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 14 years ago, and has enjoyed successful growth as it continues to deliver exceptional results to their Australian and New Zealand clients. Long term industry professional Karen Sainsbury, Managing Director of Cornerstone Events, has an impressive record of event experience under her belt. As a result, Cornerstone Events is the perfect partner for any conference, incentive or special event needs across the globe. 

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.

Karen Sainsbury

Karen Sainsbury

Co-Founder and Managing Director

Starting her career with a Bachelor of Education, Karen soon fell into the world of hospitality which saw her work across the country, finishing her hotel career with Accor for 14 years and as General Manager at Novotel Manly Pacific before she and Natalie opened Cornerstone Events. Karen has a unique ability to really understand what a customer needs, taking the time to get to know their business, and is extremely passionate about delivering what is promised ensuring every little detail is covered. Karen is a certified meeting professional with the Professional Conference Organisers Association Australia and New Zealand and is also the NSW Councillor on the PCOA Board.

Away from work, Karen has a love for travel and taste testing vineyards around the world with her partner Kevin. 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 and the backbone of our event management team. With an incredible eye for detail, a commitment to excellence and a remarkable memory, Danielle consistently goes the extra mile to ensure every event we deliver exceeds expectations.

Beyond her passion for events, she enjoys a lively household with her three sporty children, two cats, four guinea pigs and a trio of pet chickens. Danielle also has a passion for baking when she gets a chance.

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.

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 husband and cat, Occy.

Rachel O’Reilly

Rachel O’Reilly

Event Manager

Rachel’s inquisitive nature and her knack for thinking outside the box always brings new ideas to our clients’ events and destinations. With a Bachelor of Business in Tourism Management and over 16 years of industry experience, she has managed events in 5-star hotels worldwide, along with an accomplished career within the travel industry.

As an experienced & passionate event manager with outstanding operational knowledge, Rachel enjoys working closely with our clients to efficiently and effectively deliver on all aspects of the event brief. With a natural flair for the creative side of things, she ensures that your event will be executed with precision & personality.

Based on the beautiful Far North Coast of NSW, Rachel enjoys spending her downtime with her young family, exploring the outdoors, and sampling the latest local hotspots with friends.

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.

Working mainly with the corporate government and association market sectors, her event experience expands to corporate events, product launches, weddings, gala dinners and social events.

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

Leah Ingles

Leah Ingles

Event Manager

Leah brings over 15 years of expertise in event management across the not-for-profit, government, and association sectors to our team. Her passion for crafting exceptional events, combined with an MBA, fuels her strategic approach, outstanding problem-solving abilities, and creative vision. Dedicated to client satisfaction, Leah thrives on the joy of transforming event concepts into reality.

Based on the picturesque Surf Coast just outside Melbourne, Leah and her two sons can often be found savouring the stunning beaches and spending quality time with family and friends.

Kym Peeler

Kym Peeler

Event Manager

Kym is a creative and collaborative event manager who specialises in crafting unforgettable experiences that reflect a company’s brand ethos. With over 15 years in hospitality and 6 years in event management, she combines professionalism with a down-to-earth approach. Passionate about customer experience, Kym loves to engage with clients to bring their visions to life.

When she’s not planning her next adventure, you’ll find her on the sunny Gold Coast, enjoying beach days with friends and her dogs, or soaking up live music and the arts. Kym believes every event should be as vibrant and unique as the people behind it!

Lauren O’Regan

Lauren O’Regan

Event Coordinator

Lauren is a positive and self-motivated event professional with 12 years experience working in the media and retail industries. Strategically minded and with a keen eye for detail, Lauren prides herself on being a strong communicator and team player.

Along with her passion for events, Lauren leads an active lifestyle playing basketball and bushwalking with her energetic boxer dog Billy. She enjoys nothing more than seeking out adventure with trips away exploring and making memories with her family and friends.

Becky Allerby

Becky Allerby

Marketing Coordinator

Becky is a passionate marketing professional with 4 years of experience, blending strategic acumen with creative flair. Specialising in Canva, she transforms marketing concepts into visually appealing designs, turning every project into a creative journey. Passionate about brand awareness, she creates engaging social media content that resonates with audiences.

Residing in a lovely part of Southern Sydney, Becky enjoys being close to the water and keeps herself busy chasing after her very active kids and their adored dog, Pixie.

Jane Bond

Jane Bond

Business Development Executive

Jane is a true sales professional with over 25 years experience working within the Hotel, Tourism, Sport and Entertainment sectors, with extensive experience in senior sales management and customer service. She has been an instrumental part of the Cornerstone Events team for over a decade and her friendly and genuine approach makes clients comfortable from the start.

She is a true believer in the services provided and is always enthusiastic to educate clients in how we can enhance their event and minimise time and stress. Jane is living the dream in beautiful beachside northern NSW with her husband and boys.

Kristie Howse

Kristie Howse

Accountant

Kristie is a qualified CA, and is responsible for our accounting, bookkeeping and taxation requirements. She has a strong background in corporate accounting, working with companies such as EY and Ricoh. Kristie enjoys leading an active lifestyle on Sydney’s Northern Beaches with her three children.

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.