Meet the Team

Our staff are our key selling point. We are selling you their expert skills in conference management. From developing your marketing strategy through to delivering your financial goal – our staff are your gateway to your success – that is why we only have the best. That is why we take our time with recruitment. That is why we have built one of the most experienced management teams you will find. We all enjoy your success and we are as passionate about your conference and event as you are.

Karine Bulger AFMEA – Chief Executive Officer

With over 12 years of experience in the meetings and conventions industry, Karine has successfully managed many national and major international meetings and offers our clients extensive conference management skills. With a background in operations and financial management Karine works closely with all clients and their dedicated Conference Manager to ensure both the operational and financial success of their event. Karine also has a strong focus on delegate boosting and sponsorship procurement and works closely with our clients in the early stages to develop strategic marketing campaigns. As the Chief Executive Officer of TMP, Karine plays a role in every conference, and provides constant behind the scenes support to the twenty plus staff members at TMP .

Amy Coote – Conference Manager

Amy has extensive experience in the hospitality and events industry having held senior positions in Operations and Conference Sales at the Cairns International Hotel, Rydges Hotels Group, Le Meridien Hotels and InterContinental Hotels Group. Since joining The Meeting Planners in 2006 Amy has worked successfully with multiple clients to manage their conference from beginning to end. One of Amy’s focuses is delegate boosting and the strategies required to ensure that the delegate target is not only achieved, but exceeded.

Nicole Bakes – Conference Manager

Nicole has worked within the conference industry for close to ten years and brings to The Meeting Planners extensive logistical and venue skills following her senior appointments within Hyatt Hotels. Nicole's background has benefitted many TMP clients resulting in seamless onsite operations and the registration and onsite management of thousands of delegates.

Kathy Barton – Conference Manager

Kathy’s background encompasses 17 years experience in the meetings and conventions industry. With 9 years at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre and 4 years at the Australian Technology Park Conference Centre Kathy has gained extensive experience in all aspects of venue logistics and operations. Major international events managed by Kathy during her time at these venues include the International Conference on Dermatology (3000 delegates), the International Conference on Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (4000 delegates) and the Uniform Distribution Centre for Sydney Olympics Games which involved over a million participants. Kathy has spent the remaining 2 years as General Manager of the Australian Technology Park Conference Centre developing marketing strategies, creating and managing budgets and leading a team of 10 staff.

Joanne Tovey – Conference Manager

With nearly ten years experience in the conference industry, Joanne has staged both large and small conferences in all states and territories of Australia. Joanne has brought to The Meeting Planners strong operational and communication skills enabling close relationships with committees and conference service suppliers. Joanne also has broad experience with managing scientific programs and social events.

Rebecca Russell – Conference Manager

Rebecca’s experience in the events industry spans over 10 years and includes working for a number of high profile companies including a successful AFL Club, Australian F1 Grand Prix, the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre and a leading Australian Exhibition Company. Along with her strong operational skills, Rebecca is renowned for her expertise in Scientific Program Management. Rebecca and her team have managed this process for many TMP clients, and most recently the World Psychiatry Congress, with over 1100 abstract submissions, 20 world-wide reviewers, 1000 accepted abstracts, and 15 concurrent sessions.

Leigh Clarke – Sponsorship and Exhibition Manager

With extensive Sales and Marketing experience in a variety of industries Leigh works with our committees to develop and manage the sponsorship and exhibition process. From the initial strategic development of the sales prospectus through to working one on one with key sponsors to ensure return on investment Leigh provides comprehensive account management. Leigh understands the importance of industry involvement and works alongside our committees to maximise opportunities.

Caroline Martel - Senior Conference Coordinator

Caroline was Event Manager for the Society of Petroleum Engineers for 3 years based in London running industry-specific workshops and forums around Europe. In this role, she developed strong relationships with international steering committees from scientific and engineering backgrounds. Since being in Australia Caroline was with the Faculty of Business of Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane where she coordinated corporate education programs as well as overseeing the logistics of the QUT Business Leaders' Forum series bringing her in contact with many high profile academics and business leaders.