SVB LIVE Global Networking Event:

After being appointed inaugural CEO of Stadiums Tasmania in 2023, James Avery has led the organisation’s strategic priorities of taking ownership of key Tasmanian stadiums and venues, leading major capital upgrade projects and the transformational Macquarie Point Stadium project.

Before joining Stadiums Tasmania, James held senior executive roles with the likes of the GWS GIANTS, the Australian Football League (AFL), the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Melbourne Storm, where he worked across numerous national and international sporting and infrastructure industries and a range of successful high-performance programs.

Cassandra Calleja is the Head of Business Development & Client Relations at Sports Venue Business and SVB LIVE. She brings over 20 years of experience, working exclusively within the sports industry.

Throughout her career, Cassandra has become a specialist in sports technology. Her leadership was instrumental in establishing the ECAL North American Office in Los Angeles. She has contributed her expertise to sports tech companies such as VenueNext and EngageRM, with her client portfolio including major leagues and teams like the Australian Football League, Cricket Australia, the NBA, NBL, EPL, NFL, NHL, and MLS. Her roles have spanned business development, ticket strategy, fan and client engagement and retention, as well as special event planning.

In addition to driving business growth and managing client relationships, Cassandra spearheads the implementation of SVB LIVE's engagement platform and takes the lead in strategic planning. She leads SVB LIVE networking events across Australia, fostering key industry connections. She is an active blogger and social media user, focusing on the premium hospitality experiences in sports. Through her publications, she provides deep insights into the niche world of sports and live entertainment.

A pioneer with 25+ years in media, marketing, and communications, Taghred Chandab has led major live events globally, including roles with Disney, FIFA, Formula One, and WWE.

Taghred Chandab is a proven leader and pioneer with over 25 years of experience in media, marketing, and communications within the sports and entertainment industry. Returning to Australia after 15 years, she has delivered some of the world's biggest live events. As a former news journalist and award-winning author, Taghred used her cultural knowledge and language skills to bridge gaps between East and West, working with government authorities and major clients like Disney, FIFA, and Formula One to create culturally sensitive campaigns. Recently, as WWE's International Marketing Director for the Middle East, North Africa, and APAC, she supported multiple TV and VOD licensing partners and managed the Dubai office's daily operations. Taghred orchestrated groundbreaking marketing campaigns, including the first outdoor media campaign featuring women's main events in Saudi Arabia, gaining global acclaim. She aims to leverage her experience and innovative thinking to support the growth of the local industry.

Karen Clydesdale is a dynamic and accomplished professional with a diverse background in customer experience, community development, healthcare, and sports management. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to driving positive change with making a lasting impact.

Karen’s journey began as a Charge Nurse at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. During this time, she recognised the transformative power of sport and recreation in creating social change and completed a Recreation Degree.

Motivated by her passion for improving the lives of the disadantaged she founded 'Rec Link,' a national non-profit organisation that provides life-changing sport and recreation opportunities to vulnerable communities, including people experiencing homlessness.

Driven by her love for Tennis, Karen transitioned to Tennis Australia establishing Tennis Australia’s Inclusion and Diversity program.

As Tennis Australia expanded, Karen took on pivotal transformational roles in leading the National Participation program, coach membership, club development, workforce development and customer acquisition programs, including leading the successful launch of Cardio Tennis, Tennis’ fitness based Tennis program. During this time Karen also completed her tennis coaching qualifications, Post Graduate in Sport Management at Deakin University and completed a Masters in Change Management at UNSW.

Over the last seven years Karen has been instrumental in leading a Human Design practice and leading the Customer Experience strategy, with the ambition to create memorable customer-centric end-to-end experiences for the Australian Open and Summer of Tennis.

Peter Filopoulos is a dynamic leader with over 20 years of rich experience in transforming sports and entertainment brands into powerhouses of excellence. His leadership, innovation, and strategic acumen have left indelible marks across an array of professional clubs, national and state sporting associations, major stadiums, advocacy organisations, and major events.

