Francis Child
BSc ACA
Managing Director and Owner of the Conference Action Group

Francis was born and educated in the UK graduating from Bristol University with a BSc in Economics and Statistics and qualifying as a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales in 1981. After successful careers in both the profession and commerce in London he moved to Australia in 1992 and for eight years gained valuable experience working for one of the country’s leading global conference and exhibition organisers. In 2000 Francis purchased Conference Action, rapidly expanding the business through drive and enthusiasm coupled with his culture of professionalism and personalised customer service. The financial results currently being enjoyed by Conference Action’s clients are testimony to the skills and integrity Francis promotes in his organisation.

Emma Waygood
Conference General Manager

Emma joined the Conference Action team in 1996. After completing a Bachelor of Business in Tourism degree at Southern Cross University she began her career with a conference and exhibition company where she gained invaluable experience coordinating meetings and exhibitions of all sizes and complexities. During her time with the company Emma has been responsible for managing over forty successful major events catering for up to 3,000 delegates.

Julie Krieger
Business
Development
Manager

Julie is a sales and marketing professional with extensive experience across many industry sectors.  She holds a Bachelor of Business (Tourism) from the University of South Australia and a Certificate of Public Relations.  Julie has worked in marketing, sales and client relationship management positions in print management, airlines and festivals as well as within the wine industry.  She shares the company’s ethos of integrity and honesty and brings a commercial focus and strong customer service ethic to everything she does.

Melissa Lawlor
Event Manager

Melissa joined Conference Action in June 2009 and has already successfully run three large conferences in a short amount of time. Before working at Conference Action Melissa worked in the sporting events industry at Front Row Events. Prior to this she worked in a Client Services role at the Institute of Executive Coaching. Before moving to Australia, Melissa completed an honors degree in Business at the Dublin Business School in Ireland.

Jessica Abbey
Event Manager

Jessica comes to Conference Action having recently completed a Bachelor of Business Administration (specialising in event management) from Macquarie University through study at the International College of Management, Sydney.  Her academic achievement was recognised by admission on the Dean’s list. Jessica  held several management positions in the hospitality industry before joining the team at Conference Action.  Jessica brings with her a focus on excellent customer service, strong organisational skills and a keen eye for detail.  

Daniel Evans
Event Manager

Daniel studied Hotel Management in his native New Zealand, graduating in June 2003.  He moved to Australia in July 2003 and worked at the Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel in Front Office, Revenue Management and Event Management.  In June 2010 Daniel joined the Conference Action team, bringing with him a wealth of experience managing conferences and events from around the globe. 

Kate Gordon
Office Manager

Since joining APC in 2009 as a Client Services Manager, Kate has moved into the role of Office/Database Manager for both the Australian Professional Centre & Conference Action. Kate holds a Bachelor of Arts from the Australian National University, and has developed strong administration skills through various roles within the healthcare sector in both Australia and the UK.

Juliet Mason
Data Manager

Juliet was educated in Singapore and has over 20 years experience as a Subscriptions Manager for a publishing company. She has been with the APC and Conference Action since 2008.