development, project management, commercial management, reporting and analytics.

Lyndell Pond

Lyndell is a dynamic executive leader with a career spanning major events, live entertainment and the arts—both in Australia and on the global stage. She has worked with some of the world’s most iconic brands and rights holders, always with a sharp focus on audiences and what inspires them. From marketing powerhouse names in live entertainment to steering Australia’s largest entertainment marketing agency, ACMN, Lyndell has built a reputation for delivering commercial impact at scale.

She currently leads the Marketing and Brand team at The Australian Ballet, shaping one of the country’s most treasured cultural brands. A natural mentor and passionate advocate for people, Lyndell thrives on unlocking potential in teams and individuals, driving both creativity and commercial success. She takes pride in mentoring and championing the rising stars of the industry, fuelling its next wave of talent.

Nathan Crook

Vice President Marketing – Asia Pacific | Ticketmaster Nathan is a strategic and customer-focused marketing leader with over 20 years’ experience in ticketing and live entertainment. As Vice President of Marketing for the Asia Pacific region, he leads marketing strategy and consumer engagement. A strategic and innovative leader, Nathan oversees brand, digital, and customer experience initiatives that drive growth and enhance the fan journey. Known for his creative problem-solving and forward-thinking approach, he’s committed to leveraging technology, data, and storytelling to deepen audience connections and support the evolving live entertainment landscape.

Michael Taberner

Business Development and Sales Representative | TixTrack Australasia

No stranger to live entertainment and ticketing, Michael has over 10 years’ ticketing and events experience in Australia. With TixTrack Australasia, Michael works closely with venue clients across both the Nliven and Ticketure ticketing platforms, including utilisation of new features and optimisations.

Prior to joining TixTrack Australasia, Michael spent 5 years with TEG, including working on self-service ticketing platform Eventopia and with Ticketek servicing their affiliate marketing partnerships including Visa and Mastercard. Michael also has experience in e-commerce, memberships, and retail platforms.

Phil Day

Fractional head of marketing services | Freelance/Consultant 

Phil Day is a marketing leader with over 15 years of experience delivering commercial success across live entertainment, music, and the arts.

He began his career in the UK music industry, holding digital and marketing roles at labels including Ministry of Sound, Domino Recording Co, Warner, and Universal. Phil later joined the Really Useful Group (now LW Entertainment) as Director of Sales and Marketing, where he led global marketing strategy for Andrew Lloyd Webber productions and spearheaded the company’s international audience development initiatives.

Since relocating to Australia in 2021, Phil has continued shaping the live entertainment landscape through roles at Live Nation, Secret Sounds Group, and Disney Theatrical Group Australia, with a focus on festivals and theatrical experiences.

Now working as a consultant and fractional head of marketing, Phil advises producers, venues, theatre companies, and agencies on audience-first marketing strategy, combining creative thinking with data-driven insight. His global perspective and collaborative approach make him a trusted voice in navigating the evolving landscape of arts and entertainment marketing.

Jason Mastrine

Jason Mastrine is a strategic and visionary business leader with a long track record in the North American entertainment ticketing industry. An intuitive translator of ideas, an active listener, and an engaging communicator, Jason has a unique perspective on how integrated tech solutions can improve fan experiences and engagement while optimizing revenue and internal operations. He is currently part of the senior leadership team at UK-based Protect Group leading their global ticketing strategy, and lives in Denver, Colorado with his three teens and dog Winny.   

Gabe Johnson

Julia Edwards

Julia has over 25 years’ experience in leadership roles in the corporate, community and government sectors, with many years working in senior roles for a range of influential not for profit organisations. With experience in developing valuable relationships through stakeholder engagement. Julia is passionate about building collaborative support to fund research and mental health training programs for the Australian entertainment industry. In her role as Chief Executive, Julia is determined to build awareness of Entertainment Assist and to make a positive contribution to the mental health and wellbeing of members of the Australian entertainment community.  

Larissa Mouttou

Larissa’s work across the Australian sports industry extends over two decades. Unashamedly obsessed with sports attendances, Larissa has managed complex consumer business teams across membership, ticketing, communications, and marketing for some of Australia’s largest sporting brands, including the Sydney Cricket & Sports Ground Trust, Sydney Swans, Parramatta Eels and Gold Coast SUNS, and is a leader in driving the commercialisation of sports fan bases. As Cricket Australia’s Senior Manager, Consumer Growth for the Big Bash Leagues, Larissa is leading a game-changing team tasked with growing Big Bash attendances to unprecedented new heights.

