The Team
Symon Rubens
Chief Executive Officer
Symon Rubens has two decades experience in managing and growing business conference organizations across 5 continents. His conference career commenced at Terrapinn where he held production, sales and general management positions in the Australian and Singapore offices, before being promoted to Managing Director of the Australasian operations in 2003. In 2007 he opened Terrapinn’s Middle East operations, before becoming Regional Managing Director of IQPC Middle East, Africa and India. In 5 years at IQPC he opened offices in South Africa, India, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, growing the business by 300%. In 2014 Symon left IQPC to start The Rubens Group, a consulting and trading company based in Dubai. In 2015 he moved to Houston to start the Energy Conference Network, which has quickly grown to be the preeminent energy conference company in the world.
Team Members
Caitriona O’Mahony
Marketing Director
Caitriona has almost 20 years’ experience spear-heading the marketing and sales of international B2B businesses. During that time, she has been instrumental in streamlining organizations from a structural and strategic level, increasing acquisition of critical new business, identifying avenues for growth and improving profitability. Caitriona brings a wealth of international … read full profileMichele Taylor
Director - Canada
As the founder of IQ Management Corporation (IQM) Michele brings a diverse range of experience within the disciplines of advisory, consulting, education, change management, supply chain, application development, and market development. Prior to launching IQ Management, Michele’s previous roles included Principal Consultant, Account Manager and Managing Director with international and … read full profileMichaela Menezes
Research and Content Director
Michaela has fifteen years’ experience in the research, production and management of small- and large-scale, global conferences, boutique seminars and webinars across a multitude of sectors including: fintech / blockchain, digital disruption, emerging technologies, financial services, oil and gas, pharma, supply chain, telecoms, retail, manufacturing, defense and transport.
She is tri-lingual … read full profileWilliam Winkler
Research and Content Director
William Winkler is a Texas native born in Dallas that grew in the great state of Wyoming.
While attending the University of Wyoming, William was a sports writer for the university student publication. He also had the honor of playing for the university’s rugby team. After graduating from the University majoring … read full profilePam Pierce
Executive Director of Operations
Pam Pierce is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana and has lived in Houston for over 15 years. She earned her undergraduate degree from LSU and a master’s degree from the University of Houston.
Pam spent the first part of her career in Education, as a teacher of teachers, in … read full profileKyle Cornish
Marketing Manager
A native Kansan, Kyle Cornish joined the Energy Conference Network Team as a Marketing Manager. A lifelong fan of the Jayhawks, Kyle’s dream was to play basketball at the University of Kansas – however, the lack of a required growth spurt and general skill thwarted his plans.
Kyle graduated from KU with a degree … read full profileMacKenzie Blankenship
Partnerships Manager
MacKenzie is a native Georgia peach, but has spent most of her life in the great state of Texas. She earned her undergraduate degree at Stephen F. Austin State University, where she received a double major in Interpersonal Communication and Psychology. She is a Chi Omega Alumna and is still … read full profileChriste Cantu
Event Operations Assistant
Christe Cantu is a Texas native who spent the first part of her career in education. Upon leaving the classroom, she became a national consultant and speaker in the industry, helping other professionals build connections to shift the focus from teaching to learning. Christe is active in her community, serving … read full profile