speakers
Mel Goodman
Head Of Events & Venue Operations – Sydney Showground
Mel Goodman is the Head of Events & Venue Operations at Sydney Showground. A world-class venue, Sydney Showground delivers over 100 national and international events each year, including music festivals, sporting events, exhibitions and tradeshows. Sydney Showground has partnerships with the Australian Football League and Cricket NSW, with the Greater Western Sydney GIANTS and Sydney Thunder utilising ENGIE Stadium for their home-ground matches. Every year, Sydney Showground hosts the iconic Sydney Royal Easter Show. Australia’s largest annual ticketed event, the show attracts circa 900,000 people.
Mel has worked in the events industry for over 15 years and since 2021 has been the Head of Events & Venue Operations for Sydney Showground. Mel’s event delivery is extensive, having overseen all facets of event and venue operations for recent major events such as Laneway Festival, ICC T20 Women’s World Cup and Knockout Outdoor as well as a raft of concerts, dance parties, exhibitions and conferences. Mel also headed Venue Operations for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 International Broadcast Centre.
Mel has extensive qualifications in Event Management, Crowd Safety, Risk Analysis and Leadership that she combines with 15 years hand-on experience running some of the biggest events in Australia.
Chris Poulter
Founder & CEO – OSINT Combine
Chris is the Founder & CEO of OSINT Combine who are leaders in open-source intelligence training & software with support to counter-human trafficking, counter-terrorism, law enforcement & other strategically important efforts around the world. He spent over a decade in the Australian Defence Force with extensive operational experience around the world.
He has an established background working in military and law enforcement environments domestically & overseas, with proven outcomes in developing open-source intelligence capability to multi-national teams that service strategic and operational objectives where the cyber, human and physical terrain overlap.
Chris is the creator of NexusXplore, a leading OSINT software platform that is trusted globally in supporting complex mission sets in the open source environment including major events and venues.
Michael Prescott
General Manager Of Asset Protection – The Star Gold Coast
Michael Prescott is a seasoned leader in the field of security and emergency management, currently serving as the General Manager of Asset Protection at The Star Gold Coast. With a career spanning diverse sectors, Michael has amassed a comprehensive skill set that encompasses every aspect of safeguarding people, assets, and operations in high-stakes environments.
Prior to commencing his journey in the fast-paced world of casinos, Michael held notable roles at the New South Wales Department of Premier & Cabinet, where he orchestrated security measures for Government dignitary visits and special events of national significance. His tenure in governmental security solidified his proficiency in emergency planning and response, as well as counterterrorism strategies.
Michael further expanded his expertise during his tenure at Sydney Cricket Ground and Allianz Stadium, where he delved into the complexities of crowd management and security at large-scale sporting events and concerts.
Transitioning seamlessly into the private sector, Michael brought his wealth of governmental standards expertise to Crown Resorts Sydney before assuming his current role at The Star Gold Coast.
Throughout his illustrious career, Michael has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to excellence in security operations. His multifaceted expertise encompasses security planning, crowd management, asset protection, investigations, emergency response, and counterterrorism measures. This breadth of experience uniquely positions him as a trusted advisor and leader in the field.
In his current capacity at The Star Gold Coast, Michael spearheads asset protection initiatives, meticulously crafting security protocols and emergency response plans to ensure the safety and security of patrons, employees, and assets. With his wealth of experience spanning from casinos to large sporting venues and governmental settings, Michael Prescott embodies a commitment to excellence in security and emergency management.
Scott Taylor CPP
Managing Director – Praesidium Risk and Resilience
Scott is a Combined Communications Expert who has trained with the leading global authorities on Body Language, Deception Detection, Facial Micro Expressions, Elicitation and Statement and word Analysis. His unique skill set is utilised to glean true intent, enhance awareness and supercharge trust building.
He has worked across the gamut of the security, safety and risk industry over the past 29 years and is a court and tribunal-recognised expert. He has shared his knowledge and expertise through specialist consulting and training throughout the Middle East, APAC Region, USA and Australia to a broad scope of Corporate and Government Organisations.
Chris Zammit
Executive Manager – Sheridan Consulting Group
Chris Zammit is a security, resilience and risk specialist with a particular focus on stadia and venue planning, security operations, emergency planning and response under pinned with a sound risk management approach.