Harry Tomasides

Harry Tomasides is the Chief Revenue Officer at Digonex, the leading provider of customized, automated dynamic pricing solutions for attractions and live entertainment. Since joining Digonex in 2015, Harry has been instrumental in driving the company’s domestic and international growth. Digonex’s success is built on its proprietary pricing technology, developed by an in-house team of PhD economists, and strengthened by strategic partnerships with ticketing platforms. The company’s diverse client portfolio includes renowned organizations such as Queensland Performing Arts Centre, BridgeClimb Sydney, Sydney Theatre Company, Zoos Victoria, Carnegie Hall, and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Prior to Digonex, Harry held leadership roles at ABC/Disney and iHeartRadio, where he gained extensive experience in media and entertainment. He currently resides in Dallas, Texas with his wife Christine and their two daughters Demi and Marki.  

Craig Thurmer

Client Services Manager | Vivaticket Craig Thurmer is no newcomer to sales and technology development. You know he identifies a new trend, the industry quickly listens. He knows how to make your sales tick and how to take the customer experience to the next level before and after the show. More importantly he has core skills in box office, marketing, philanthropy, and finance. That is rare in this industry. He has worked for such leading companies as Sydney Opera House, Opera Australia, Carlson Marketing and City Recital Hall Angel Place. He has worked for technology companies is Australia and UK. As Client Services Manager at Vivaticket, Craig concentrates on Project Management, Reports and Reporting and upskilling box office, marketing, philanthropy, and finance staff. Always with an eye on data, he is there ready to see our industry succeed.

Craig McMaster

Craig McMaster is a nationally respected leader across the arts, entertainment, and cultural infrastructure sectors, renowned for delivering commercially successful and strategically significant projects that shape Australia’s creative landscape. With over 30 years of executive experience, Craig has led the planning, development, marketing, and operational delivery of major venues and creative initiatives. Craig currently serves as the Director of Riverside Theatres Parramatta and the National Theatre of Parramatta, steering two of Western Sydney’s most influential cultural institutions. He is leading the $276 million redevelopment of Riverside into a landmark, multi-venue performing arts centre, which includes a 1,500-seat lyric theatre, black box and drama theatres, a digital studio, and a revitalised riverfront public domain. This project positions Parramatta as Australia’s next great cultural city. Since joining Riverside in 2021, Craig has overseen the venue’s ambitious redevelopment. His leadership has been instrumental in shaping the strategic vision, leading community and industry engagement, and managing partnerships. The redevelopment includes world-class performance spaces and new creative infrastructure, positioning Riverside, alongside the Powerhouse Parramatta, at the centre of Western Sydney’s cultural renewal. Alongside infrastructure transformation, Craig has been a tireless advocate for artist development, new work creation, and creative opportunity in Western Sydney. Under his leadership, the National Theatre of Parramatta has championed bold, original Australian works, nurtured diverse creative talent, and built pathways for Western Sydney artists to contribute to the national stage. His work has empowered local voices, strengthened regional identity, and expanded access to creative careers. Before Riverside, Craig was the founding Executive Director of the Sydney Coliseum Theatre at West HQ. He led the design, construction, and commercial strategy of the $100 million project, managing all aspects of pre-opening, including event programming, major partnerships, and securing headline international talent. His efforts established the Coliseum as a vital cultural asset for Western Sydney. Craig is also the Managing Director and Principal Consultant at AvenuArts (Australasia), advising on precinct development, performing arts strategy, touring models, and commercial partnerships nationwide. His previous roles include Project and Executive Director of the Sydney Coliseum Theatre, Chief Marketing and Information Officer at VenuesLive, CEO of Showbiz Group, and COO then CEO of Ticketek. Craig sits on key Boards and Advisory groups, including Live Performance Australia, Venue Management Association, Urban Theatre Project, and Create NSW’s Artform Board. He regularly contributes to mentorship and capacitybuilding initiatives for the sector. A Fellow of the Venue Management Association (VMA) and member of PAC Australia, the Western Sydney Arts Alliance, and former Executive Councillor with Live Performance Australia (LPA), Craig continues to champion cultural infrastructure that delivers civic value, creative opportunity, and long-term industry resilience. With over a quarter-century of high-impact, internationally recognised leadership, Craig McMaster continues to inspire teams, deliver major infrastructure projects, pioneer digital engagement, and build enduring partnerships. His commitment to excellence, community, and the transformative power of the arts drives Western Sydney’s emergence as a true centre for Australian culture

Brian Fenty

CEO, Chairman, and Co-Founder | TodayTix Group

Brian Fenty is the CEO, Chairman, and Co-Founder of TodayTix Group, the global e-commerce leader for cultural experiences. With over 10 years of experience in the intersection of technology, commerce, and culture, he leads a portfolio of brands and platforms that connect audiences with the best live entertainment around the world, including TodayTix, Secret Cinema, London Theatre, New York Theatre Guide and more.

