speakers

Sarah Mathers

Head of International Security – National Basketball Association (NBA)

Sarah Mathers is Vice President, Head of International Security and International Events Leader for the National Basketball Association (NBA). Sarah began her career with the NBA in 2019 as Security Director for EMEA, the sole regional representative for the security interests of the organisation. Over the past 7 years Sarah has built an International Security Department to meet the exponential growth of the NBA footprint outside of the USA. Since 2024 Sarah has also fulfilled a role within the NBA events department, helping set the strategy and process for delivering global events. The NBA International Department, scales from grassroot level basketball to the global facilities of the league to NBA teams playing exhibition games and the support of the USA Basketball teams for events such as the World Cup and 2024 Olympics.

Sarah has also held the position of Head of Venue Production for the Basketball Africa League (BAL), the first professional basketball league operated by the NBA outside of the USA. Sarah has been involved with the BAL since its creation in 2020, successfully completing the inaugural season during the global pandemic in Kigali Rwanda. Sarah oversaw the operational planning and execution of the league, moving 12 teams, hundreds of staff and vendors, across 4 countries on the continent of Africa during the 4-month league.

Prior to the NBA Sarah completed 17 years with the Metropolitan Police, working across a range of departments, concluding in Royalty and Specialist Protection, as the team leader for the then Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Sarah was also a high-risk operator, planning and leading protection operations in support of UK government in locations such as Iran, Somalia, Nigeria and Iraq.

Sarah’s passion focuses heavily upon partnership working with local security vendors and networks, building best practices, resilience and effective intelligence sharing. Global sports is a huge opportunity to develop new talent, not necessarily from traditional security backgrounds but who bring a new dynamic to security.

Sarah holds a BSc in Biology and Microbiology from Imperial College, London and a MSc in Forensic Science from Kings College, London.

Joe Falzon

Security Lead – Australian Football League (AFL)

With three decades of experience in the Security industry, Joe’s expertise encompasses a broad spectrum of Security disciplines, including physical Security, threat and risk assessment and emergency response planning. His strategic insights and hands-on approach have made him a trusted confidant to the major events sector, corporate and private clients alike.

Joe joined the Australian Football League Integrity and Security Department in 2021 and has continued to play a pivotal role in managing aspects of security at Marvel Stadium and within the AFL domain. His expertise has been crucial in safeguarding large-scale events.

A strong advocate of preventative security, Joe focuses on proactive measures to mitigate potential risks, significantly enhancing the security posture of the organisations he serves.

Harry Kotsinadelis

Head of Security – Melbourne & Olympic Parks
With over 20 years of experience across the retail, major events, and critical infrastructure sectors, Harry Kotsinadelis is a seasoned Risk and Security Management professional. He is known for delivering both strategic and practical solutions in high-pressure environments. His core expertise spans risk management, emergency and safety planning, crisis response, regulatory compliance, and physical security operations.
Harry is widely respected for his composed leadership style and his ability to navigate complex and dynamic challenges. He is deeply committed to creating safe, secure, and resilient environments.
His career has seen him contribute to some of Australia’s most iconic sporting and entertainment events, including the Australian Open, AFL Grand Finals, A-League matches, FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, NRL games, the Spring Racing Carnival, the Formula 1 Grand Prix, and global music concerts held at premier venues such as Melbourne Park, the MCG, Marvel Stadium, and Flemington Racecourse.
Harry also brings several years of retail security experience, having worked at major shopping centres including Chadstone and Westfield locations in Melbourne.
For the past two years, he has served as the Head of Security at Melbourne Park, where he is responsible for overseeing both physical and electronic security across its 40-hectare precinct. This includes key venues such as Rod Laver Arena, AAMI Park, Margaret Court Arena, John Cain Arena, Kia Arena, and the CENTREPIECE events and conference facility.

Nadine Callaghan

General Manager, Operations & Safety – Luna Park Sydney
Nadine Callaghan stands as the General Manager, Operations and Safety at Luna Park Sydney, responsible for leading the Park’s operational departments including Venues, Maintenance, Facilities, IT and major projects—while also overseeing all aspects of health, safety, and risk management. Nadine is committed to ensuring operational excellence is delivered alongside a proactive and embedded safety culture, driving accountability, compliance, and continuous improvement across the business.

