QCPD Presenters

Our presenters are carefully selected experts who are knowledge leaders in their specific fields. They bring real-world practical industry experience backed by world class theory and research to your organisation.

Here are a few of our highly skilled presenters:

Dr Scott Richardson - Event Management

Dr Scott Richardson has more than 15 years experience working in many aspects of the events industry. Scott was involved in running the pre-Olympic training camp for the Great Britain Olympic Council held on the Gold Coast prior to the Sydney Olympics.

Scott also worked for major sporting teams in Australia, managed a number of major triathlons in Queensland, worked for charity events and been involved with hosting a number of international conferences both in Australia and internationally.

Richard Egelstaff - Project Management

Richard Egelstaff is a Professional Project Manager, lecturer and researcher. In the past decade Richard has taught project management to more than one thousand students in universities and vocational institutions in Australia. He has authored Australian Vocational Project Management Competencies and contributed to the Project Management Institute (PMI) Competency Development Framework and the 5th edition of the Guide to Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK© Guide). As a Project Manager Richard has undertaken more than one hundred projects in many industries. His largest project was the initiation and planning of the billion dollar Australian Nextgen project.

Dr Ali Black - Education

Dr Ali Black has more than 20 years experience as an educator (early childhood, primary, tertiary). Her research has supported teachers during organisational change and emphasises the importance of reflection and meaning for personal and professional renewal.

Ali has been involved in a range of projects and investigations around the centrality of story, creativity and meaning for well-being at work and beyond work.

Michael Denton - Event Management

Michael Denton was the Chief Executive of the successful Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games bid, following 11 years as Chief Executive of Queensland Events Corporation. He has played an integral role in securing many major international events including 2009 ITU Triathlon World Championships, 2003 Rugby World Cup, 2003 Rotary International World Convention and 2001 Goodwill Games.

Michael has a dept of experience which includes Director of Riverfestival Brisbane, major event organising committees, Tourism Industry Advisory boards and Griffith University Industry Advisory board roles. He is currently Deputy Chairman, Gold Coast Events Management Ltd.

Marc Barnbaum - Public Relations

Marc Barnbaum has spent 30 years working in newspapers, magazines and publicity departments and has either seen or pitched many thousands of story ideas to local, national and international media.

Marc lives by the adage that trust never sleeps and your best bet is to stay on the front food with positive news angles, which are also much cheaper than buying expensive advertisements. Marc is a member of the Public Relations Institute of Australia and has previously been Chairman and board member of the former Rockhampton Tourism and Business Information (RTBI) Inc.