Angela Higgins

Founder | Antix Management With more than 25 years’ experience in the entertainment industry, Angela is recognised for her deep industry knowledge, global connections and data-driven insights on the Australian and New Zealand markets. Angela is known for fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration within the entertainment sector. Angela formed Antix Management in 2007 to support international and domestic producers with sales and ticketing strategy for live events across Australia and New Zealand. Antix Management is currently contracted to provide sales strategy and ticketing management services to a range of first class live events, including Disney's The Lion King, The Book of Mormon, Pretty Woman, SIX – The Musical, and A Beautiful Noise - The Neil Diamond Musical.

Angela Higgins

Founder | Antix Management With more than 25 years’ experience in the entertainment industry, Angela is recognised for her deep industry knowledge, global connections and data-driven insights on the Australian and New Zealand markets. Angela is known for fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration within the entertainment sector. Angela formed Antix Management in 2007 to support international and domestic producers with sales and ticketing strategy for live events across Australia and New Zealand. Antix Management is currently contracted to provide sales strategy and ticketing management services to a range of first class live events, including Disney's The Lion King, The Book of Mormon, Pretty Woman, SIX – The Musical, and A Beautiful Noise - The Neil Diamond Musical.

Kelly McDonnell

Senior Ticketing Manager | Untitled Group As Senior Ticketing Manager at Untitled Group, Kelly plays a key role in shaping seamless ticketing experiences across some of Australia’s most prominent live events and festivals such as Beyond The Valley, Wildlands Festival, alongside record breaking tours across Australia. Recently at Untitled Group, Kelly played a pivotal role in selling out the 2025 Beyond The Valley edition in under an hour and posting the highest pre-sale sign-up numbers in its ten-year history. Kelly champions the development and execution of data-driven ticketing strategies, overseeing customer experience to shape and develop initiatives that maximize both attendance and customer satisfaction. Kelly’s leadership extends to managing on-site ticketing operations—spanning box office management, ingress efficiency, and accreditation processes—ensuring smooth delivery for hundreds of thousands of event goers each year. Recognized for her adaptability, problem-solving skills, and forward-thinking mindset, Kelly is a respected voice in the ticketing industry, committed to advancing best practices and enhancing the live event experience for all.

Jo Michel

Angela Higgins

Founder | Antix Management With more than 25 years’ experience in the entertainment industry, Angela is recognised for her deep industry knowledge, global connections and data-driven insights on the Australian and New Zealand markets. Angela is known for fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration within the entertainment sector. Angela formed Antix Management in 2007 to support international and domestic producers with sales and ticketing strategy for live events across Australia and New Zealand. Antix Management is currently contracted to provide sales strategy and ticketing management services to a range of first class live events, including Disney's The Lion King, The Book of Mormon, Pretty Woman, SIX – The Musical, and A Beautiful Noise - The Neil Diamond Musical.

Karly Mejlak

Box Office & Front of House Officer | Glasshouse Port Macquarie

Karly began her career in the performing arts industry in 2009 as a Customer Service Officer at the Glasshouse Port Macquarie, joining the team during the venue’s first year of operation. In 2014, she was appointed the role of Box Office and Front of House Officer, to which she has held since.

Driven by commitment to audience experience and operational excellence, Karly has also contributed within acting and support roles across the organisation, including Front of House Coordinator, Event Services Officer, and Marketing Support Officer. Her cross-functional experience has fostered a deep understanding of venue operations and strengthened her impact on the Glasshouse’s reputation as a leading cultural destination.

Patrice Rielly

Ticketing Services Coordinator | Glenn Street Theatre

Patrice is a ticketing professional with over a decade of experience in people leadership, ticketing, and CRM systems. Since joining Glen Street Theatre in 2021, she has played a key role in transforming the venue into a more modern and connected space for both audiences and clients.

