BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT TEAM, ASSOCIATION

 

Jade Riolo Director Business Development - Associations

As Director Business Development, Associations, alongside Sarah and Alex, Jade is part of Business Events Perth's core business unit. Having previously worked as a Professional Conference Organiser and in-house Event Manager for 13 years, Jade uses her extensive experience to lead the team with Sarah in securing association business events. In her spare time Jade enjoys travelling and trying out new restaurants and wine bars.

Leonora Nye (Leo) Senior Business Development Manager

Leo started her career in television production in Sydney before returning home to Perth. She took on roles in the event and conference space working with a variety of industries from education to health and medical research. During recent years, while spending time in the US with her family, she found herself ‘flying the flag’ for all things West Australian. She returned to an alumni role telling stories of great local achievements, showcasing the talent here in Perth and those who are making an impact on a global platform. Leo’s interest is to explore more of the wonders of our beautiful State.

Emily Kelly Senior Business Development Manager (In-market Sydney)

West Australian born, Emily is a Senior Business Development Manager based in-market in Sydney. Emily has a strong background in business and relationship development with 18 years of industry experience across hotels, convention centres, arenas and government agencies including Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre and RAC Arena. Emily is a passionate representative for WA, securing both national and international business events for the state. Emily enjoys coming back to WA regularly to spend time with family and friends, enjoying Perth’s emerging food and culture scene along with taking time to enjoy Perth’s beautiful beaches.

Lauren Perkins Senior Business Development Manager (In-market Melbourne)

Lauren joined the BE Perth team as Senior Business Development Manager based in Melbourne with over 17 years industry experience working across events and business development at organisations such as Crown Perth, Park Hyatt Melbourne and Crown Melbourne. Lauren brings a wealth of knowledge to the team and provides an on-the-ground representative for BE Perth on Australia’s east coast.

Georgia Bivens Senior Business Development Manager

With over a decade of experience spanning the non-profit, tourism, and events sectors, Georgia brings a wealth of expertise to Business Events Perth’s business development team. Drawing on both TAFE and university qualifications, she combines strategic insight with a hands-on approach and collaborative mindset to position Western Australia as a leading global destination for business events. Georgia works closely with associations and the corporate and incentive western markets to secure high-value conferences and meetings for the State, while fostering strong partnerships with stakeholders across both local and national networks. She is also committed to advancing the industry’s next generation of leaders, serving as Vice-Chair of the Australia Business Events Association Emerging Leaders Council. Beyond her professional role, Georgia values quality time with family and friends - of both human and canine varieties.

Julie Heffernan Senior Business Development Manager

Julie brings over a decade of experience in the business events industry, with a career spanning event coordination, sales, and business development for leading venues. She has earned a strong reputation for delivering outstanding events and building lasting relationships with her clients. Originally from Ireland, Julie is passionate about Western Australia and showcasing the state’s world-class venues, breathtaking landscapes, and unique cultural experiences to the corporate and association markets. She works closely with stakeholders to highlight Western Australia’s strengths as a premier global business events destination. Outside of work, Julie enjoys playing tour guide to visiting family and friends from Ireland, sharing Perth’s stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and her favourite restaurants and bars that make Perth such a remarkable place to live and visit.

Jana Schade Business Events Travel & Site Inspection Manager

Originally from Germany, Jana has over five years of industry experience and recently obtained her Bachelors degree in International Tourism Management. Beginning her career journey with BE Perth in 2023 in an internship role, Jana's primary responsibility is assisting with the day-to-day activities of the Business Development Team with priority given to administration tasks, the timely recording of data into the CRM System, and co-ordination of familiarisation and site inspection itineraries. Jana enjoys exploring the state’s natural beauty, walking along the beach, reading, and recently took up tennis as a new hobby.

Hannah Pomeroy Business Development Manager

Hannah brings over eight years of diverse account management experience to Business Events Perth, spanning IT sales, product management, global brand management, and luxury hospitality. She has worked with boutique lifestyle brands and managed VIP clientele across tourism venues, giving her a strong foundation in events and conferencing. Originally from Sydney, Hannah recently relocated to Perth and is excited to champion Western Australia as a premier destination for business events. Outside of the office, she enjoys exploring the outdoors and is currently working toward completing the iconic Cape-to-Cape hike in Western Australia’s South West.

Rosie Pratarelli Business Development Manager

Rosie began her career in Europe, sharpening her skills in marketing and sales across various international markets. After returning home, she managed some of Perth’s most high-profile accounts before moving into her current role. Now, as Business Development Manager, Rosie identifies and secures national and international association and corporate events for Western Australia, develops strategic proposals and bids tailored to clients in government, industry, and academia, and oversees site inspections from start to finish. She also builds meaningful partnerships with stakeholders to help WA stay a top and attractive destination for business events. Outside of work, Rosie enjoys Pilates and exploring every part of her home state.