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
Danielle Colrain
Event & Sponsorship Manager
Danielle has previously worked in the events industry administrating, coordinating and hosting all aspects of international and national conferences and events as well as incentive travel. Danielle's commitment and enthusiasm to the events industry is portrayed in her ability to work under pressure and to plan, organise and meet tight deadlines accordingly.
Having graduated with a Bachelor of Business majoring in Marketing, as well as undertaking additional subjects in Events and Music Industry, Danielle's attention to detail in all areas results in meticulous and accurate work.
Danielle also has strong organisational, interpersonal and communication skills, allowing her to develop long-lasting working relationships with both colleagues and clients.
Argjenda Longworth
Project & Event Manager
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.
Losena Biuvanua
Administration & Event Assistant
Losena is currently studying a Bachelor of Business majoring in Event Management with over six years of industry experience. She is a committed young professional, with the desire to solve client needs and provide solutions.
She has an ability to work within a collaborative team, time constraints and fast paced work environments that demand results. A confident communicator, with experience in liaising with people from all cultural backgrounds.
Abbey Seymour
Administration & Event Assistant
Abbey is currently studying a Bachelor of Business majoring in Marketing at QUT with industry experience in the digital field. She is a highly motivated individual who has strong initiative to problem solve.
She thrives in collaborative environments, ensuring successful delivery of services making her a strong asset to YRD.
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.