He has worked with a vast range of sporting bodies in Australia and internationally including the National Hockey League (NHL), Fédération Internationale de Basketball (FIBA), World Aquatics (formerly FINA), World Athletics, Basketball Australia, Football Federation Australia (FFA), Cricket Australia and the Australia Football League (AFL), as well as several high profile teams such as Manchester United, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, Los Angeles Kings, Arizona Coyotes and the USA Basketball Team.
Prior to joining Sheridan Consulting Group, Chris led the security function at the Australian Football League(AFL) for almost four years where he managed the national emergency planning and response, protective security of AFL staff,club personnel, players, officials and spectators.He was also responsible for securing and emergency planning relating to assets and infrastructure under the AFL’s control, including AFL House and both‘ business as usual’ and major events heldat Marvel Stadium.
Chris has established stake holder relations with law enforcement and intelligence agencies nationally andjurisdictionally.
Importantly, he also has working knowledge of several major stadiums and venues across Australia, providing understanding of the event day operating procedures at the venue, working closely with the Security and Operations Teams relating to match days and high profile events. Chris is also a former Senior Detective with the Victoria Police.
Darlene Winston
Darlene is a Senior Executive and expert in organisational culture. Throughout Darlene’s career, she has been a key note and thought leadership speaker on culture, transformation, governance, operational excellence, people and technology both locally and globally. Darlene has held Regional Director positions in three continents and within twelve different industry market verticals.
Darlene’s experience is organisation wide and across the end-to-end businessdelivery and transformation journey. Darlene has been successful in cultural change and performancein global listed, private, start-ups and mergers and acquisitions.
Darlene consults and presents to a variety of stake holders such as CEO’s, Boards and Executive leadership teams, vendors, and partners. Darlene works well in high-pressure situations and has a track record of delivering compelling presentations that inspire action and drive results.
Darlene has extensive academic qualifications across several disciplines Business Degree, Masters HR and several Post Graduate Diplomas across commerce, e-commerce, communications and has completed the Australian Institute of Company Directors course. Over and above this, Darlene has lectured at the University of Technology (UTS) at Masters level in International Business.
Darlene has extensive experience in reshaping the culture of major security companies to lead them to success and has done so in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne.
Donald S. Williams CPP ASecM
Managing Director – Layer 3 Services
Don Williams has been conducting and reviewing security risk assessments since 1987. He holds qualifications in Security Management, Security Risk Management as well as Project and Resource Management. He is a Certified Protection Professional and a member of ASIS-International, the Institute of Explosive Engineers, the International Association of Bomb Technicians and Investigators (Distinguished Life Member), and the International Association of Protective Structures.
In his previous employment was the Bomb Risk Manager and Strategic Intelligence Officer for the 2000 Olympics and Paralympics for which he was awarded the Olympic Certificate of Merit. He has authored over 150 publications. He was awarded the Australian Security Medal by his peers for services to the profession.
Mike Monnik
CEO – DroneSec
Mike is the Founder and CEO of DroneSec, a UAS adversary intelligence company. Mike is a career red team operator who spent years thinking like an adversary, using physical and digital methods to infiltrate buildings and networks. Mike has presented on drone threat proliferation at the United Nations, NATO and to the US National Security Council at The White House.
DroneSec was founded in 2016 as an intelligence-led approach to the counter-drone problem and serves FVEY military, government and law enforcement. It provides awareness of emerging UAS tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) in the rapidly scaling small drone threat environment. DroneSec intelligence has discovered and helped prevent hostile drone attacks against stadiums and major sporting events.
Edward Swete Kelly
Director – Chronosoft
Edward has 12 years of experience and held numerous roles globally managing event coordination and control rooms to ensure efficient responses to emergency and operational situations by all stakeholders and to forecast risks and implemented risk mitigation strategies.
Clients have included major music festivals, stadiums, arenas, motor racing events, high risk endurance events, large mass participation events & major concerts. These roles have included managing teams upwards of 50 staff, whilst coordinating teams on the ground of over 1,000 staff. This requires that he be able to work in a dynamic and high-pressure environment, managing the interests of multiple stakeholders and external agencies in an operational environment.