As Ticketing Services Coordinator, Patrice oversees all aspects of ticketing and box office operations, with a strong focus on accessibility and delivering a seamless patron and client experience. She works collaboratively with marketing and venue services to ensure every visit is welcoming and memorable. Patrice led the successful migration and digitisation of Glen Street Theatre’s ticketing systems, streamlining operations and strengthening audience engagement. Her strategic approach to platform optimisation and digital transformation, was recognised with the Northern Beaches Council Ignite Business Award.

David MacCallum

General Manager | STH Group, Australia

David MacCallum is the General Manager of STH Group in Australia and a seasoned leader in the global sports travel and hospitality industry. With over 25 years of experience spanning the UK, Japan, and Australia, David has played a pivotal role in delivering official hospitality programs for some of the world’s most iconic events—including the London 2012 Olympic Games, Rugby World Cups in 2015 and 2019, and Tokyo 2020.

Melissa Smith

Auslan interpreter and Communications Coordinator | Auslan Stage Left Melissa Smith is a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults), an experienced Auslan interpreter and Communications Coordinator with Auslan Stage Left. With a background in marketing, administration, and over twenty years of interpreting experience, Melissa has worked across a wide range of settings — from community and medical appointments to major theatre productions, live music, and large-scale platform events. Her career highlights include interpreting for Coldplay, Backstreet Boys, Rod Stewart, and Jimmy Barnes, as well as theatre productions such as Mamma Mia! The Musical and Picnic at Hanging Rock with the Sydney Theatre Company. Having grown up with Deaf parents, Melissa’s lifelong connection to the Deaf community has profoundly shaped her values and career. She recalls taking her father to an interpreted performance of Tina Turner The Musical — a deeply emotional moment as Tina was one of his favourites. “Words cannot explain how excited and proud I was to see Auslan Stage Left make this story come alive for my dad. It was quite an emotional experience for us to be able to see that show together — priceless.” Melissa is also actively involved in assisting Deaf patrons with booking tickets for accessible performances, ensuring they are seated with a clear view of the interpreters and the stage. Through this work, she receives ongoing feedback from the Deaf community about the challenges they face when booking tickets and accessing arts events — insights that continue to drive her advocacy for better systems and inclusion within the industry. Through her personal and professional experiences, Melissa has witnessed how limited access can affect Deaf people’s opportunities to experience the arts. She is passionately committed to inclusivity, accessibility, and awareness, and is proud to work alongside talented Auslan interpreters and Deaf consultants to bring more immersive and accessible arts experiences to Deaf audiences across Australia.

Vanessa Knox

Ticketing Manager | Michael Cassel Group

Vanessa has over 25 years in event ticketing ranging from musical theatre, to concerts, sports and festival ticketing.

Vanessa is currently Ticketing Manager at Michael Cassel Group. She started her career in ticketing at Ticketmaster, moving her way up from Call Centre Casual to Box Office Manager, before moving on to her first of three Sydney Festivals. Other ticketing roles have included Ticketing Manager at ANTIX Management, Ticketing Services Manager at City Recital Hall and Guest Ticketing Coordinator for Sydney Worldpride. Vanessa also has vast experience working in Front of House and on Stage Door at Sydney’s Capitol and Sydney Lyric Theatres.

Additionally, Vanessa is the very proud sister of her adult Autistic brother Graham. Over the years she has learnt a lot from Graham, and how to best prepare and accommodate his needs when accompanying him to the theatre or similar entertainment. Her extensive time working in theatre box office has also given her valuable experience in handling and resolving many scenarios people with a disability and the people who accompany them face.

Simone Cottom

Simone is not just an accomplished project manager with a rich and varied career —she’s also a passionate musical theatre enthusiast who has performed in shows herself. Her love for musicals runs deep, and she brings that same energy and dedication to the stage of life. As someone who lost her sight due to illness and went on to earn a master’s degree and thrive in her career, Simone embodies resilience and creativity. She’s here to share her insights on making the arts more inclusive, and we’re so excited to have her voice on our panel.

Megan Hudson

This is Megan Hudson, who was introduced to musicals and theatre at a young age, thanks to her Mum.  Ever since then, she has happily attended many performances, often accompanied by her older sister who is legally blind. As a primary Music teacher, she has also been personally involved in numerous events involving many school-aged children, including her own, both behind the scenes and in front. Venues have included the Sydney Opera House, Chatswood Concourse and Sydney Town Hall and of course, the school hall! From a carer’s perspective, she’d very much like to educate others, to help them understand the specific needs required in order for the disabled to enjoy events as much as everyone else.

