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The Conference Runner At The Conference Runner, we partner up with our clients and their events become our events.

It feels like   in Ōtautahi Christchurch happened ages ago now. Amid the Christmas rush and wrapping up final tasks befo...
24/12/2025

It feels like in Ōtautahi Christchurch happened ages ago now. Amid the Christmas rush and wrapping up final tasks before 2025 closes, I keep coming back to the event’s core message: “The Power of Connection”.
The program delivered meaningful insights for anyone working in the world of events: shaping stronger marketing narratives, engaging multi-generational audiences, and learning how to communicate across generations with clarity, impact, and respect. There were powerful reminders around setting boundaries, supporting wellbeing, and leading by example, wisdom that resonates in the wonderfully chaotic world of meeting planners.
And while every session landed, my biggest takeaway was this:
Real value isn’t just in what we learn, it’s in the conversations we have between the sessions. The shared stories, the laughter, the advice given generously, and the connections, old and new, that quietly turn into collaborations long after the closing keynote.
For those of us working in any capacity with or as event management companies, we know the onsite magic happens in the space between the agenda. That’s true for delegates, and just as true for us when we’re the ones in attendance, learning, listening, and connecting in real time.
I’ll admit, I didn’t stay as connected in 2025 as I would have liked. So consider this my 2026 promise to myself: more presence, more conversations, more coffee catch-ups, more strategic collaboration, and fewer excuses.
Here’s to the power of connection, one conversation at a time.
May 2026 be a year of meaningful connections, seamless collaboration, and shared success. Wishing you all a truly connected 2026!

There’s something truly special about the power of networking.You never quite know where a simple conversation, shared p...
09/04/2025

There’s something truly special about the power of networking.

You never quite know where a simple conversation, shared passion, or new connection might lead. One of the best parts of working in this industry is watching those moments evolve into incredible working relationships—built on trust, creativity, and a shared goal to deliver unforgettable events.

That’s exactly what happened when The Conference Runner met Fleur Flanery from Outlandish Pty Ltd. What started as a conversation turned into a seamless collaboration to bring to life - a conference that participants will remember fondly.

It’s been such a pleasure working alongside creative individuals who can reimagine the stage, curate a brilliant program, and make the process feel effortless.
At the heart of it all? Partnering with great people who truly understand the work behind events and know how to turn the expected into the extraordinary.

A heartfelt thank you to:
We Are Outlandish – vision, creativity, and leadership
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) – always a world-class venue with a can-do attitude
RegOnsite – seamless registration from start to finish
EARL Canteen – delicious food and flawless service
Magnetic Shots – capturing the moments that matter most, including the photos in this post.

Moments like these remind me why I love what I do. Here’s to the connections that turn into collaborations—and the collaborations that create magic.

 : Another Incredible Event!The program was packed with inspiring speakers and thought-provoking topics, covering everyt...
05/12/2024

: Another Incredible Event!
The program was packed with inspiring speakers and thought-provoking topics, covering everything from AI and cybersecurity to the importance of resting and mental wellbeing for fostering connection and engagement. We even learned how to look, act, and sound like a leader!
The energy was electric—challenging us to get up, move, and laugh, making networking and learning deeper and more impactful. The breakout sessions were especially engaging, encouraging lively discussions and valuable exchanges of ideas.
I'm still riding the post-conference high from ! I found myself constantly nodding, taking notes, and snapping photos of slides to capture as much as possible. Now, I’m excited to implement what’s most valuable to my business.
But above all, it’s about the people—the fellow PCOs, the amazing PCOA Councillors who are always supportive, the suppliers you’ve worked with (or hope to work with), and the connections—both old and new.
My mind is still buzzing, but I can’t help but reflect on how special this community is. We truly love what we do, and even when the deadlines loom and the days get hectic, I’ll remember why I chose this career: because it’s simply the best job there is.
A huge thank you to everyone at for putting together such a fantastic program, and to for being such a welcoming host.

As the  conference closed only on Friday, July 12, I’m filled with a bittersweet sense of accomplishment and nostalgia. ...
15/07/2024

As the conference closed only on Friday, July 12, I’m filled with a bittersweet sense of accomplishment and nostalgia. Over the past seven years, I've been deeply invested in this project, witnessing the changes and working tirelessly with Barbara Scott Smith towards the final vision for the conference. While much has changed in those few years, our goal remained steady: to elevate to new heights. And we achieved that together.

This journey was filled with meticulous planning, site visits, and solutions for overcoming unexpected challenges. Our six days of intense technical sessions, complemented by three elaborate social events and an additional week of pre-conference field trips, were a testament to our dedication. The behind-the-scenes efforts, though immeasurable, were crucial to our success.

Seeing the many happy faces and hearing the heartfelt thank-yous made me incredibly proud of what we accomplished.

This morning, as I departed , I said goodbye to some wonderful people I’ve had the pleasure of working with over these years; they were an amazing team of Yellowknife suppliers who backed me up 100% and made this event possible. I hope we were able to forge new, lasting connections and I truly hope this is just the beginning because if a chance arises, I’d jump on an opportunity to work with them again.

Above everything, I am grateful for Barbara's trust in me to take IKC to a new standard and allowing me to be a part of creating something remarkable.


Internationalkimberliteconference

The excitement is palpable as we gear up for the 12th International Kimberlite Conference!The last few days have been sp...
07/07/2024

The excitement is palpable as we gear up for the 12th International Kimberlite Conference!
The last few days have been spent on final meetings, making sure everything is coming together, and working with a team of wonderful people from Yellowknife who make the impossible not only possible but also take them to the next level.
We are ready to welcome delegates from around the world to 12 IKC, which we hope will be a landmark event. Get ready: Day 1 starts tomorrow.
See you all soon!

26/06/2024

What a nice memory!

Just returned from another successful   conference, this time held in vibrant Singapore! The power of   and   was on ful...
17/06/2024

Just returned from another successful conference, this time held in vibrant Singapore!
The power of and was on full display working together with Sea to Sky, Committee and ASME. It was great to embrace the rich and diverse culture of our host city - Singapore, bringing its unique flavours and experiences to our delegates. A heartfelt thanks to all of our local suppliers for making the seemingly impossible, possible.

While the conference days were intense, the long planning process truly paid off. There's nothing more rewarding than seeing smiley faces and hearing positive feedback from our delegates and clients who enjoyed and benefited from the event.

Getting here has been quite the journey, and the next three months will be even busier. Witnessing all the meticulous pl...
19/04/2024

Getting here has been quite the journey, and the next three months will be even busier. Witnessing all the meticulous planning come together is incredibly fulfilling. From experiencing 's freezing cold in February 2019 to the endless days of July 2023, I've seen this city in all seasons.
But the trip I am really looking forward to will be that one final visit in July 2024 for the Conference.
Seven years of planning due to COVID disruption, but after last week's site visit, is no longer just an idea but a remarkable event rapidly approaching and only three months away. It's been a privilege to collaborate with exceptional individuals on the Committee and work alongside fabulous Yellowknife suppliers to bring this event to life. The countdown begins now!

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