Directions Australia - Our Experts

Susan Bruce, our Vice President, has come to us from a well respected Australian destination management company. Susan has worked extensively with American corporations for over 8 years, in varied industries from pharmaceutical companies to manufacturers as well as IT. Susan's 17 year background in tourism, hospitality and hotel event management has equipped her with strong operational expertise, which is an asset to not only the company but clients alike. Susan thrives on a challenge and together with her sense of humour and ability to multitask she embraces all challenges as an opportunity to grow within her specialist field.

Amanda Haylock, Account Director, has over 10 years experience in the event management and travel industry. She brings to the role specific experience in managing international events for some of the major corporations in Australia. Before joining Directions, Amanda worked with one of Sydney's leading 5-star properties, Four Seasons Hotel Sydney, where she was Director of Conference Services for over 4 years. She has worked extensively with corporate and incentive inbound groups. Amanda manages our outbound group movements on a domestic and international basis and her strength in conferences and incentives from the development to the implementation, is a strong asset to the company and to clients alike.

Account Director, Lisa Hollebone, completed a Double Advance Diploma in Hospitality from Blue Mountains Hotel Management School and gained experience in the organisation of conferences and events by working with a major investment bank, a corporate member's club and a number of boutique and mainstream hotels. Her experience in both Australia and overseas has led her to develop a broad product knowledge and the necessary skills required to organise successful conferences. She joined Directions after spending two years with a Sydney-based PCO, producing all manner of conferences for a diverse range of high calibre clients.

Account Manager, Tiffany Smith, developed a passion for Event Management when she took a group of 18 year old students travelling internationally for 6 months in 2000. Upon her return she worked as an Event Manager for 3 years for a Professional Conference Organiser, working on many National and International Conferences for high-level law firms and financial institutions. Tiffany has joined Directions after returning from 2 years in the UK organising a wide range of international events for the Mayor of London. All of these of experiences have provided her with a passion and sound knowledge of the National and International conference and incentive market.

Kristie Turner, Kristie Turner, Account Co-ordinator, has been working within various sectors of the Tourism Industry for over 7 years and brings with her
extensive experience in hotel operations previously in a Personal
Assistant to GM role within a leading 5 Star Sydney Hotel. As a fully qualified Chef for Rydges Hotels & Resorts, she gained further industry experience in positions with Reception and Guest Relations at the Shangri-la Hotel Sydney. Kristie's skills and knowledge has increased exponentially during her time at Directions, and as such has progressed to also managing a number of domestic programs. In addition to taking on these extra responsibilities, Kristie also efficiently co-supports the rest of the Directions team.

Jean Seddon, our Travel Manager, has extensive knowledge in travel consulting and management. Prior to her joining us, she spent 24 years working and managing a corporate travel agency. Jean has also achieved a number of travel qualifications throughout her career which all further accentuate her ability to assist clients accurately and efficiently. Her experience in world travel is second to none and it is expected that clients will inevitably be astounded by Jean’s commitment to superior travel services.

Travel Consultant, Antonella Di Cristo has been in the travel industry for the past 8 years, she comes to us from WB were she worked in the corporate travel sector looking after VIP clients. Antonella is a fully qualified domestic/international travel consultant and has a Diploma in Advanced Ticketing as well as completing a course at the AFTA Travel College. Antonella also worked for Ansett for 3 years before its closure. Antonella is extremely efficient, superbly accurate and has an energetic personality and positive attitude which is reflected in every task she takes on.

Gina Roustas-Gonella has 15 years experience in the travel industry. During this time Gina's experience includes accounting, sales, as well as corporate and group travel. Before joining us Gina worked in office management for a large corporate travel office of 15 staff for over 4 years. Gina managed large corporate travel accounts including, Anthony Robbins International. Her extensive studies have supplied her with numerous travel qualifications. Gina's passion for the tourism industry and enthusiasm for her position makes her a joy to work with for both clients and colleagues alike. Gina works with us on a part-time basis.