Lizzie Coles

Lizzie is the co-founder of TicketHive, a dynamic consultancy helping the entertainment industry navigate the art and science of ticketing and sales.  With over 15 years of experience in producing, venue operations and ticketing management, she has overseen a diverse portfolio of events spanning Australia, London, Singapore, Hong Kong, New Zealand, and South Africa. From heritage venues to circus tents, grand classical ballets to rock shows, and everything in between, Lizzie is recognised for being driven and hard-working, with a passion for people, results, ticketing and the entertainment industry. 

John Jakovich

Chief Innovation Officer | Tessitura Network John Jakovich is the Chief Innovation Officer at Tessitura, where he leads the product development and technology teams. Since joining Tessitura in November 2015, John has leveraged his extensive experience as a senior technology leader to drive innovation and growth within the nonprofit sector. Before his tenure at Tessitura, John served as the Vice President of Technology at SofTrek Corporation, a provider of nonprofit CRM systems for philanthropic organizations. Prior to that time, he was the Chief Information Officer at Jacobson Consulting Applications (JCA), a firm specializing in strategic and technology consulting for nonprofit organizations. With over 25 years of experience in technology management and software development for enterprise systems, John has dedicated the majority of his career to developing business intelligence solutions for the nonprofit industry. He has a background in computer science and began his engineering career in the vibrant southern California internet start-up scene of the mid-1990s. During this time, he contributed to several successful start-ups in e-commerce and artificial intelligence, eventually joining Kintera Inc., which was later acquired by Blackbaud Inc. Residing in Fort Collins, John enjoys the active Colorado lifestyle. He spends his free time outdoors with his family, engaging in activities such as snowboarding, hiking and running.

Amalia Hordern

Amalia Hordern is Tessitura Network’s Senior Director in Asia Pacific. With a focus on data supported customer relationship management, she leads Tessitura’s strategic practice, industry insights and sector development in the region. After a career in dance, Amalia segued into arts management and prior to joining Tessitura, held diverse roles across performing arts organisations, venues and festivals. Amalia spearheads Tessitura’s industry insights, through benchmarking projects that have evolved since 2017. This insight is applied in developing audience engagement models and methodologies, with the ultimate goal to help cultural organisations intentionally deepen connection with their audiences, visitors and donors. With a passion for sector development, Amalia is proud to lead Tessitura programs and partnerships which grow skills and diversity across the arts and culture workforce. Amalia holds a Bachelor of Arts from the Australian National University (History and Anthropology), a Master of Management from the University of South Australia and is based just outside Melbourne, on Wurundjeri land.

Debra Weissman

Vice President of Product | Tessitura Network Debra Weissman is Tessitura's Vice President of Product. Before joining Tessitura, she held a variety of technology leadership roles specializing in digital transformation and e-commerce at Microsoft, Yahoo! and GoDaddy. Most recently, Debra served as Chief Digital Officer at Autodesk, where she was responsible for e-commerce, digital assistance, community and learning experiences. A lifelong learner, Debra is deeply passionate about arts and culture. She currently serves on the board of Folio, a nonprofit membership library and cultural centre in her home city of Seattle. Debra holds a master's degree in modern German and Eastern European history from the University of Washington and a master's in computer science with a data science specialization from Northeastern University.

Julia Edwards

Julia has over 25 years’ experience in leadership roles in the corporate, community and government sectors, with many years working in senior roles for a range of influential not for profit organisations. With experience in developing valuable relationships through stakeholder engagement. Julia is passionate about building collaborative support to fund research and mental health training programs for the Australian entertainment industry. In her role as Chief Executive, Julia is determined to build awareness of Entertainment Assist and to make a positive contribution to the mental health and wellbeing of members of the Australian entertainment community.  

Dr Jane Miskovic-Wheatley

Dr Jane Miskovic-Wheatley (she/her) is a clinical psychologist, mental health advocate and senior researcher. In her private practice, she specialises in working with people across all disciples and levels of experience within the performing arts and creative industries. She also works with over 10 of Australia’s leading theatrical companies to provide mental health wellbeing workshops and employee assistance services, has presented webinars and podcasts on a variety of topics, and contributes as a writer to many wellbeing resources and publications. She is a senior clinical researcher at the Inside Out Institute for Eating Disorders (University of Sydney, Sydney Local Health District), is co-chair of the Australian and New Zealand Academy for Eating Disorders LGBTQA+ Special Interest Group, a committee member of the Australian Psychological Society Psychology, Performing Arts and Entertainment Industry Interest Group, and has published over 50 academic papers. She has been a performing arts practitioner for over 20 years, namely in theatre direction, large event staging, and choreography, and brings her passion for the performing arts to her work as an advocate for mental health awareness and support within creative industries.

