The Director
Mary Sparksman, CEM
Managing Director
Mary is the Managing Director for YRD and has principal responsibility for the management of major client accounts, events and conferences. Mary manages the Human Resources and has 42 years of experience in hotel hospitality and conference management. During that period she has become recognised as a leading PCO, for businesses, government departments, professional services, research, educational, scientific and peak body associations.
Mary is an invited member of various Hotel Advisory Boards, the Queensland council member for the PCO Association, co-chairing the hotel advisory committee. She has spoken at industry forums, particularly on matters pertaining to venue negotiations and contracts, and ethical standards of PCO members.
The Event & Association Team
Kate Mackey
Event & Partnership Manager
Kate is an experienced events and project management professional with a strong track record in delivering high-quality conferences and strategic partner initiatives. She currently works at YRD as Event & Partnership Manager and Project Manager, where she leads end-to-end event delivery and supports key partnerships with precision and professionalism.
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Kate has held roles across event and conference management with organisations including Carillon Conference Management, Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, Sofitel and Marriott Hotels, bringing expertise in stakeholder engagement, logistics coordination and seamless execution.
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She is highly organised, proactive and thrives in fast-paced environments, with a positive, solutions-focused approach to every project.
Melannie Fernandez
Event & Association Manager
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Felicity Poad
Administration & Event Assistant
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Jayme Wagner
Event & Secretariat Manager
Jayme coordinates the secretariats managed by YRD and also works with both Directors on conferences throughout the year.
Jayme has completed a degree of International Hotel and Tourism Management at the University of Queensland.
Jayme's cheery disposition, strong attention to detail and exceptional efficiency makes her an asset to YRD.
Emily Coleman-Rigden
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
Karen has been working with small businesses facilitating bookkeeping support using MYOB, processing and accounting liaison for the past twenty years. She works to keep the financial records of our clients to the highest standard possible. She is able to tailor processes and formats for each client based upon their individual needs. Karen‘s attention to detail in all financial matters ensures that our clients accountants and auditors requirements and timelines are always met.