The Director
Mary Sparksman, CEM
Managing Director
Mary is the Managing Director of YRD Event Management, with principal responsibility for the strategic management of major client accounts, conferences, and, events. With more than four decades of experience in hotel hospitality, conference and association management, Mary is widely recognised as one of Australia’s leading Professional Conference Organisers (PCOs).
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Throughout her career, Mary has worked extensively with businesses, government departments, professional services firms, research and educational institutions, scientific organisations and peak body associations. Her expertise spans conference strategy, venue and contract negotiation, stakeholder management, and the delivery of complex national events.
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Mary is a Council Member of the PCO Association and Co-Chair of its Hotel Advisory Committee, and is an invited member of multiple hotel advisory boards. She is a regular speaker at industry forums, particularly on venue negotiations, contracting, and ethical standards within the PCO profession. Her leadership, depth of industry knowledge and commitment to best practice are highly regarded across the events and hospitality sector.
The Event & Association Team
Kate Mackey
Event & Partnership Manager
Kate brings extensive experience in events and project management, specialising in the delivery of complex conferences and partner-led initiatives. At YRD, she works across Event & Partnership Management and Project Management, leading end-to-end event delivery and supporting key partnerships with a calm, detail-focused approach.
Her background across PCO and venue-based roles has given her a strong, practical understanding of conference and event operations - from stakeholder engagement and logistics through to seamless on-site delivery.
Highly organised and proactive, Kate thrives in fast-paced environments and is known for her solutions-driven mindset, attention to detail and consistently high standards.
Melannie Fernandez
Event & Association Manager
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Felicity Poad
Administration & Event Assistant
With a background in administration, Felicity has extensive experience supporting not-for-profit organisations. In her current role, she assists the General Manager and provides administrative and member services support for a number of societies managed by the YRD team.
Jayme Wagner
Event & Secretariat Manager
Jayme Wagner has been with YRD for more than 10 years, working closely with the Director to support several associations managed by the firm. Her role includes coordinating conferences and related events, managing sponsorships, maintaining membership databases, and administering research funds. With a strong understanding of YRD’s clients and operations, Jayme also supports colleagues across a range of activities to ensure efficient and consistent service delivery.
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Jayme holds a degree in International Hotel and Tourism Management from the University of Queensland.
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Known for her cheery disposition, attention to detail, and efficiency, Jayme is a highly valued and reliable member of the YRD team.
Emily Coleman
Event Manager
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Lydia Sparksman
Event Manager
Lydia has extensive professional experience in the organisation and management of associations and events developed over the past 11 years since starting at YRD Event Management. With a MArch and BDes (ArchSt) (Honours) from the Queensland University of Technology, and a BFA from Queensland College of Art (Griffith University). Lydia consistently draws upon her design and artistic practice in her role as Event Manager, with an attention to detail that ensures the continuous delivery of exceptional service. She thrives in learning new skills and excels in collaboration, making her an invaluable member of the team.
The Finance Team
Karen Mills
Book Keeper
With over 30 years’ experience supporting small businesses, Karen provides expert bookkeeping using MYOB, financial processing, and accounting liaison services. She is dedicated to maintaining clients’ financial records to the highest standard, tailoring systems and reporting formats to meet each client’s individual needs. Karen’s strong attention to detail ensures that all financial matters are managed accurately, with accountants’ and auditors’ requirements and timelines consistently met.