Graeme Kearns

Chief Executive Officer | Foundation Theatres Graeme Kearns has led Foundation Theatres since he joined the company in 2009. Foundation Theatres own and operate the Capitol Theatre, Sydney Lyric, Foundry Theatre and Sydney Event Centre with two exciting new theatre construction projects in the pipeline. Prior to joining Foundation Theatres, Graeme was the Commercial Director of one of the world’s leading event production companies heading its mergers, acquisitions and business integration functions. Whilst overseeing theatre operations at Foundation Theatres with an extraordinary group of colleagues, Graeme’s primary role focuses on the development of the organisation, strategic operations, theatrical investments and programming.

Gavin Taylor

Managing Director, Ticketmaster Australia In his role, Gavin oversees the company’s strategy, partnerships, products, and ticketing solutions, ensuring a seamless experience for clients and fans across the Australian market. Gavin is a seasoned professional in venue, business management, and sports administration. His diverse experience showcases his versatility and expertise in various aspects of the industry. He is best known for instilling a culture of excellence and fostering a partnering mindset to align strategies and consistently deliver value for stakeholders and clients. His commitment extends to volunteering for the Venue Management Association, where he contributes as a member of the Venue Management School Advisory Board and lectures annually, reflecting his deep passion for the industry.

Rhys Holden

Chief Executive Officer and Creative Director | Geelong Arts Centre Rhys Holden is an arts leader, producer, and general manager with extensive experience in managing arts organizations and developing arts initiatives and productions. Currently Rhys is CEO and Creative Director of Geelong Arts Centre. Previously, Rhys served as General Manager of Mona Foma and Music at Mona, overseeing strategic and financial management while commissioning work across theatre, dance, music, and visual arts. He was also previously a producer of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child for Michael Cassel Group; General Manager of La Boite Theatre Company and Roundhouse Theatre; and Company Manager at Sydney Theatre Company.

Davey Simmons

Digital Marketing Director | Anthem Davey is a digital marketing specialist with over 10 years of experience in the live entertainment and cultural sectors. He has a passion for connecting people to culture through smart, engaging campaigns. With expertise in social media advertising, content strategy, and UX, he blends creativity with performance to deliver data-informed results and actionable insights. He is a Digital Marketing Director for Anthem and leads digital strategy for a range of national musical theatre productions and subsidised government arts organisations. He has led digital campaigns for major productions like Beetlejuice the Musical, & Juliet, and Hedwig and the Angry Inch during his time at Workshop Creative, and previously led marketing strategy as Head of Marketing at Malthouse Theatre. He also held senior digital roles at Arts Centre Melbourne. Freelance collaborations include Sydney Opera House, Chess the Musical, Circus Oz, TEG Dainty, Melbourne Fringe, and The Wheeler Centre. Davey brings heart, clarity, and a love of the arts to everything he does.

Spiros Hristias

Ticketing Services Manager | Ensemble Theatre 

Robyn Gander

With over 30 years in the ticketing industry, Robyn Gander brings a wealth of experience, insight, and dedication to her role as Head of Client Services – Ticketing at QPAC, a position she has held for an impressive 22 years. Her career has spanned key roles at the Gold Coast Arts Centre, Sydney Symphony, and Ticketmaster.

Robyn is widely regarded as QPAC’s resident ticketing oracle, offering invaluable guidance and strategic insight into sales targets, pricing strategies, and audience engagement including group bookers.

Her deep industry knowledge and collaborative approach make her an essential part of QPAC’s ticketing success and a trusted advisor across the performing arts sector.

Natalie Fagg

Executive General Manager - Consumer & Product | Sydney Swans

Tom Nickson

Head of Consumer | AFL Tom Nickson is Head of Consumer at the Australian Football League, leading industry-wide growth in membership, attendance, ticketing, and club consumer enablement. With over 15 years in sport, Tom has delivered record-breaking AFL and AFLW season attendances, finals series’ and launched the inaugural Gather Round. He previously led audience growth, marketing, digital product and data teams at the Western Bulldogs. His work continues to deliver strong commercial outcomes, and elevate fan-first experiences across Australia’s most attended sporting league.