Edward has also worked as an Advanced Care Paramedic with the Queensland Ambulance Service and in other project management roles in the construction and rail industry.
Stephen Thomson
Senior Emergency Management Consultant – The Riskworks Group
Stephen is a senior consultant with The Riskworks Group. A former CIO and self-described risk nerd, Stephen has spent the last 15 years working with clients and their teams to deliver pragmatic and innovative approaches to avoiding, preparing for and recovering from emergencies, critical incidents and disasters.
Stephen has worked with some of Australia’s most iconic venues, events and brands including the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Airport Corporation, Westpac, the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority and Byron Bay Bluesfest and holds qualifications in safety management, risk management, terrorism and counterterrorism and educational design.
Mike Metcalfe
Sales Director, ANZ & Southern Africa – Irisity
Mike joins the VSX line up with over 15 years’ experience in the technology industry having started his journey on the technology distribution side in South Africa before joining Milestone Systems launching their footprint as the country head for Southern Africa. In 2015, Mike immigrated to Australia with his family continuing with Milestone Systems concluding an 8-year stint as the Manager of the APAC Key Account Team spearheading numerous enterprise projects in Safe Cities, Critical Infrastructure, Airports, Retail, Road & Rail Transportation and Healthcare.
Mike then joined Everbridge where he further expanded his knowledge and skillset in the areas of Crises & Emergency Management, National Public Warning Systems, Business Continuity, Mass Communication and PSIM technologies. Now, Mike is the Sales Director for APAC & Southern Africa over at Irisity having joined them in late 2023 specialising in Artificial Intelligence powered analytics for Open Video Platform systems.
Lyndsey Green
Head of Amusement Park – Luna Park Sydney
Lyndsey Green is the Head of Amusement Park at Luna Park Sydney. Luna Park Sydney, the iconic heritage-listed amusement park that has been an integral part of Sydney’s cultural and social fabric for over 88 years. The Sydney Harbour icon is one of the most intact art-deco amusement parks in the world. Lyndsey overseas a business unit that employs over 700 personnel, is open to the public more than 2,500 hours per year across 250 days and the Park presently welcomes more than 1.2 million visitors per year.
In Lyndsey’s 8+ years at Luna Park Sydney, she has fulfilled a number of roles within the organisation gaining experience in all park operations roles, WH&S, Events and Duty Managing which required overseeing daily operations of the site simultaneously including the Amusement Park and up to 4 separate events per day.
As part of the executive Leadership Team reporting to the CEO, Lyndsey is an active participant in the strategic direction and shaping the next chapter of the business.
Anthony Karpanos
Chief Safety & Risk Officer – VenuesWest
Anthony Karpanos is the Chief Safety and Risk Officer at VenuesWest, Western Australia’s leading provider of premier sports, recreation, and entertainment venues. With over two decades of experience in law enforcement and security, Anthony brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record of enhancing venue safety and security across numerous high-profile locations.
Throughout his extensive career, Anthony has specialised in developing and implementing comprehensive safety and risk management strategies, tailored to meet the unique challenges of each venue. His expertise covers a broad range of security disciplines, including risk assessments, emergency response planning, and crowd management, ensuring all venues under his oversight adhere to the highest standards of safety and compliance.
Anthony’s approach to security is both strategic and hands-on, characterised by his ability to lead cross-functional teams and foster a culture of continuous improvement. His commitment to excellence in venue safety has not only improved operational efficiencies but has also played a crucial role in maintaining safe and secure environments for millions of patrons annually.
Travis Renshaw
Director – Eventwise
Travis Renshaw began in the industry as a 15-year-old ‘Roadie’, in the early 1990’s, working the small stages of Adelaide. Progressing and evolving through numerous positions in all entertainment and event formats, Eventwise was formally established in 2005. With the benefit of hard earnt wisdom, it quickly developed into a complete Event Management Company providing services to some of the biggest events in South Australia.
The small and dynamic Eventwise team, provides a range of event services, from creation and design, management, event operations, security supervision, safety consultation, education and more. Specialising in outdoor, sporting, and live entertainment events, Eventwise can provide any event with the wisdom, support and management it deserves.
