A live panel series created to showcase the expertise and knowledge of Queensland's event companies and service providers.

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Co-Founder/ Director- Beyond the Break

With more than 20 years' experience in sports administration and membership-based organisations, Grant has the ability to look at the big picture while delivering practical solutions. 

Grant is a co-founding director of Beyond the Break Consulting, a consultancy that specialises in sport delivery, working across communications, events and broadcast for some of Australia's leading National Sporting Organisations, major events and iconic brands. 

Grant has served as a CEO and Senior Manager for well-known NSOs including Swimming Australia, Surf Life Saving Australia and Equestrian Australia. 

Over the years Grant has specialised in stakeholder communications, event readiness, governance reforms, sponsorship, marketing and broadcast across multiple major sporting events including the Melbourne 2006 and Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, Nutri-Grain Ironman & Ironwoman Series, FINA World Swimming Championships, Australian Surf Life Saving Championships

CEO - Events Management Queensland  

Ben Mannion is an accomplished senior executive with extensive experience in delivering world-class major events that drive tourism, community engagement, and economic impact. 

As Chief Executive Officer of Events Management Queensland, Ben leads a dynamic team overseeing the strategy, growth, and delivery of some of Australia’s most recognised mass participation and destination events including the ASICS Gold Coast Marathon, the Pan Pacific Masters Games, The Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport Marathon and the new T100 Triathlon World Series.

With a strong background in event acquisition and international business development, Ben has successfully positioned Events Management Queensland on the global stage, attracting new events and forging partnerships that showcase Queensland as a premier destination for tourism and sport. 

Ben has also held roles at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, GM of Nissan Arena, CEO of Queensland Touch Football and worked across Football at Asian Cup, National and state levels. Known for his collaborative leadership and results-driven approach, Ben combines commercial acumen with a passion for creating memorable experiences that leave lasting legacies for participants, partners, and host communities. 

Vice President Operations- IRONMAN Oceania

Rebecca van Pooss is a highly experienced Sports and Event Management executive with over two decades of leadership in delivering high-profile global and national events. 

Her career includes key operational roles at the London 2012 Olympic Games and, more recently, as Vice President of Operations at IRONMAN Oceania.

Rebecca is recognized for her strategic leadership and operational excellence across complex, multi-agency environments. 

Rebecca’s expertise in large-scale event execution, cross-functional collaboration, and resilient leadership positions her as a respected authority in the global sports and events industry.

Head of Events- SUPERCARS

Senior events executive with over two decades delivering some of the world’s biggest sporting events across Australia and internationally, including Supercars, FIFA Women’s World Cup, and AFL. 

Combines deep local insight with global best practice to navigate complex government, community, and stakeholder landscapes, ensuring events not only meet operational targets but also resonate culturally and economically. 

Trusted by major rights holders and sponsors to translate local knowledge into world-class event experiences that drive engagement, attendance, and lasting impact.

Chief Executive Officer - QMusic

QMusic is the statewide representative body for Queensland’s music industry.  

Here, Kris oversees events such as BIGSOUND, Australia’s largest music industry event; the Queensland Music Awards; Valley Fiesta; and industry development programs that assist music businesses across our state. 

Previously, he was Artistic Director of Brisbane Powerhouse and was the founder of events such as the New York Musical Theatre Festival, The Sydney Fringe Festival, Curiocity Brisbane, the Festival of Voices and New Musicals Australia.

Final panellist announcing soon!