Michael Coppel

CHAIRMAN | LIVE NATION AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND Michael Coppel has been one of the most prominent and active concert promoters and theatrical producers in Australia and New Zealand for more than 40 years. Coppel’s Melbourne-based company – Michael Coppel Presents (MCP) – presented several hundred concert performances each year for over 35 years, touring a variety of artists from all genres of contemporary music throughout Australia and New Zealand, at both indoor and outdoor venues. Career highlights have included the mega-stadium tours by U2 in 1994, 2006, and 2010, as well as the most successful Australian arena tour ever, Pink’s 2009 Funhouse Tour, which sold out 58 arena shows around Australia and played to a collective audience of over 650,000 people, as well as Pink’s 2024 Summer Carnival Tour, which became the biggest-selling Australian and New Zealand tour ever for a female artist, and marked the most stadium concerts performed by a single artist ever across Australia and New Zealand. Amongst the other major artists presented by MCP were Beyonce, Rihanna, Tina Turner, Metallica, Pearl Jam, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Eric Clapton, Roger Waters, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Foo Fighters, Lady Gaga, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Kanye West, Matchbox Twenty, Joe Cocker, Simply Red, Barry Gibb, James Taylor, Crowded House, Neil Finn, Eurythmics, Public Enemy, Jay Z, Kanye West, Eurythmics, Roxy Music, Paul Simon, Janet Jackson and Cher. In April 2012 MCP was acquired by global promotion heavyweight Live Nation, with Coppel appointed as President and CEO of the Australian joint-venture, and that company has since expanded operations to become the dominant promoter in Australia and New Zealand. Today, Coppel acts as the Chairman of Live Nation Australia and New Zealand. Recently, Live Nation Australasia’s (LNA) major tours have included Roger Waters The Wall, P!nk, Madonna, Justin Timberlake, Bruno Mars, Sting and Paul Simon, and numerous others. In his career, Coppel has also produced many major open-air festivals, including Narara ’83 and ’84, Apollo 97 (Australia’s first EDM event), Livid and V Festival, whilst simultaneously building a significant list of international theatrical production credits. In 2004 and 2005, Coppel produced the smash hit musical by Queen and Ben Elton – We Will Rock You – which played to more than 750,000 people during its Australian season, followed by a successful Tokyo season. Other productions have included Miss Saigon, which toured Australia for two years, Mamma Mia, and the Australian productions of SPAMALOT, Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap and A Murder is Announced, The Graduate and Waiting for Godot. Coppel’s current theatrical producer credits include the current hugely successful Australian and New Zealand production of Matilda, the recent national tour of Fawlty Towers and the 2017/18 production of Mamma Mia.

Angela Higgins

Founder | Antix Management With more than 25 years’ experience in the entertainment industry, Angela is recognised for her deep industry knowledge, global connections and data-driven insights on the Australian and New Zealand markets. Angela is known for fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration within the entertainment sector. Angela formed Antix Management in 2007 to support international and domestic producers with sales and ticketing strategy for live events across Australia and New Zealand. Antix Management is currently contracted to provide sales strategy and ticketing management services to a range of first class live events, including Disney's The Lion King, The Book of Mormon, Pretty Woman, SIX – The Musical, and A Beautiful Noise - The Neil Diamond Musical.

David Johnstone

Jack Rubin

Jack Rubin is Co-Founder of Tessitura Network and was CEO from company inception in 2001 until he stepped down in a planned transition in 2021.  During that tenure he and their great team grew the company from two organisations to over 725  arts and cultural organisations using Tessitura in ten countries, 230 Tessitura Network team members, created an ecosystem of partners, and activated a worldwide community sharing ideas and best practices.  Technology and functionality advancements were made every year, and multiple products and services were added to benefit member organisations.

Currently, in addition to enjoying five grandkids and the great outdoors, Jack is selectively doing Advisory and Board work with companies that provide productivity and cost benefits, revenue and constituent building, and engagement enhancing tools and services for the arts and cultural sector.

His specialty areas include Business Development / Start-Ups / Alliances / Leadership / Strategy / Acquisitions & Divestitures / Negotiations.  Prior experience as Chief Financial and Strategy Officer for a successful internet company NASDAQ IPO, and leadership in a global public holding company carrying out and operating dozens of acquisitions in multiple industries. MBA, BBA, and CPA.

