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The Symposium is full of engaging content in a practical format, designed to ramp up towards the Australian Event Awards ceremony at the end of the day.
The Event Symposium will bring together leaders in the industry from some of Australia’s biggest events and festivals as well as offering a variety of sessions exploring the latest event trends, communication techniques and creatively enhancing events.
Based in South Australia, Alexandra Buzila has worked in a diverse range of roles within the events and festival industry. With a strong background in volunteering, and volunteer engagement, her career has evolved to focus on accessibility and sustainability. Driven by a passion for inclusive and environmentally responsible events, she has undertaken extensive accessibility training and is currently completing a Master of Environment. Committed to creating equitable and sustainable experiences for diverse communities, Alexandra is dedicated to driving positive change across the events industry through collaboration, innovation, and inclusive practice.
With more than 20 years’ experience across the events and cultural sectors, Amy Byars has built a dynamic career spanning event management, sales, business development, philanthropy and strategic partnerships. Her experience extends across private enterprise, government and major festivals, where she has led stakeholder engagement, partnership development and audience-focused initiatives that create meaningful impact and long-term value.
Passionate about connecting people through shared experiences, Amy brings a collaborative and strategic approach to building partnerships, delivering events and driving sustainable growth across the arts, culture and events industries.
Stephanie is the dynamic force behind Pink Caviar Events, a full-service event management and styling company based in Sydney. With over 15 years of experience in events, tourism, and project management, Stephanie brings creativity, precision, and passion to every project she undertakes.
Stephanie’s career began in the tourism and events industry, where she spent eight years working across airlines, wholesalers, and cruise lines, gaining valuable insights into client service and logistics. In 2012, she pivoted into construction and property management, sharpening her business and project management acumen. During this time, she earned her PMP® Project Management certification and became a qualified Colour Consultant—further expanding her skill set in planning, styling, and execution.
In 2013, Stephanie founded Pink Caviar Events, combining her deep-rooted passion for creating memorable experiences with her meticulous organisational skills. Since then, she has grown the company into one of Sydney’s trusted name in events, known for delivering seamless, stylish, and stress-free celebrations. Whether managing a high-end corporate event or designing trade show programs, Stephanie thrives on seeing her clients’ faces light up when they walk into a space she has envisioned and brought to life.
A hands-on leader, Stephanie is just as likely to be found at a client consultation as she is rolling up her sleeves at a 12 a.m. bump-out. Her calm, reliable, and detail-driven approach continues to inspire her team and exceed client expectations.
Tolita Dukes doesn’t do generic. And she won’t let your business do it either.
With more than 20 years across tourism, events and small business, Tolita has built her reputation on one thing: taking what feels overwhelming, fast-moving, and unclear – and turning it into something practical, commercial, and immediately useful.
Right now, that means AI. Not the hype. Not the tools list. The real thing – how to make AI think like you, sounds like you, and scale your best work without losing the expertise, voice, and reputation it took years to build.
Because AI doesn’t make you better by default. It makes you more of what you already are. Clear? You scale clarity. Messy? You scale noise. Tolita’s sessions make sure you’re scaling the right thing.
High energy. No jargon. No fluff. Just sharp thinking, real-world strategy, and a delivery style that leaves audiences feeling capable, confident, and ready to move – fast.
Cindy is an experienced Event Manager who has led many event projects over the last 20 years in local government. she’s also taught Event Management Diploma at TAFE and worked in the private sector.
Her motto of ‘Delivering Memorable Experiences’ has been the driver of achieving successful events and is passionate with connecting with diverse cultures.
Simon Irwin is Chief Executive Officer of Beef Australia Limited, presenters of the largest cattle show in the Southern Hemisphere. Hailing from Warwick on the Darling Downs, Simon studied journalism before becoming a stock and station agent/auctioneer. He then had a long career in the media holding senior positions in News Corporation Australia and APN News and Media. During his career he has been the chair of several tourism and development bodies in Queensland and the Northern Rivers region of NSW.
Hannah Pike is the Co-founder of We Are Gather, a boutique events agency behind some of Australia’s most acclaimed food, wine and tourism experiences. With a track record that includes multiple Australian Event Awards wins, including Small Agency of the Year at last year’s Australian Event Awards, and long-standing partnerships with government tourism bodies and major brands, Hannah has built a reputation for delivering world-class events with a small but highly capable team. Her work spans large-scale festivals, intimate culinary experiences and everything in between, always with creativity, precision and heart at the centre.
Prue Simson is the Manager of the Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre (AELEC) in Tamworth, where she leads one of regional Australia’s busiest agricultural event venues. With nearly two decades of experience delivering large-scale, multi-sport and equestrian events in Australia and internationally, she brings deep expertise in venue leadership, event operations, stakeholder engagement, and managing complex environments under pressure.
Since joining AELEC, Prue has overseen day-to-day operations, event delivery, capital works, budgeting, compliance, biosecurity, and team development, helping to position the Centre as the largest equine and livestock facility of its kind in the southern hemisphere. Her career includes major event experience across the Olympics, Formula One, Commonwealth Games, Invictus Games, and international equestrian venues, giving her a strong understanding of how to lead through change, plan for the unexpected, and build high-performing teams.
David Yakas is a transformative leader who blends creativity, authenticity, and innovation to inspire others and deliver meaningful impact. Recognised as a visionary, he has a talent for turning bold ideas into actionable strategies that bring people together, create lasting memories, and drive meaningful change.
Dave’s approach is cemented in connection and trust. Known for his genuine ability to build strong relationships, he fosters collaboration and empowers individuals and teams to think bigger, aim higher, and achieve more. His hands-on leadership style, combined with a deep belief in people’s potential, ensures clarity, purpose, and excellence in everything he does.
With over 15 years of experience, Dave has transformed the events industry and beyond, creating over 1,000 unique experiences that have left millions of lasting impressions. Whether delivering inspiring keynotes, hosting dynamic workshops, or consulting with organisations, David’s passion for progress and innovation shines
through.
David’s purpose is simple yet profound: to craft moments that matter, inspire others to be their best, and leave a legacy of creativity, connection, and transformation. He’s not just a leader—he’s a driver for change and
progress, helping to create memories that last a lifetime.