CORNERSTONE IS A PREMIER
EVENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY

specialising in corporate and incentive events

EXPLORE OUR SERVICES

A formidable team with an

Impressive record of event experience

Cornerstone Events opened its doors for business over 13 years ago, and has enjoyed successful growth as it continues to deliver exceptional results to their Australian and New Zealand clients. Long term industry professionals Natalie Brumniach and Karen Sainsbury, founders of Cornerstone Events, have an impressive record of event experience. Having first worked together at Novotel Twin Waters Resort in the late nineties where they formed a formidable team and fulfilled their vision of opening a business together. 

Highly Accredited

Well affiliated

Cornerstone are current members of the nationally recognised industry body, Professional Conference Organisers Association, and are also accredited as a Certified Event Management Company by the PCO Association. Our Managing Director and Co-Founder Karen Sainsbury, is also an accreditation holder and is additionally one of the national councillors of the PCO Association. Additionally, Cornerstone is accredited with IATA, holding Travel Industry Designator Service (TIDS) certification.

We’re serious about delivering exceptional events and creating long term connections with our clients. We are a well-travelled team with a wealth of first-hand experience, and strong industry relationships. Our team will make a difference to your event, we approach each client with a unique fervour and provide you with one on one service all the way through.

The team who will work with you to deliver your events are mature, experienced and driven to achieve your objectives.

Natalie Brumniach & Karen Sainsbury

Natalie Brumniach & Karen Sainsbury

Cornerstone Events Founders

Founding Directors Karen and Natalie worked together for over 23 years together in the events industry. After countless requests from clients they were inspired to leave their successful hotel careers and create their own event management company. Cornerstone Events have evolved into a bespoke event agency, partnering with key clients to deliver exceptional event experiences. Karen has a love for travel, taste testing vineyards around the world but most importantly spending time with her loved staffies. Karen remains as Managing Director and Co-Founder of the business.

Danielle Fitzsimmons

Danielle Fitzsimmons

Event Operations Manager

Danielle is a seasoned event industry professional, she brings to our team a wealth of experience in corporate, association and special events. Danielle has an incredible eye for detail and a memory second to none, she always goes the extra mile to deliver exceptional events. Danielle has a touch of country in her urban back yard with 3 pet chickens and keeps herself extra busy running after three gorgeous children and baking cakes when she gets the chance.

Sally Butson

Sally Butson

Event Manager

Sally is an accomplished industry professional with over a decade of experience managing projects and programs in the professional services and events industries. She is passionate about achieving excellence for her clients, with a drive to deliver events to budget, to deadlines, and above expectations. With her genuine, calm and caring nature, Sally is a critical thinker and quiet achiever. Sally has a love for travel and foodie experiences the world over, but home is Sydney’s Inner West with her beloved partner and cat, Occy.

Rachel O’Reilly

Rachel O’Reilly

Event Manager

Rachel’s inquisitive nature and her knack for thinking ‘outside the box’ brings new ideas and creativity to our clients’ events and destinations. Her 15 years working in 5-star hotels, events and travel both internationally and within Australia has established her as an operator with professionalism, passion, precision, personality and outstanding operational knowledge. Rachel is based on the beautiful far North Coast of NSW and in her downtime enjoys the outdoors and exploring with her young family, sampling a good coffee (or three), and relaxing with a great TV series.

Melissa Best

Melissa Best

Event Manager

Melissa is a passionate an experienced event professional with a focus on delivering outstanding and memorable events for her clients. She holds a Bachelor of Business in Convention and Event Management and has 13 years of experience within the industry. Working in 5-star hotels, resorts and for Professional Conference Organisations. Her event experience expands to corporate events, product launches, weddings, gala dinners and social events. Working mainly with the corporate government and association market sectors.

Based in the stunning part of the country which borders NSW and QLD, Melissa enjoys weekend adventure and trips away with her young family, ocean swims and a vino or two with friends.

Georgia Allen-Hall

Georgia Allen-Hall

Event Manager

Georgia has over a decade of experience in the dynamic realm of events, she is a passionate and seasoned professional dedicated to crafting unforgettable experiences. Originally from the UK, her journey has taken her across borders and diverse event landscapes.

Working across multiple sectors Georgia has honed her skills to create seamless and impactful gatherings that resonate with clients and attendees alike. Driven by a passion for learning and drawing from her varied experiences, she brings fresh ideas into each endeavor, ensuring a signature touch that sets each event apart.

Outside the world of events, Georgia has a great interest in animals, actively involved in fostering dogs and supporting animal welfare initiatives. Her love for travel and music compliments her professional journey.

Kylie Warren

Kylie Warren

Office Manager

Kylie has over 15 years event management experience, bringing in a wealth of knowledge and know-how from different aspects of the events industry

She is passionate about our customers and their events. Her attention to detail along with her drive to implement best practice processes and solutions across the business ensures our high standard for excellence.

When not working she wrangles 3 kids, a dog, a cat & 3 chickens with her husband south of Sydney by the beach.

Kristie Howse

Kristie Howse

Accountant

Kristie is a qualified CA, and oversees our accounts functionality. She has a strong background in corporate accounting working with companies such as EY and Ricoh. Kristie enjoys leading an active lifestyle with her family and two gorgeous girls.

Jane Bond

Jane Bond

Business Development Executive

Jane has a long history of customer service and sales experience across the hospitality industry, and has been an instrumental part of the Cornerstone Events team for over four years. Her sales focus is not only on our business but to also assist in achieving our clients’ sponsorship and event targets. Jane is living the dream in beautiful beachside northern NSW with her husband and boys.

Becky Allerby

Becky Allerby

Marketing Coordinator

Becky is a passionate marketing professional with 4 years of experience, navigating the ever-evolving landscape with a blend of strategic acumen and creative flair.

Specialising in Canva, she brings a fresh perspective to visual storytelling, transforming marketing concepts into visually appealing designs making every project not just a task, but a creative journey. Beyond the realms of design extends her passion for creating brand awareness on social media, and creating content that resonates with audiences and sparks conversations.

Based near the beaches of Southern Sydney with her husband, Becky keeps herself busy chasing after her very active kids and their adored dog Pixie.

Joanne Geary

Joanne Geary

GTM Travel

Jo has over 25 years of experience booking corporate, group and leisure travel. She is highly experienced in all areas of travel booking management and is invaluable to her clients when seeking the best way forward for their corporate or private travel plans. Jo’s downtime is spent travelling Australia and abroad, or on a winding road with her Husband on their his and hers Harley Davidsons.