Before joining Luna Park Sydney, Nadine garnered extensive experience in the film and television industry. She held key positions at Fox Studios Australia (now Disney Studios Australia) and The Walt Disney Company. Nadine managed security contracts, event security, intellectual property protection, emergency and crisis management, risk management, compliance and major projects. With a background in critical incident response, workplace mental health, and high-risk environments, she brings a holistic approach to operational leadership that values both performance and care.

Josh Reeve

CEO – Empire Protection
Josh Reeve is a protection and security specialist with 20 years of experience in Private Security and Law-Enforcement (State and Federal).
Josh founded Empire Protection in 2013 to become an executive provider of elite security and protection services. The Empire brand has since expanded to include Empire Executive Protection globally with management hubs in the USA, Thailand and Papua New Guinea. In his position as CEO and CSO, he utilises his extensive skills and experience to enhance the capabilities of his carefully selected team.
Josh has experience leading security and protection programs across the globe in many complex and challenging environments. Significantly, Josh has extensive experience managing security and protection program in the event space from Annual General Meetings and High-Profile Board meetings to Celebrity Weddings, major sporting events including the Australian Open, the AFL, The UFC and the F1 Grand Prix and international concerts and comedy tours.
Josh specialises in Risk Assessment and Management, Close Personal Protection (including Executive Protection, Witness Protection, Protective Surveillance, Protection Driving, Celebrity/VIP Protection), Security Event Planning and Design, Industrial Dispute Management, Crisis Management and Risk Management.

Anthony Karpanos

Chief Safety & Risk Officer – Venues West
Anthony Karpanos is a highly experienced safety and risk professional with over 25 years in law enforcement, security, and public safety. As the Chief Safety and Risk Officer at VenuesWest, he is responsible for leading the safety and risk strategy across some of Western Australia’s most iconic venues.
Anthony brings deep operational expertise from his former career as an inspector and operational commander, with specialisation in aviation and maritime operations, emergency response, and counter-terrorism. He has a proven track record in managing complex, high-risk environments and has led critical safety initiatives for major public events and infrastructure.
A recognised subject matter expert, Anthony has developed and implemented safety frameworks, emergency response plans, and compliance programs, while also delivering training to teams across Australia. His qualifications include Diplomas in Security and Risk Management, Public Safety, Work Health and Safety, and Government Investigations.
Anthony is known for his practical leadership, clear communication, and ability to engage diverse stakeholders to deliver safe outcomes in fast-paced, public-facing settings.

Lucinda Cook

Head of Security & Precinct Services – Venues NSW

With more than 15 years of experience across Australia’s transport and security sectors, Lucinda Cook is a recognised leader in venue security, scalable operations, and crowd management. Her work spans high-profile events, critical infrastructure, and complex precincts—including key sites within the Venues NSW portfolio—where she has consistently delivered resilient and safe operational outcomes.

Lucinda specialises in leading large-scale security operations, integrating advanced training methodologies and cutting-edge technologies to empower frontline teams. She has played a pivotal role in designing robust security frameworks, conducting risk assessments, and implementing emergency management strategies tailored to dynamic and high-pressure event environments.

A champion of innovation, safety, and operational excellence, Lucinda is driven by the challenge of creating secure, efficient, and enjoyable experiences for both patrons and stakeholders.

Jeff Walker

Principal Consultant – JKG Consulting

Jeff brings over 35 years of experience in Emergency Management, Security, and Counter-Terrorism, supported by a strong operational and tactical background in both Australia, Asia and the Middle East. A veteran of the Australian Defence Force and the Australian Federal Police, he served in specialised roles including the Bomb Response and Diplomatic Protection Units and as an Air Marshal.

He has delivered counter-terrorism training to units within the Singapore Police Force, Military, and Corrective Services, and is scheduled to present at the Philippines LAPIS Counter-Terrorism Conference in Manila later this year.

Jeff has also delivered Active Armed Offender awareness and response training for key institutions, including major hospitals under the NSW Department of Health, the Australian National Maritime Museum, and multiple campuses of a leading Australian university.