Known for his fearless approach to challenges and his relentless commitment to success, Peter has transformed some of Australia's most iconic brands, unlocking significant value and creating lasting impacts. His tenure as CEO, C-Suite Leader, and Board Member has seen organisations such as Perth Glory (2015 -2018), Football Victoria (2018 – 2020) and Football Australia (2020 - ) reach their peak potential.

One of Peter's most notable accomplishments as CEO of Football Victoria is his instrumental role in securing an unprecedented $400M in Government funding for Victorian community grassroots football facilities and infrastructure, including the creation of the $116M "The Home of the Matildas" at La Trobe University, Melbourne – the largest football-specific infrastructure project in Australia’s history.

As Chief Commercial Officer at Swimming Australia (2014 – 2015), Peter's forward-thinking leadership steered the Australian "Dolphins" Swim Team's rebranding and as Head of Sales, Marketing and Communications at Marvel Stadium (2007 – 2014), was the drive behind the innovative $20M connected stadium strategy. He has also successfully negotiated multimillion-dollar commercial and sponsorship arrangements across various roles, reflecting his acumen and the breadth of his professional network.

His influence and expertise extend beyond the sporting field. He has served as a board member at Vicsport, and as an ambassador as a Change Our Game Champion with the Office of Women and Sport & Active Recreation. Additionally, he was invited to join Cisco's prestigious Sports, Media, and Entertainment Global Customer Advisory Board and was selected for the elite FIFA Executive Program in 2022.

Renowned for his passion for innovation, business transformation, customer growth, and operational excellence, Peter consistently delivers ground-breaking results. His reputation for bridging the gap between business, government, and sport, coupled with his extensive industry network, has made him an invaluable asset in the sports and entertainment sector.

Today, as a key member of the executive leadership team at Football Australia, in the role of Head of Marketing, Communications and Corporate Affairs, Peter continues to inspire teams towards achieving sustainable growth. His unwavering commitment to success and passion for making the impossible possible are testaments to his remarkable leadership.

Peter is more than a successful executive; he is a visionary who is reshaping the future of the sports and entertainment industry.

Simon Gorr is an experienced senior executive with 20+ years spent in various roles at the Australian Football League and running his own business. Simon is now Executive Director at Ontoit, leading the company’s sports and entertainment projects.

Simon has played a key role in every major oval stadium project over the past decade including Optus Stadium, Metricon Stadium, Giants Stadium, MCG South Stand Refurbishment. Simon also has decades of experience working on elite training facilities and is currently assisting Adelaide FC and Melbourne FC with their projects.

CEO of Liively, a worldwide software company excelling in international expansion, commercialisation, and growth acceleration, focusing on large-scale events and hospitality solutions.

David's journey in business began as an entrepreneur, accelerating his learning and growth in unique ways. Currently, as the CEO of Liively, a worldwide software company, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Liively focuses on live events and hospitality solutions, providing in-seat ordering for food, beverages, and merchandise. The company specialises in large-scale events, ensuring seamless experiences for attendees and vendors alike. David excels in international expansion, commercialisation, and growth acceleration, having immersed himself in start-ups, international organisations, SMEs, and large enterprises. His passion for business drives him to innovate and lead, making a significant impact in every venture. His success is attributed to training high-performing teams, building responsive businesses, leveraging his personal network, and negotiating through challenges. His expertise includes business strategy, innovation, business development, sales, M&A, profit enhancement, risk management, international expansion, and supply chain optimisation. His network allows him to connect the right people, building relationships for mutual growth and helping management teams overcome obstacles.

Geoff provides a wealth of property development expertise from over 20 years in the industry, comprising of investment, advisory and delivery roles with high profile ASX listed and private organisations.

Throughout this period, Geoff has facilitated the strategic planning and delivery of major infrastructure projects and capital expenditure programs across a vast array of sectors including stadia, hospitality, luxury hotels, commercial, retail and apartments.