Coen van der Poll

Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer Coen van der Poll is Co-Founder and CEO of CultureSuite, a passionate group of culture lovers dedicated to making digital technology future-proof and accessible for the cultural sector. He founded Peppered in 2000, specialising in arts and culture websites driven by his technical expertise in integrating websites with ticketing and event management platforms. After meeting David Johnstone at the Ticketing Professionals Conference in 2019, they recognised an opportunity to challenge the industry's expensive website rebuild cycles. In 2023, Coen partnered with David to merge Peppered with After Digital, forming CultureSuite. Today, CultureSuite serves over 120 cultural organisations worldwide, from Rotterdam to Honolulu, redefining how venues manage their digital presence through automation, personalisation and seamless ticketing integration. With over two decades of experience working with venues across Europe and beyond, Coen brings a unique perspective on the structural challenges facing cultural organisations and advocates for community-driven solutions that prioritise long-term sustainability over short-term fixes.

Pip Archer

Senior Ticketing Manager, Sales and Operations | National Rugby League Pip brings over 20 years of experience in sports, events, and ticketing, having worked with some of Australia’s biggest sporting organisations, venues, and international events. Currently the Senior Ticketing Manager, Sales and Operations at the National Rugby League, Pip has delivered record growth in revenue and attendance, including numerous sold out venues. Pip’s career highlights include leadership roles with Supercars, Rugby Australia, Ticketek, Accor Stadium and Sydney Olympics. With expertise in ticketing strategy, project management, and fan engagement, Pip is passionate about creating innovative and commercially successful event experiences that connect fans with the sports and teams they love.

Cassia Rengers

Ticketing Manager | Suncorp Stadium Cassia is the Ticketing Manager for Suncorp Stadium, where she oversees the planning and execution of ticketing operations for one of Australia’s largest venues, hosting major sporting events and concerts with a capacity of up to 52,500. With expertise in Australia’s leading ticketing platforms, Ticketek, AXS, and Ticketmaster, Cassia collaborates closely with promoters, stakeholders, and ticketing partners to ensure seamless event access and enhanced patron experiences.

Caitlin Tilbee

Operations Manager | AXS Australia & New Zealand Caitlin Tilbee is an event professional with over a decade of experience in planning and delivering major events in stadium environments. Her career began on the frontlines as a casual turnstile supervisor. She went on to play a pivotal role in opening Queensland Country Bank Stadium, where her passion for ticketing truly took hold. From 2018-2024, Caitlin held senior event and operations roles with Stadiums Queensland, leading event delivery, venue ticketing strategy, and client services across some of the state’s most high-profile sporting and entertainment events. In 2022, she was named the Venue Management Association’s Young Achiever of the Year for her professional contribution to events across 2021, including the delivery of the first regional NRL State of Origin. Now as Operations Manager for AXS in Queensland, Caitlin manages key client accounts, oversees event day operations, and works closely with local and global teams to deliver tailored, high-quality ticketing solutions. Her career has been built on strong stakeholder relationships, strategic thinking, and a commitment to delivering a seamless experience for fans and stakeholders through collaboration between venues, hirers, and ticketing partners.

Angus Macdonald

Angus Macdonald is a seasoned professional in venue management with over two decades of experience that continues to shape and drive his energetic approach to ticketing and events.

As Consumer Business Lead at Stadiums Queensland (SQ), Angus is responsible for shaping and leading the strategic direction and operational execution of SQ’s consumer business functions, specifically ticketing and membership. He is also responsible for – and incredibly passionate about! – leveraging consumer data to inform ticketing, crowd building and growth, membership, content attraction, and fan experience.

Prior to his current position, Angus held various key roles within Stadiums Queensland’s high performance venue portfolio, including Venue Manager of Sleeman Sports Complex and the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre. His experience also extends to the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, where he managed client relationships and venue hire, showcasing his versatility across different aspects of venue operations.

Angus’ love of ticketing began when he joined Ticketmaster in 2011, where he served as Senior Client Manager and then as State Manager for Queensland, further developing his expertise in client management and business operations. With a strong foundation in both operational and strategic roles, he brings a wealth of knowledge to the industry. Angus is passionate about focussing on true partnerships with venue hirers and ticketing providers to create memorable experiences for audiences and is dedicated to driving innovation within the industry.

Jo Michel