ICMS: A History
From Container Conferences to Cardiac Congresses
On the day Barrie Markey was getting married in 1967, so was the man renting a small office underneath Barrie's flat. The man started an outpost of Independent Trade Missions, a business owned by a London firm. Barrie ditched radiography to join the man and his effort to encourage overseas companies to invest in Australia. With outstanding payments, a new baby and Christmas on the way, the business closed its doors at the end of 1969. 
Two days later, Lin Knight came to Melbourne, looking to set up a second office for his Sydney-based company called International Convention Management Services. After a few months, an American came looking for Barrie – He turned out to be a scout for Knight. Barrie excitedly teamed up with Knight. Together they began running conferences on behalf of clients for a fee. Slowly but surely, they grew.
As soon as they were old enough, Barrie's two daughters joined the team licking stamps and stuffing envelopes. Sarah and Abigail remained with ICMS for several years, Sarah now being the CEO.
The Story Behind the Two ICMSes
Six months after Knight's office opened in Melbourne, the Sydney officer hired a new manager - a man named Ken Scheller. When Knight decided to leave the business, he offered ICMS to both Ken and Barrie. They decided to set up a partnership agreement, sharing information and working together, but not sharing a financial risk. Although totally separate companies, both the Melbourne and Sydney businesses flourished under their new owners and still exist today.
Sarah Markey-Hamm
CEO
Sarah is driven by a passion for events and is a firm believer in the power of face-to-face interactions to build communities, inspire and promote change. Value for clients has been, and always will be, the core of her business thinking. She relishes in master planning, developing and implementing innovative events and concepts that inspire, stimulate and engage audiences.
Thanks to her client relationships and creative spirit, Sarah is a driving force in today’s meetings and events industry and holds influential positions in many industry organisations. She regularly speaks at international events and often sits on industry panels, offering insights into building world class meetings. Taking the reins of the family business and with over 30 years of experience within the events sphere, Sarah’s expertise ensures that all ICMS conferences are delivered and met with the very best of industry standards.
Proven excellence in leadership and governance, Sarah is currently the Chair of the International Association of Professional Conference Organisers (IAPCO) Committee of Ethics. In February 2025 she moved into the role of Past President of IAPCO following a successful two years as President. She has also served as the Meeting Events Australia (MEA) Victorian Chapter Chair, Chair of the International Conference and Convention Association (ICCA) - Australian National Committee and has held positions on the ICCA Meetings Advisory Group. She has also been a board member of the Business Events Council of Australia (BECA).
Shana Rafter
Conference Manager
Shana Rafter is a results-driven Event Manager with over a decade of experience delivering high-impact conferences and events across Australia and Mauritius. She is fluent in French and is renowned for strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and meticulous budget management, with a proven track record of producing large-scale events that engage industry leaders and drive measurable success.
In previous roles in Mauritius, she has led the planning and execution of over 50 conferences, securing senior-level speakers, identifying niche markets, and cost savings through smart budgeting and contract negotiation. She has demonstrated expertise in moderating live panels, managing cross-functional teams, and executing post-event evaluations to drive continuous improvement.
Shana has previously held key coordination roles at Epicure, Grand Hyatt Melbourne, and RACV City Club, overseeing hundreds of high-profile corporate, social, and government events. She is skilled in onsite logistics, client and vendor relationship management, sales strategy, and team leadership — consistently delivering seamless event experiences from concept to completion.
Combining global insight with local excellence, Shana is a seasoned professional who brings a passion for crafting events that leave lasting impressions and achieve strategic outcomes.
Lilly Loughney
Conference Coordinator
Lilly has approached the events industry from multiple angles, developing a deep and holistic understanding of its many facets. A strategic thinker, she brings international experience to her role, ensuring the highest standards of communication, problem-solving, and collaboration.
Lilly is committed to delivering seamless, impactful events and consistently leaves a lasting impression of professionalism, care, and thoughtful execution.
Declan Hamm
Conference Assistant
Possessing a growing knowledge and understanding of the events industry, Declan ensures that clients and delegates receive the very best support alongside a seamless conference experience. With a base in business and finance, Declan’s dedication and commitment play a pivotal role in ICMS' delivery of exceptional events that exceed client expectations.
Nick Finster
Conference Assistant
With a passion for marketing, social media, and delegate relations, Nick ensures all of ICMS’ conferences thrive. Passionate about the digital sphere, Nick emphasises engagement for delegates and clients, leveraging digital platforms to attract broader audiences and cultivate meaningful connections.
Nick's expertise guarantees each event receives the attention it deserves, propelling ICMS forward.