A leader of successful teams, Geoff’s established industry, government and planning pathway networks has driven exceptional standards across the project life cycle, including managing a variety of contractors utilising customised contracting and procurement solutions.

Presently, Geoff oversees the AFL’s development and infrastructure portfolio within the AFL and across the broader football industry. Most recently, Geoff managed delivery of the initial stage of redevelopment at Marvel Stadium in conjunction with the Victorian State Government and Development Victoria.

Harriet is Associate Principal at Grimshaw; a global design practice engaged in architecture, masterplanning and design.

With over three decades of dedicated involvement in venue management and ticketing industries, Lisa Price stands as a seasoned expert in her field. Her journey commenced with a pivotal two-year tenure at BASS Victoria, now Ticketmaster, where she honed her skills and passion for the industry.

Transitioning to the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) marked a significant chapter in Lisa's career, in the Event Operations team at the renowned Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). During her tenure, Lisa spearheaded the seamless execution of an extensive array of events, ranging from Australian Rules Football (AFL), AFL Grand Finals and international cricket matches, including Test matches, one-day internationals, and T20 matches.

Lisa's leadership extended to mega events such as the Cricket World Cups of 1992 and 2015, soccer World Cup qualifiers, Bledisloe Cup rugby union clashes, and State of Origin Rugby League showdowns. Her instrumental role in coordinating with M2006 for the 2006 Commonwealth Games underscored her capability to manage high-stakes events with finesse and precision.

In pursuit of new challenges and opportunities, Lisa embarked on an entrepreneurial journey at the close of 2015, focusing on establishing a thriving freelance enterprise. Notably, she led the City of Ballarat team in orchestrating the successful debut of Mars Stadium, hosting its inaugural Australian Rules Football match in August 2017, a historic moment for the region.

Lisa's dedication to the industry was further evidenced by her pivotal roles in White Night Melbourne 2018 and White Night Regional events in 2021, where she led operational teams with her signature blend of expertise and innovation.

In 2020, Lisa unveiled EventMploy, a groundbreaking venture aimed at connecting event organisers, freelancers, and suppliers, revolutionising the industry's dynamics with her entrepreneurial acumen.

Stepping into the realm of digital art, Lisa's tenure as General Manager at THE LUME Melbourne during a maternity leave cover showcased her adaptability and resilience. Leading her team through the challenges of the post-COVID lockdown period, they successfully launched the acclaimed digital art gallery, leaving an indelible mark on Melbourne's cultural landscape.

Currently serving as the Head of Australia Open for Melbourne and Olympic Parks, Lisa shoulders the responsibility for delivering unparalleled venue-related services for the prestigious Australian Open, reaffirming her status as a trailblazer in the industry.

Lisa's academic achievements include a degree in tourism management and a Masters Degree in Event Management from Victoria University. She holds esteemed credentials as an Accredited Venue Manager and a Certified Venue Executive, reflecting her commitment to excellence and professional development.

Adam is an experienced CEO and Board level operator. After spending the best part of a decade running the Asia Pacific operations for Emirates Leisure Retail a subsidiary of the high-profile Emirates Group, a business that consisted of over 120 bars, restaurants and cafes across 14 domestic and international airports he founded Ground Control Global in 2018.

Under Adam’s guidance Ground Control Global is now considered the No.1 F&B advisory business in Asia Pac for stadia, and sports precincts. The business has offices in Melbourne, Sydney and Singapore and has been involved in all the major stadium redevelopments, new builds, strategy, master-planning and RFP’s over the past 6 years.

Amanda is drawn to ambitious large-scale cultural and community projects that require a deep understanding of the importance of designing for the human experience. She is a highly accomplished Interior Designer with over 20 years’ experience delivering projects throughout Australia and overseas for many well-respected architectural companies.

Amanda has worked across a variety of sports and leisure projects from grass roots community venues to stadia and entertainment precincts.

Most notably as Interior Lead for Optus Stadium Perth and Marvel Stadium where she played a key role in the interior design of team the facilities, and various hospitality offerings across general admissions spaces to premium product.