Jenna is a journalist at Business News Australia writing on a range of subjects including business, property, public affairs and social issues. Jenna also has experience designing and executing successful communication campaigns for both the public and private sectors – most recently while working in the media department at national child protection advocate Bravehearts, and in the electoral office of Rob Molhoek MP. In addition, she has strong digital media skills through her management of numerous websites, social media sites and blogs. Her experience has helped her gain insight to what constitutes successful communication material in a fast shifting mass media landscape.

Laura is a Journalist at Business News Australia, who specialises in writing about the startup ecosystem, entrepreneurship and big ideas. She extends this passion to help coordinate and host the annual Gold Coast and Brisbane Young Entrepreneur Awards. Laura maintains strong ties to the local community, from networks developed while studying at St Hilda’s School and Bond University, through to serving as client liaison for projects such as Bond University’s The ARCH magazine. She holds a Bachelor of Communications (Business) with a double major in Journalism and Marketing, and handles YP Gold Coast’s media relations.

Leesa is the City of Gold Coast’s Coordinator for Games Legacy and her role is part of the core team planning for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games. She  works with stakeholders and community partners across the city to ensure positive legacy outcomes are leveraged from the event. Prior to joining local government, Leesa worked for a Gold Coast communications consultancy where she managed several client accounts across widespread industries and delivered high class public relations, media, stakeholder and strategic communications campaigns. Leesa has a Bachelor of Arts in Communication degree from Griffith University.

Matthew is the Treasury & Analysis Manager at Villa World Group. He is a qualified CPA with more than eight years experience as an accountant for various property developers and engineering consultancy firms including ASX listed Cardno Limited (CDD) and Sunland Group Limited (SDG). Matthew graduated from Queensland University of Technology with a Bachelor of Business (Accountancy) and is currently studying towards his Masters of Business (Property).

Andrew is a lawyer and tax consultant for PKF Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors. He provides advice on a range of complex taxation matters including tax effective business structuring for small to large businesses, tax compliance matters for the financial services industry, and the tax implications of national and international transactions. Andrew has been awarded his Bachelor of Arts majoring in Political Science, Juris Doctor (JD) (Hons), Master of Laws (LLM), and is continuing his education in tax and accounting. Prior to joining PKF Andrew worked with Bond University and practiced law with Bell Legal Group.

Emma is the Business and Investment Attraction Officer for City of Gold Coast, responsible for attracting new businesses to the city, securing private investment in infrastructure projects and leading Gold Coast business delegations to overseas markets. Emma holds a Bachelor of Business from Southern Cross University, Diploma of Local Government (Planning) and is currently studying Mandarin at Griffith University.

Teek has close to a decade’s experience in public relations and marketing industries and is the founder of PR Posse, a boutique PR firm with a portfolio of travel, hospitality and luxury lifestyle clients. An Active member of the Australian Society of Travel Writers (ASTW), Teek holds media relations of state, national and international significance, with strong professional links with tourism bodies, the Australasian hospitality industry and a wide corporate network. Specialising in public relations, media relations, media famil and event management, PR Posse offers clients innovative, sophisticated and sassy PR solutions.

Anthony’s background is in project management, acquired during his time at Gold Coast City Council where he supported several teams and facilitated the directorates’ annual budget of over $3 million. Currently working at shac Communications, Anthony is kept busy managing a variety of different clients including the National Tour for National Science Week and Gold Coast City Council’s community consultations. Anthony has experience in extensive media reporting, community consultation, event management and tour management.

Ryan is currently working in KPMG’s audit division, where he began his career in 2005 as a graduate. Working on a wide range of clients from small private firms through to ASX listed companies, both locally and interstate, Ryan has also been exposed to many industries including financial services, property development, mining exploration, banking, distribution and manufacturing. During his time at KPMG. Ryan has been seconded to projects in Canada on two occasions. Ryan is CA qualified and holds a Bachelor of Business majoring in Accounting.

Elvina began her career in 2003, starting out at KPMG in the audit division. Here she worked on a wide range of clients from small – medium companies through to large ASX listed companies. In 2007, Elvina expanded her horizons and founded Think Resources, a specialist recruitment agency for the Accounting Industry. In 2010, she has returned to KPMG to assist in the creation and development of its Gold Coast Advisory division, specialising in areas such as business strategy, transaction services and business performance services. Elvina is CA qualified and holds a Bachelor of Business majoring in Accounting and Human Resource Management.