In addition, he is currently engaged in reviewing and assessing terrorism response policies and procedures for a major shopping centre management group operating across Australia and New Zealand, ensuring their readiness to respond to evolving threats

Andrew Cooke

General Manager, Safety, Security & Access – AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026

Andrew is currently the General Manager, Safety, Security & Access for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026. Previously, Andrew held the position of Head Safety Security & Access (Australia) for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Australia & New Zealand. Andrew leads a ‘world class’ security team that is planning and will deliver the safety and security, access and accreditation for the major events.

Andrew is a vastly experienced Security Expert with over 30 years working in multi-disciplinary security, major events, risk management and law enforcement. Andrew has managed and coordinated major security operations across a broad range of sport events across the globe. Andrew has secured a variety of sports and international events including the 2015 AFC Asian Cup in Australia, as well as working alongside a variety of international sporting bodies.

Bea Tomlin

Founder – Beaspoke Safety

With over 25 years’ experience across the UK and Australia, Bea specialises in turning risk and safety plans into something that actually works on the ground. A Telstra Business Awards finalist and sought-after speaker, trainer, and media commentator known for her straight-talking approach to safety and cutting through compliance theatre to focus on what actually keeps people safe.

Oliver Georgelin

Managing Director – CEIA Pacific

Oliver Georgelin is the Managing Director of CEIA Pacific Pty Ltd, the regional subsidiary of CEIA S.p.A., a global leader in security screening technologies. With over 20 years of experience, including early years as a constable with the French National Police, Oliver has spent the past decade specialising in detection technologies such as X-ray inspection systems, chemical/biological detectors, counter-drone systems, ground search detection for mines, and people screening solutions.

Oliver has played a key role in delivering detection technologies for governments, airports, law enforcement, and major event venues across the Asia-Pacific region, including the G20 Summit in Brisbane (2014), the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, the ASEAN Summit in Bali (2023), and CHOGM 2024 in Samoa. Notably, he led a successful bid for body-worn drone detection technology for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and supplied equipment for the King Charles III visit to the Australian Parliament. CEIA is also the supplier of security body scanners and metal detectors at the new Western Sydney Airport.

At VSX 2025, Oliver will present on international standards for people screening, providing insights into the evolution of U.S. and European standards and discussing the growing importance of mass transit-style screening for large venues.

Oliver holds an Executive MBA from AGSM, a Bachelor’s in Business (Marketing), and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Asian Studies. He is a graduate of the AICD Company Directors Course (GAICD) and serves as President of the youth mental health non-profit Share the Spark.

Rod van Gelder

Crowd Science Consultant – Event Safety Institute

Roderick began his career in the performing arts in 1976 in the Netherlands, where he quickly moved up the ranks at both the Dutch National Ballet and Dutch Opera Foundation. He then began a successful and varied independent career in production management and lighting design.

In 2005 Roderick was tasked in providing risk management and workplace health and safety advice for the entertainment industry through his company Stage Safety pty ltd. He jumped at the opportunity to attend the Prof. Keith Still course in 2015, attaining a Level 5 Diploma (with distinction) in Crowd Science. He has been applying that knowledge to a raft of public, corporate, music and festival events ever since.

Early 2022 Roderick was approached by the Event Safety Institute in the Netherlands who were looking for a trainer to deliver crowd science training in Australia on behalf of Prof. Keith Still. Well versed in Australian conditions and the benefits and detail of Professor Still’s work. Roderick and the ESI have provided Crowd Science training to the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Queensland Stadiums, Sydney Opera House, NSW Place Management, Queensland Police Olympic Team, Parramatta Council, Perth Festival and many others.

Roderick van Gelder is a regular speaker at conferences, such as Venue Safety Exchange, Australian Festival Industry Conference and VMA conferences. Roderick presented at the UNSW ‘Crowd Safety Summit’ in front of national and international crowd safety academics and practitioners, contributing to the publication Contemporary challenges in crowd safety research and practice, and a roadmap for the future: The Swiss Cheese Model of Crowd Safety and the need for a Vision Zero target.

Roderick is passionate about Crowd Science and the broad benefits for the entertainment and sports industry.